The Elkhart line was continued until 1959, followed by Buescher's deprecated Aristocrat line as their offering in the student market. Buescher became the main supplier of student-grade saxophones to the H&A Selmer Company, producing the vast majority of such instruments marketed under Selmer's 'Bundy' brand.
Buescher's presence in the professional saxophone market ended when it was acquired by the in 1963, although a nominal 'Buescher 400' model continued to be produced through the mid-1970s. By the late 1950s, Buescher's production of professional-line saxophones was a small fraction of what it had been at the start of the decade. The Aristocrat and 400 models remained popular with professional players through the early 1950s, until instruments with more modern keywork gained favor and changes to Buescher's product line were coldly received. Buescher adapted its sound concept to the bigger, bolder sounds favored by dance orchestras and jazz musicians, modifying its Aristocrat model and releasing the 400 'Top Hat & Cane' model in 1940. Buescher stayed true to Adolphe Sax's concept for saxophone sound into the early 1930s, gaining the favor of classical saxophonist and those influenced by him. During the 1920s Buescher also made innovative limited production models, such as the tipped-bell soprano and straight alto saxophones. Though Buescher manufactured many kinds of brass instruments, the company was known primarily for its which competed successfully with.īuescher saxophones became distinctive with snap-in pads, patented by Buescher in 1921, and screw-in gold-plated Norton springs, introduced in late 1931. The 'Elkhart' brand was retained by Buescher for its second-line instruments after the company was dissolved upon Beardsley's death in 1936. In 1926 Buescher Band Instrument Company was joined with the (some claim that Buescher was bought by Elkhart Band Instrument), a company founded two years previously by Beardsley with Conn's as secretary-treasurer. Buescher was vice-president and general manager of the company until 21 January 1929 when he resigned these positions, remaining on staff as a consultant engineer. In 1916 Buescher sold a major share of his company to six businessmen including.īuescher remained president until 1919 when Beardsley assumed that title. In 1904 the business was reorganized and renamed the Buescher Band Instrument Company, reflecting its sole focus on producing band instruments. In 1903 there was a disastrous fire at Buescher's factory. True Tone became the trademark name for band instruments made by the Buescher Manufacturing Company. In March 1901 he patented a unusual in that the valves were of unequal lengths. Main Street which made band instruments and other metal products, in partnership with, a clothing merchant, and, a salesman. In the fall of 1893 he opened the at 1119 N. In 1890, while still employed with Conn, he began producing band emblems at home and was setting up his own shop. Lefebvre, and Conn agreed to producing a copy of that instrument.īy 1888 he was promoted to foreman and producing the first American-made saxophones for Conn. Buescher gained access to an original Adolphe Sax saxophone in the possession of E. In 1876 he found employment with 's fledgling band instrument factory. He accompanied his family to and then to Elkhart in 1875. History The company was founded by Ferdinand August 'Gus' Buescher (born Elk Township, 26 April 1861 died 29 November 1937).I saw a Bundy flute brand new and it was going for $600. Usually $50 to $300 $50 for the age and condition and the same that goes for the $300 price. Depending on the age of the flute and the condition that it is in.