Post 400 'Top Hat and Cane' and Aristocrat 'Big B' Models One of the most interesting challenges is to define the last couple of models of and. There are definitely a bunch and they do not seem to accurately correlate with a specific serial number or model number chart. Making matters worse, serial number data is in 'chunks' after 1952: most serial number charts switch from a 'yearly' end serial number to a 'every five year' end serial number, or a variation thereof. Additionally, there seem to be a random number of 400 'Top Hat and Cane' and Aristocrat 'Big B' models still around after the introduction of newer models. To complicate matters one touch further, there are at least two different 'numbers' associated with a Buescher: a catalog number, which is generally in the form of 'S80' or 'B7' (the 'S' or 'B' as a prefix appears to be random, but it may indicate a plating choice) and a model number, which is on the horn under the serial number -- which isn't included on all models.

Also included in this list are instruments likely not made in Grand Rapids, some instruments that were at least partially constructed by Blessing, instruments that were made in West Germany by Boehm and Meinl which Carl Fisher imported under the label York Master (9) and other instruments that bear numbers outside the subject serial number range. This Buescher Grand trombone, serial number 15288, is sliver plated. The silver plating is about 70% with a few spots where the brass is visible.

This is generally a number in the 1xx range, like 140, 141, 157, etc., although sometimes the model and catalog number is the same. Finally, there were bass and soprano models occasionally available. Mostly, these appear to be True Tone models with slightly more advanced keywork, but sometimes with new-style engraving and occasionally newer tooling. They were once again 'catalog listed' in approximately 1960. Main Models Available After the 'Top Hat and Cane' and 'Big B'.

Aristocrat, Series III - Model numbers: alto: 141, tenor: 157 (probable catalog # of S1 and S20) - Serial numbers: -- lowest: 355xxx -- highest: 377xxx (probably up to 405xxx) - Bell keys: right rear - Octave key: split/wishbone (i.e. 'over-the-top') - Norton springs:?

- Snap in pads: yes - Rollers: brown - Tone ring: no - Body finish: yellow lacquer - Key / Rod finish: nickle plate - Engraving: 'Buescher Aristocrat' - G# key:? Baritone models are not included here because baritone design generally lags behind alto and tenor design. The Aristocrat 'Series II' and the Super 400 are essentially budget versions of the Aristocrat 'Big B' and 400 'Top Hat and Cane', respectively. The only difference from the 'Big B' in the Aristocrat 'Series II' seems to be engraving and possibly quality of brass (necks and keywork appear interchangable), whereas the difference in the Super 400 from the 'Top Hat and Cane' is the Super 400 has a nickle tone ring instead of silver, different engraving and a yellow lacquer body with nickle plated keys. There is also some rumors that indicate there were no Super 400 altos.

It is possible that Buescher produced only the Aristocrat 'Series II' and Super 400 tenor for a year or two and then found that they had too many requests for 400-style altos and thus they introduced the S5 and 25, if this rumor is true. The consensus is that, in addition to these 'main models', Buescher was assembling some horns out of 'spare parts' (i.e. A model 141 body with a S5 bell and keywork, etc.) and putting a new model number on the horn. This leads to some There is also the possibility that there were some late-model Aristocrat parts for basses (e.g. Bells), not just modified True Tone parts.

I have not seen a full Buescher-made Aristocrat or 400 Aristocrat bass, though. After the Selmer buyout, Selmer continued distributing some of the Buescher-made horns until about s/n 405xxx or 406xxx (1965). One of the models that continued until at least 1967/68, however, was the Super 400. I believe, however, the Super 400 soprano was not introduced until after the Selmer buyout.

If anyone out there has one of these later horns, please contact me. I'd like to know the following information: - Your horn's serial number (you can X out the last digit) - The model number on the horn (below the serial number) - The finish the horn has (e.g. Yellow lacquer body with nickel keys) - The placement of the bell keys (e.g. On the back of the bell) - What kind of engraving the horn has (e.g.

Vertical 'Buescher' and horizontal '400') ============== Source information: - Gregg Jackson - See: -- -- -- -- -- - E-mails from Gregg Jackson,, Saxman Ty, Matthew Waldron, Keith Lewis, William Reehil and Gayle from - Direct observation and my collection of 200+ Aristocrat and 400 pictures. Download ost love in paris.