Vintage Elkhart by Buescher Alto Saxophone at Low Price - Serial # 82971

This is a vintage Elkhart by Buescher series alto sax, serial number 82971. The Elkhart model was Buescher's attempt to get into the budget-priced market and compete with some of the cheaper saxes hitting the market at the time. A solidly built sax, it is very similar to a 50s or early 60s Buescher Aristocrat.

This alto was relacquered long ago, with lightly buffed engraving as seen in the photos. The only past repair I can spot is some dent work on the back side of the curve on the bottom bow; I see no other previous repairs including no resolders. The original neck has never been pulled down or damaged. A previous owner replaced a few pads in the upper stack, but the majority of pads are starting to look pretty old. That being said, it is sealing pretty well down to low Bb. You can definitely play it out right now, but keep in the back of your head that a repad isn't too far down the road.

This alto plays just as you'd hope from a vintage Buescher. It has a faster response with a good bit of flexibility in its core, allowing you to bend and shape notes easily. Not too dark nor too bright, it should be versatile enough for any gig you need to play. A great horn for players on a budget, school-aged students needing a sax at a low price, or a marching band instrument to grab without breaking the bank.