From Scrap to Beauty: The Buescher True Tone Tenor (1926)
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Some instruments come to you with more of a story than a shine. This silver-plated Buescher True Tone tenor, acquired directly as a trade-in and in a condition that would have made many a craftsman cringe, is one of those stories that ultimately has a beautiful ending.
A find from the roaring twenties
Built in 1926, in the midst of the Roaring Twenties, this saxophone once contributed to the soundtrack of an era: dance halls, recording in small studios, and the first real moments of jazz. Buescher was already known for its solid construction and warm, full-sounding True Tone horns. What we received wasn't a museum piece on a stand—it was an instrument that had visibly lived.
Trade-in, repair and craftsmanship
Trading in this instrument was a bit of an adventure. At first glance, restoration seemed doubtful: worn keys, dirty interior, and parts that showed the signs of age. Still, we decided to tackle it—not just because it was a Buescher True Tone, but because some instruments deserve to be heard.
The overhaul was complete: all pads were replaced, corks and felts were replaced, the action was fine-tuned, and the interior was cleaned without ruining the instrument's character. Pads, minor dents, and patina remained—because perfection isn't always desirable with an instrument that has been around for nearly a century.
The result: character and playability
After hours of fine-tuning, the tenor sounded as it was intended: warm, responsive, and with that characteristic True Tone centering in the midrange. Not shiny as new, but powerful and expressive—ready to return to its original role on stage or in the studio.
| Manufacturer | Buescher Band Instrument Company |
|---|---|
| Model | True Tone — Tenor |
| Year of construction | 1926 |
| Serial number | 52,504 |
| Status revision | Completely overhauled — new pads and corks; mechanism adjusted |
| Suitcase | Comes with a case (functional, cosmetically less attractive) |
| Nozzle | Not included |
Why this instrument is special
Not every vintage saxophone deserves a second life—but some do. This Buescher delivers:
- An authentic, warm sound that modern instruments do not exactly imitate.
- The character of an instrument that has witnessed history.
- Playability after professional revision: immediately ready for rehearsals, studio or performance.
Interested? View the full product page or contact us for additional photos, audio recordings, or a play session by appointment.