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Buescher 400 baritone saxophone, 1958, serviced - $1,400 (Pasadena)
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Serial #361xxx dates this bari to around 1958, the final generation of Bueschers before the company's sale to Selmer and eventual decline. These pre-Selmer Bueschers are harder to find in good shape, and have kept their resale value better than the Selmer models.
The horn has great ergonomics and a glorious tone. It's a lot of fun to play, and I would consider it a relatively "easy" baritone to get used to if you are just starting out. Intonation is locked in, and the horn feels and sounds balanced, but with plenty of flexibility to stretch out and develop your personal tone. A very distinct and commanding sound. Keyed low Bb to high F. inlcuding a front F key.
The horn was serviced most recently by Bell and Reed instrument repair (Bill Monto), in Seattle, about 8 years ago. Most of the pads were replaced at that time, but a few older ones are still sealing well. The bari was regulated at that time and has held up well since. I stopped playing it regularly after a friend left me his old bari about 3 years ago, but I still give it a workout occasionally. No smoking, drinking, etc, while playing. Always swabbed and dried out between sessions. I take care of my instruments.
Original lacquer is in fairly rough shape, with a handful of dents at the bow and pigtail. The neck has been patched and welded. The receiver for the neck and the pigtail's crossbrace have also been welded. One of the lower tone hole guards has been reattached, and the uppermost post for the upper stack has been shimmed out and welded to restore correct alignment and action. I included close-ups of the repairs.
Nickel-plated keywork, mother-of-pearl key touches, and amber rollers, all intact.
Note that this comes with the correct, shorter style neck. I have seen a number of these sold with the longer neck from later Selmer-era 400 models, which will mess up your intonation.
Showing off this bari is kind of like showing off your battle scars. It might not win a beauty pageant, but it still demands respect, especially once you start to wail. This horn is a brawler with a heart of gold.
No mouthpiece included. I will sanitize mine for you to try it out if needed. No strap included. There is a kind of worn-out Hodge swab I'll throw in for cleaning the pigtail.
Comes with a newer Pro-Tec case that fits it well and is in decent shape, except that the zipper is busted. I can't put any more money into this horn, so it's your choice whether to buy a new case (hey, Black Friday is coming up), have the zipper repaired, or do what I do and just throw a bungee or a belt around it. Looks goofy but it gets you to the gig.
Add a mouthpiece and strap or harness and this baritone is set up and ready to rock from day one.
Help me thin out my collection to pay the rent. YOU could be the next chapter in this classic saxophone's life.