 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Coomkeen
Date: 2009-10-13 15:52
I have a Buescher Aristocrat that has seen a bit of use (by my son), and is in need of a good overhaul.
Son doesn't need it any more.
A friend who is a good instrument repairer - Mick Cadec - says it's worth repairing, cost about €120 - £112 - $178.
He says although it's a bottom end student model it's still good enough to be worth getting going again.
What do you all think?
Ron
www.coomkeen.com
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Author: William
Date: 2009-10-13 19:24
The first alto sax I played was an Aristocrat and I remember it to be an excellant instrument--good sound, finger friendly (for 50 yrs ago) and played, as I remember, almost as good as the Selmer "in line" BA that I bought in college (which I still play after all the years). Your sax is well worth, IMNOHO, fixing up and putting to good use.
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Author: Coomkeen
Date: 2009-10-13 19:28
Thanks.
But sorry I didn't make it clear. It's a clarinet.
Plastic, but my son used to get a good tone from it.
Must have bought it about 1985 or 86.
Ron
www.coomkeen.com
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2009-10-13 20:53
I am a big fan of 1930's Buescher saxophones. Fantastic instruments! However, Buescher clarinets are not at the same professional level as the saxophones.
It's my sense that, overall, there have been improvements in the quality of student clarinets in recent years as well as a larger selection. If I was in your shoes I would put my money toward a new Yahama student or immediate level clarinet. There's no question in my mind that a new Yamaha would be superior to a restored Buescher.
Also, it's important to note that Buescher was purchased by Selmer around 1963 and over time turned the Buescher line into student instruments. I suspect that your clarinet is probably a Bundy with a Buescher name.
Roger
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Author: Coomkeen
Date: 2009-10-13 21:12
Yes you could well be right.
It's definitely 'only' a student model, but somehow it seems wrong to leave an instrument in an unplayable condition.
And student models have come on a lot since then.
But what can you buy for 120 Euros?
If I'm honest there's an element of sentimentality in all this which is clouding the issue somewhat.
I have a wooden Buffet circa 1995, so I don't actually need the Buescher to play for myself.
Decisions, decisions....
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Author: Ed
Date: 2009-10-14 01:14
I believe as mentioned, that these were basically Bundy instruments. (I had one when I was young) They are decent student instruments and very sturdy. Probably worth making playable.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2009-10-14 14:23
As with horses you have to examine them to know if they are any good. Your Tech guy's opinion is your best one.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Coomkeen
Date: 2009-10-14 14:28
I think it's basically in good condition.
Certainly wasn't ill treated.
Just needs new corks and maybe a re-pad wouldn't go amiss.
I got it together with ptfe tape instead of corks, just to try, and it plays OK, but obviously needs some adjustment.
Think I'll give it to him and see what he says.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2009-10-26 13:06
I've had a couple of Buescher Aristocrats and I've always found them to be a good, well made student-level instrument, capable of much better performance than most students will ever require. Basically, they're a reincarnation of the Bundy 1400, which was the pace-setter of its day. Certainly they're well worth keeping in playing condition, and as long as it's well looked after it should give excellent service for years.
Tony F.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-10-26 13:19
The main differences between the Buescher Aristocrat and the Selmer Bundy were cosmetic - a different name and different socket rings.
As has been said, they're sturdy instruments and will go on forever. My oboe teacher has one from the early '70s and it still looks like new.
I used to borrow a Buescher Aristocrat when I was 15 - even though it was the same instrument as a Bundy, the name 'Buescher' and the different socket rings set it apart from Bundys.
Other stencil models (same instrument, different logo) doing the rounds were the B&H "78" and Cavendish - and some more besides.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Coomkeen
Date: 2009-10-26 18:05
Thanks all.
I think we must have bought this one about 1986 or thereabouts.
I'll take it to my mate the tech guy.
He has already said on the phone that it's probably worth it.
On the Buescher/Bundy topic, we used to call it 'Badge Engineering' in the electronic world. ![[happy]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley12.gif)
Ron
www.coomkeen.com
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