Buescher Top Hat and Cane Alto 344xxx

Description

This is a beautiful original lacquer Buescher 400 Top Hat and Cane alto SN# 344xxx, with a fresh, high-end overhaul with domed metal resonators. This model is the pinnacle of Buescher’s saxophone manufacturing, and it is known for its great build quality, big sound, and excellent intonation. Structurally, this alto had one small dent removed from the neck by Aaron Barnard, who does the best dent work that I have seen, and left the neck looking great. There may have been some small dings removed from the back of the bow, but it’s hard to tell for sure. There is some normal play wear to the lacquer, especially on the back of the body. The horn is in beautiful and very clean condition overall and the main thing you notice is that it looks great.

It plays very well too. The overhaul on this horn cost around $850 and was done to the highest standards. The padwork is excellent, and the keywork is nice and tight like it should be. It’s a very responsive alto and also easy to play. The sound is rich and medium between bright and dark, with plenty of power when you want it, but also with the ability to play beautifully and right in tune on lyrical passages. The keywork is fast and comfortable – you just have to get used to the LH pinky table if you have been spoiled by a modern horn, which takes a couple of weeks but is well worth it for the sound. To top it off, you also get a new Protec XL alto case, which, besides being a nice case generally, is the only modern case that I know of that fits the big bell that these altos have.