Vintage Buescher Aristocrat Model 156 Tenor Saxophone in Original Lacquer, Serial #337373

This is a vintage Buescher Model 156 tenor saxophone in original lacquer finish, serial number 337373. It is technically the third series Aristocract and was manufactured in 1951. It came into our shop on some very old pads, some still original. Because of this it will need to be mechanically overhauled before it is ready for any playing. 

 

The Aristocrat comes with left side bell keys for B and Bb, chromatic key-work up to palm F, with a front F mechanism. The table keys are flat and wide with amber rollers, all of which are working. The octave key, and all the upper and lower stack key touches, are real mother-of-pearl. All of the original Buescher snap resonators are still with this sax.

 

Physically, this horn has been through a lifetime of performances, so it has sustained a fair amount of dings on the bow, bell, and the neck has been pulled down. By a small miracle, this horn plays through some egregious leaks. The original gold lacquer has some chips, scratches, and pitting across the whole horn, giving it some rugged character. 

 

All done up with a good set of pads these horns play with a very sweet sonic characteristic and are quite powerful. This one in particular is ultimately going to need to be overhauled before it is ready for any real amount of playing. Because of this we are offering it for sale in as is condition at a lower price point.