Message Body: Hi Pete, Greetings from the Northland of St. Paul, MN. You know me as "Jack W." on the "Sax on the Web" forum. About four months ago on the "old forum", I mentioned that I'd be sending my much-loved Buescher Model 140 alto to Anderson's to be stripped of its spotty original lacquer and silverplated, and then gettting it rebuilt with snap-in pads by my local tech. You asked for pics and I haven't forgotten you! I just picked up the horn today and it looks like a million zillion dollars, and plays the same way, apart from an issue with the low C key spring, which I think my tech can take care of in a few minutes. This horn is a 342k series, really just a few serials short of 343k, and is the type of Aristocrat that is supposed to be just like the "Big B" but with simpler engraving. Anderson's professionalism was second to none, they were very patient with all my questions and concerns, and from the look of the engraving, followed my wishes that only the bare minimum of buffing should be done. I have a 336k tenor of the exact same model, which I may or may not leave in its spotty original finish. The alto was beginning to rust in places while the tenor's finish is in much better condition, so I am not nearly as much in a hurry to refinish the tenor. It plays exactly like the alto of course. A 217k silverplated True-Tone soprano from Gayle completes the trio. I am not likely to get anything bigger; the tenor sax is big enough as I consider myself a flutist primarily. :) Enjoy the pics, and if you can use any on your site, be my guest. In fact, I'd be honored. Congratulations on the expected addition to your family too! Best wishes -- -- Jack -- Jack R. Waas Asst. Prof. of Chemistry Bethel College and Seminary 3900 Bethel Drive St. Paul, MN 55112 Message Body: Hi Pete, >I'd also love to see the trio of horns together. You got it! Unfortunately I don't have a triple stand, so I did the best I could do. You'll note that I had my tech modify the soprano with cork risers on the palm keys, and a fairly nifty front F mechanism. >You can always get a bass flute -- that was one of the >most interesting concerts I've ever gone to :) I have only had the pleasure of playing a bass flute twice, a very strange horn indeed requiring an extremely slow air stream. There are at least two types of big flutes made that are even bigger! Bass flutes cost a fortune, so I can only imagine what a contrabass or sub-contrabass flute might go for.... :o As always, enjoy the pics. Take care -- -- JW Jack R. Waas Asst. Prof. of Chemistry Bethel College and Seminary 3900 Bethel Drive St. Paul, MN 55112 Message Body: Hi Pete, Greetings from the Northland of St. Paul, MN. You know me as "Jack W." on the "Sax on the Web" forum. About four months ago on the "old forum", I mentioned that I'd be sending my much-loved Buescher Model 140 alto to Anderson's to be stripped of its spotty original lacquer and silverplated, and then gettting it rebuilt with snap-in pads by my local tech. You asked for pics and I haven't forgotten you! I just picked up the horn today and it looks like a million zillion dollars, and plays the same way, apart from an issue with the low C key spring, which I think my tech can take care of in a few minutes. This horn is a 342k series, really just a few serials short of 343k, and is the type of Aristocrat that is supposed to be just like the "Big B" but with simpler engraving. Anderson's professionalism was second to none, they were very patient with all my questions and concerns, and from the look of the engraving, followed my wishes that only the bare minimum of buffing should be done. I have a 336k tenor of the exact same model, which I may or may not leave in its spotty original finish. The alto was beginning to rust in places while the tenor's finish is in much better condition, so I am not nearly as much in a hurry to refinish the tenor. It plays exactly like the alto of course. A 217k silverplated True-Tone soprano from Gayle completes the trio. I am not likely to get anything bigger; the tenor sax is big enough as I consider myself a flutist primarily. :) Enjoy the pics, and if you can use any on your site, be my guest. In fact, I'd be honored. Congratulations on the expected addition to your family too! Best wishes -- -- Jack -- Jack R. Waas Asst. Prof. of Chemistry Bethel College and Seminary 3900 Bethel Drive St. Paul, MN 55112