10/9/2019 Buescher 400 Serial Numbers
Selmer USA made a version of the Signet which was basically a Buescher 400 (after they purchased Buescher – the 400 line included ‘TOp Hat and Cane’; S5 & S25 models). This is a fantastic horn with a nice full tone and warmth. Buescher 400 Discussion in 'Vintage Trumpets / Cornets' started by mimic, May 7, 2009.
Buescher Serial Number List Years and Serial Numbers are Approximate. Buescher Trumpet Serial numbers are most often found on the 2nd valve casing - OR if that is buffed off, check on one of the valves themselves! Pull out a valve and look on the section just below the button and stem.
In MOST Buecher trumpets in the 1950s and earlier, you can find the serial number here as well. Please see the Bell Logos section to see samples of each Bell Logo. If your Buescher Trumpet/Cornet bares an engraving of an ELK on the bell, please see the note below the serial number chart. About this time Selmer Purchased Buescher 4 5 6 7 8 -.1950 Serial number is different on various sites.
So I have listed BOTH numbers, I think the number MORE accurate would be 326000. Please note that there are a FEW exceptions to this chart. 1) Some of the modern Buescher labeled trumpets from the 1970-present that have serial numbers that do not correspond to this chart. Most seem to have the 'Upsidedown Nike' Bell Logo and are model BU-7. Selmer must have done a serial number 'reset' at some point. 2) I have also noticed some of the 1960s 'Side Scroller' and possibly 'Top Scroller' logoed trumpets/cornets that have serial numbers in the 100,000 range. These obviously are NOT subject to this serial number chart.
These are most likely mid to late 1960s instruments. 3) Most (if not all) Buescher trumpets that have the 'ELK' logo have a separate serial number listing. The Valve Block on these instruments are made by Elkhart and thus have a completely different numbering system. Any Trumpet or Cornet with the engraving of an ELK (see below) will NOT match up on the Buescher Serial number list. They also bear the inscription 'BUILT BY BUESCHER'.
These instruments had their OWN serial numbering system. Most were made post World War II possibly up to 1960. If you see one of these horns and the owner is claiming they are from the 1920s or 1930s or before, then they are using the wrong serial number chart. I do not know if an Elkhart Serial number list exists or not. Big Thanks to website for providing some of the serial numbers and years produced. I also gathered information for this page from website that cites Albert Mensinga as the source for MANY of the serial numbers.
If you happen to have any additional information that would make this chart MORE accurate, please feel free to email me. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this web site are for informational purposes only. This web site and its operator are not in the business of buying, selling or advertising musical instruments. The use of the information contained on this web site for purposes of buying, selling or advertising of musical instruments is at the risk of the buyer, seller or advertiser. The operator of this web site does not accept any responsibility for such use or any consequences thereof. Although an attempt is made to provide accurate information, no guarantee is given that the information on this web site is either correct or complete. Information contained on this website may reflect the opinion of the operator of this website.
BUESCHER 400: THE BEST SAXOPHONE EVER? Louisiana law only permits a man to have one wife (an arrangement that I’m happy with), but if the same restrictions applied to saxophones, I would have to think long and hard about the Buescher 400. The very first saxophone manufactured in the United States was made by Gus Buescher (it’s properly pronounced “Bisher”) in 1888 when he was employed by the C. Conn Company. In 1895, Gus started his own company, and before long he was making an excellent and highly regarded line of saxophones.
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He continued to manage the affairs of the company until his retirement in 1929.In 1940, the Buescher Band Instrument Company applied for patents on a revolutionary saxophone design. Copies of these patent documents may be found on my web site (This new instrument, designated models B-7 (alto) and B-11 (tenor), was to be introduced in 1942 as an addition to the Buescher line, which had recently been revamped with the introduction of the Aristocrat model in 1940. The new 400 offered several radical improvements over previous designs: a new neck featured an “underslung” octave key and a “leakproof” one piece mouthpipe and reciever ring.
All long rods and cross hinges were fabricated from nickel silver for increased rigidity and better wear. The key posts were increased in height in order to facilitate better “speaking”.
The unique Buescher Snap-in pads (patented by Buescher in 1921) and Norton screw in springs (introduced by the Norton Company of Brooklyn, NY in 1930) were used, but the biggest difference was in the lower part of the horn! The low B and Bb keys were mounted on the back of the bell in order to avoid the muffling of tones by the players body. The bow was significantly enlarged, and the bell was given a most unusual flair. The bells were beautifully engraved a design featuring a top hat and cane and a raised silver Buescher logo. Sadly, these beautiful cosmetic touches were omitted in later examples.
Upon the resumption of saxophone production following World War II, the company undertook an aggressive promotional program, and soon many leading performers were using 400′s. Examples of Buescher’s print advertising for the 400 may be found in the Historic Saxophone Ads section of my web page.
Later in the production run, Buescher moved the bell keys to the left side, changed the engraving (Buescher 400 surrounded by a floral motif), and nickel plated the keys, whichwas quite popular during the 1950′s. These later horns can often be had at somewhat bargain prices, and from the bell up, are exactly the same as earlier examples. The parts are interchangable. For playability, low end response, dynamic range, unique appearance, and downright sex appeal, the Buescher 400 is hard to beat!
I consider them to be among the most undervalued horns on the vintage market, with good upside potential. Additional Reading Post navigation.
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