#SELMER TRUMPET SERIAL NUMBERS SERIAL NUMBERS#
#SELMER TRUMPET SERIAL NUMBERS SERIAL NUMBER#
#SELMER TRUMPET SERIAL NUMBERS SERIES#

The Big B engraving on the bell is an obvious sign that we are looking at an Aristocrat model, not a Super 400. In addition, the octave key is placed on the top of the neck as on modern saxes. These horns are different from the Super 400 in design, have a smaller bell, and the bell keys are found on the left instead of the right rear as on the 400.

#SELMER TRUMPET SERIAL NUMBERS SERIES#

These instruments are the very best of the Bueschers as they put all their knowledge and experience previously acquired with the Buescher Aristocrat series and improved the design, material and comfort.Īn honorary mention from the Buescher Aristocrat series, the ‘ Big B’ model which was produced between 19. The sax maker’s most famous and arguably best model is the Buescher 400 ‘Top Hat & Cane’ / ‘Super 400’, which include both alto and tenor models produced between 19 So, let’s jump right in, starting with one of the oldest manufacturers on this list: Buescher. The reason for this is that modern sax makers such as these don’t have a history long enough to judge the quality of the horns based on their serial numbers. You might be wondering why we’ve left the likes of Yamaha and Yanagisawa from this list?

#SELMER TRUMPET SERIAL NUMBERS SERIAL NUMBERS#

There is also a big difference in quality between their models so knowing the best serial numbers will prevent you from picking out a poor-quality horn. We’ve chosen these six brands for a number of reasons.įirstly, they are some of the most well-documented saxophone manufacturers in the world.

#SELMER TRUMPET SERIAL NUMBERS SERIAL NUMBER#

In this article, we will guide you through the different serial numbers used by six popular saxophone makers:įor companies such as Buescher, Conn, Martin and King who today mainly produce stencil and/or student models, knowing the serial number can tell you if you are looking at a potentially great instrument or something that is aimed at less experienced players. They help identify the instrument’s exact production year and model. Serial numbers are the unique number on the back of saxophones, usually inscribed under the right thumb holder. Searching for a vintage saxophone? Understanding saxophone serial numbers can help you distinguish between a great instrument and one that’s best to avoid. The Selmer Company continued to grow acquiring other legendary brands and makers such as Vincent Bach, Buescher, Glaesel, Ludwig, Musser, Emerson, and William Lewis & Son.This post may contain affiliate links. The clarinet established a reputation for affordability and high quality and by 1978, sold over one million units. The clarinet was modeled after the famous Selmer Paris BT clarinet used by notable artists like Benny Goodman. In 1948, Selmer produced the first successfully molded plastic clarinet called the Bundy Resonite 1400.

In the late 1920’s Bundy purchased the American business from the Selmer brothers, while maintaining the exclusive distributorship of Henri Selmer Paris products in the US. Conn in Elkhart, it was known as the “Band Instrument City of the World.” In the late 1920’s in response to growing demand for the flutes, Bundy brought a young flute craftsman, Kurt Gemeinhardt from Germany to work for him. In the early 1920’s, Bundy moved his operations to Elkhart, Indiana in search of a stronger labor pool. Hiring George Haynes, he began operating in Boston under the names “Original Haynes” and “Master Flute”. In 1920, Bundy moved into the area of flute manufacturing. Bundy expanded the business to incorporate selling and distributing instruments from other companies such as Vincent Bach, Martin, Ludwig, and Musser. In 1911, Alexandre returned to Paris to assist the family business, leaving his US interests in the hands of George Bundy. George Bundy began working in the store under the guidance of Alexandre Selmer. Alongside his performances, he opened a Selmer retail store in downtown New York with teaching and repair facilities. In 1909, Alexandre moved to New York City as the principal clarinetist for the New York Philharmonic. The Selmer clarinets grew quite a following and in 1904, even received a gold medal at the World’s Fair in St Louis. Alexandre Selmer moved to the United States performing as the principal clarinetist for the Boston Symphony. In 1885, Henri began making reeds, mouthpieces, and clarinets in Paris. The story of the Selmer Company dates back to the 1800’s with brothers Alexandre and Henri Selmer’s graduation from the Conservatoire de Paris.

Selmer trumpet serial numbers