Buescher True Tone Saxophones

"True Tone" was the brand name of the first line of saxophones produced by the Buescher Band Instrument Company between 1905 and 1932. The name was stamped into the back of the instrument below the thumb rest. The instruments were made in the company's factory in Elkhart, Indiana.

Models available were:
*Straight soprano in Bmusic|b
*Curved soprano in Bmusic|b
*Alto in Emusic|b
*"Melody" tenor in C ("C-melody")
*Tenor in Bmusic|b
*Baritone in Emusic|b
*Bass in Bmusic|b

Finishes available were:
*bare brass
*silver plated
*silver plated body with gold plated keys
*gold plate

History of changes to the True Tone model

* Early soprano and baritone True Tones had a range up to High Emusic|b.
* 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 Gmusic|# keys that were in a round "button" shape with a mother-of-pearl insert. From 200XXX till 220XXX, the Gmusic|# key was crescent-shaped with a roller.
* Around the introduction of the crescent-shaped Gmusic|# key, the alternate-F key (front-F key) was introduced. Instruments before that time had no alternate-F key.
* True Tones typically have tone holes with parallel (straight) sides. Apparently Buescher had some of its early models produced by The Martin Company, which also had a factory in Elkhart. Some Buescher instruments have soldered-on beveled tone holes typical of a Martin saxophone, although they are stenciled "Buescher".

Neck styles

There are multiple series of necks on the True Tone.
* #1
* #01
* #02(sometimes written as two stars or two 'X's)
* #03

* General views on the quality of these different series are that #1 and #02 are viewed unfavorably, while #01 and #03 are thought to have the best intonation and altissimo, respectively.