VetPsychWars

I haven't played the later horns, but there are others who have and say they are excellent as well. If the Super 400 plays well and you can afford it, it would likely be a good choice. Otherwise, wouldn't hurt to wait for an earlier horn if you like the style better.

Tom

bigfach

how this buescher comapre to olds ambassador or reynold medalist..

tx..

mimic

I had a 1950's olds ambassador trumpet in very good condition. It played very well. I have a buescher 400 from the same time period in perfect condition and it plays similar to the olds. Both are heavy horns, well built and sturdy. The only thing I have against them both is they offer alot of resistance. This just happens to not fit me well but someone else might like it. Of the two I would have to go with the buescher for a better low register sound, but it is a very close call. The ambassador had better valves and was a bit more responsive.

Brian_88

Thank you for your advice, guys. I'm a big fan of the Buescher horns that I have, but it seems like the information available about Buescher is mostly related to their saxes. It was nice to find someone else who knew about these great horns!

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-Chris-Kratt Super Deluxe, Mid-60s
-Olds Ambassador, Late 60s
-Buescher Epoch No. 2 Cornet, 1907
-Buescher Tru-Tone Model 9, 1926
-Buescher Model 400, 1961-62
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All on a Schilke 13a4a heavyweight

VetPsychWars

Something good to note as pointed out above, that these are not lightweight horns, especially the early 400s, where the casings are massive and soldered together, as well as the bell and mouthpipe being soldered directly to the casings as well.

So if you're used to a lightweight horn, then you might consider an Aristocrat, which is somewhat lighter. There's a Model 205 on ebay right now that would be lighter and less heavily braced. I recently picked up a Model 205 on ebay and it's a very interesting horn to play in comparison to my 400 (Model 225).

For reference, the model number is on the bottom of the second valve casing.

Tom

Brian_88

Thanks, I was aware of the location of model #, but only recently...

I think I'll wait for the right 400 to come along rather than compromise with the Aristocrat or a 400 without the features I like. I enjoy horns with a heavy, solid feel. I'm a rather "projecting" player, so it isn't likely to be a problem for me to make it ring. If I want to play something that sizzles a little more, I'll whip out the Ambassador (which should be coming home from its overhaul in scratch-finished raw brass any week!)

__________________
-Chris-Kratt Super Deluxe, Mid-60s
-Olds Ambassador, Late 60s
-Buescher Epoch No. 2 Cornet, 1907
-Buescher Tru-Tone Model 9, 1926
-Buescher Model 400, 1961-62
------------------------------------
All on a Schilke 13a4a heavyweight

VetPsychWars

You might want to also hold out for one that has a nickel-silver mouthpipe. Less likely to be rotted out, and I think it looks cool, personally.

Tom

Gaucho Viejo

Back in May I saw a listing on Shopgoodwill for a "Mescher Trumpet Musical Instrument". I wasn't familiar with the Mescher trademark and wondered if the silver wasn't so tarnished they thought it said Mescher but it was a Beuscher. It was. I got it for $62 (Shipping and Handling took it to $76.73). When it arrived I polished and polished and I have ended up with an absolutely beautiful Beuscher Truetone Model 9 that I figure is from the 1920's - Silver with gold enhancements to the engraving and a gold washed bell. The valves are amazing and a beautiful tone is pretty much effortless - slots well but I can be creative lipping around a note as well. I should get some pictures up on the "pawn shop prizes" type sites. I just wanted to brag for now.

Brian_88

I also have a model 9, and they sure are beautiful horns. It's fun to play, but I haven't quite found a mouthpiece for it that gives a sound I'm happy with ... they also don't fit properly, so I guess I should be looking for a period mouthpiece.

__________________
-Chris-Kratt Super Deluxe, Mid-60s
-Olds Ambassador, Late 60s
-Buescher Epoch No. 2 Cornet, 1907
-Buescher Tru-Tone Model 9, 1926
-Buescher Model 400, 1961-62
------------------------------------
All on a Schilke 13a4a heavyweight

clousemiester

My Dad's Horn... '48 vintage .......I do still have it, although the years it spent with my nephew has left it in need of serious restoration! It is the "225" Model 400. From what I have on it is what Buescher called their large bore horn. The 225 is stamped on second valve casing.

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