The
exceptionally nice thing about these horns is, even though they
were "novelty" instruments created to revive lagging sax sales,
they are said (by most) to be exceptionally good instruments.
Possibly the number one least known fact about these horns is
that there was a Tipped Bell C Soprano (see below pictures).
These are exceptionally rare, probably because Buescher didn't
make too many of them and because the C instrument craze was
seriously waning by the time these beautiful instruments came
into being.
The second least known fact is that there were two
varieties of these horns: those with a one-piece body & bell and
those with a two-piece. I can't tell when this split
occurred -- I don't have that many pictures.
Is there a difference in quality between the one-piece and
two-piece? In my opinion, from a design standpoint, the
one-piece would be better, as there is one less joint to leak
from. In practice, however, a two-piece is probably easier
to repair. I doubt that the bore is different, in either
case.
.
Introductory Ad (1928)
"THE
STRAIGHT ALTO is pitched in Eb and fingers just like
the regular model. The difference is in
design, which is unlike any other member of the
saxophone family. Instead of turning back on
the body, the bell is straight, curving outward
slightly the flare or extreme end. This
straight air passage gives a big, round tone of a
beautiful, sonorous quality.
An improved positive action octave mechanism; a
special high F key (pearl inlaid) for the first
finger of the left hand; an improved plate and
roller key for G sharp, and a roller key for low Bb
are among the new features. The instrument is,
of course, equipped with the famous Buescher Snap-on
Pads.
The Bb SOPRANO is also supplied in a new design.
Many players prefer this model to the regular
straight model, because when in playing position,
the bell rests comfortably on player's knee, taking
the weight of the instrument off the hands and
leaving them free to manipulate the keys.
Bb Soprano Catalogue No. 121
Low Pitch Range Bb to F Natural. Length 27 1/2
inches.
Weight 2lbs, 10 oz.
Straight Eb Alto No. 120
Low Pitch Range Bb to F Natural. Length 41
inches.
Weight 5lbs, 3 oz."
