Buescher True Tone Saxophones

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"True Tone" was the name given to the first line of saxophone produced by Buescher between 1905 and 1932. The name was stamped into the back of the instrument below the thumbrest. True Tone saxes were available in bare brass, lacquer, silver plate, silver plate body with gold plated keys, and gold plate.

Models available were:

• Straight soprano
• Curved soprano
• Alto
• C-Melody
• Tenor
• Baritone
• Bass

In 1921, Buescher patented a new invention called the "Snap-On Pad". This innovation is important as it is considered the first real "resonator". Pads are snapped into the keys with metal discs that secure the pads positions.

Until around production number 200XXX, True Tones had round mother of pearl G# keys. From 200XXX till 220XXX, the more common straight G# key with a roller was introduced.

Buescher True Tones typically have straight tone holes. Apparently Buescher had some of its early models produced by The Martin Company, also located in Elkhart, Indiana (USA). The curved Buescher soprano pictured here has the typical soldered on bevelled Martin tone holes, although it is stencilled "Buescher".

First soprano and baritone True Tones only go up to High Eb. Around the introduction of the more regular straight G#-key, also the quick-F-key was introduced.

Some of the alto True Tone next are marked with a "1". These necks are said to be better than the 'normal' necks.