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For your consideration is a circa-1949 Buescher 400 “Top Hat & Cane” alto saxophone (serial number 319670) complete with its neck ,vintage hard case, Vito mouthpiece, neck strap, and end cap included.
The Buescher 400 was the company’s premier professional saxophone during this period. This example retains the model’s distinctive features, including its large bell, behind-the-bell low-key arrangement, underslung-style neck octave mechanism, brown rollers, applied Buescher 400 bell emblem, and elaborate Top Hat & Cane engraving.
This instrument is being offered as a restoration project and should be expected to require a complete professional overhaul. The pads are aged and will likely need replacement before the saxophone can be placed into dependable playing condition.
Cosmetically, the horn shows extensive wear consistent with its age and history. This includes lacquer loss, scratches, scuffs, oxidation, tarnishing, discoloration, surface wear, and denting. The lower bow has both pronounced cosmetic deterioration and visible dents, but it remains intact as shown. Additional smaller dents and signs of use may be present throughout the instrument. Please examine all photographs carefully for the most complete representation of its condition.
The neck has been permanently modified with a threaded internal pickup or microphone fitting. We believe this may be associated with an older King/VOX-style woodwind pickup system, although its exact manufacturer and compatibility have not been verified. The pickup or microphone equipment is not included. The existing plug seals the opening when fully inserted, allowing the neck to remain airtight for conventional acoustic use. We cannot guarantee compatibility with the King/VOX pickup system, CYN system, or any other currently available pickup system and speculating on its compatibility based on comparable online listings with the same mounting bracket.
The saxophone includes the vintage hard case shown in the photographs along with the accessories shown later in the photo. The case displays substantial exterior and interior wear, including aging, discoloration, compressed lining, scratches, vintage odor, and general deterioration. It remains useful for storage and shipment but should not be considered cosmetically restored. The accessories are likewise era matched but should be considered collectibles and not prime for consistent use.
Because of the aged pads, neck modification, denting, and overall cosmetic condition, this saxophone is being sold as-is for overhaul, restoration, or use by an experienced player or repair technician. No guarantee is made that it will be immediately playable upon arrival.
Despite its condition, this remains a genuine early Buescher 400 B7 Top Hat & Cane alto—one of Buescher’s most recognizable and desirable professional saxophone designs. It offers an excellent opportunity for someone seeking a worthy vintage American restoration project or a characterful player’s horn following the necessary work.
Please review all photos and feel free to ask any questions prior to purchase.
Thank you for your consideration!
Please read the entire item description and examine all of the pictures carefully before buying. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Ray’s Midbell Music Mission:
Ray’s Midbell Music is a full-service school music dealer located in Sioux City, IA. The original company was founded in 1939. We have had a Sioux City location since 1972. Our high response rating is a testimonial of our commitment to honesty, integrity and excellent customer service.
- NEW instruments come with manufacturer’s warranty.
- Most “PRE-OWNED” instruments are sold “AS IS”; meaning that work is probably needed and usually sold in the condition that we received it in. It is our goal to accurately and truthfully describe each item, pointing out all flaws and defects, by providing as many high-quality pictures of each item as possible. However, sometimes things can be inadvertently overlooked. Please read the entire description carefully and review all pictures before offerding.
- We also take great pride in our shipping department and strive to make sure that each item is properly and securely packaged. Our daily UPS & USPS pick-up assures you of prompt delivery.
- You can buy with confidence knowing that you are dealing with a reputable brick and mortar store with a long history of excellent customer service.
*International Buyers – Please Note:
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer\'s responsibility.
Please check with your country\'s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to offerding or buying.
We ship international items primarily by USPS. If item is too large, for that country’s size restrictions, it will not ship. As stated above, please get a shipping quote to find out if item can be shipped to your international sales a tracking number will always be posted. Often times, once the package clears customs, the tracking number is no longer useful and there is no way of determining the location or delivery status of the package. Because of this, international sales are final upon shipping of the items.
We will not change items type or sales amounts on customs forms. Please take this under advisement before offerding.
