Buescher Sousaphone serial numbers

miz-zoutuba · Post by **miz-zoutuba** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 7:10 pm

Any one have a list for aging a buescher sousa? The online serial number list I found is only for saxophones. I just picked up a Buescher Sousa that is a copy of a Conn 14K. Plays well, cleaned it out from sitting in an attic for 20 years, might have been a public school horn many moons ago.

I think the serial number is 18576 or something very close to that. I imagine somewhere in the late 40s-1963 at the latest.

Thanks,
Blake

Paul Scott · Post by **Paul Scott** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 11:26 am

Are you sure that you're not leaving a digit out? On my list that number goes back to ca. 1913. This list is for all Buescher instruments, (as far as I know) but perhaps they used a different number series on some instruments.

windshieldbug · Post by **windshieldbug** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 11:42 am

I've always used the Lars Kirmser/Music Trader list online.

And, as Paul says, that would indicate 1913, but I think that Buescher "stencilled" in more recent memory, so if that's the right number, and it doesn't look nearly that old, maybe it's actually someone else's number.

What does the engraving on the bell say EXACTLY?

miz-zoutuba · Post by **miz-zoutuba** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 2:18 pm

The bell says Buescher, made in Elkhart, Indiana. And it has the elk head inside the heart shape. I'm out of town at the moment so I don't have it in front of me, but I will check it out when i get home. I will also double check the serial number.
I check it againist Lars' serial number site as well, but there is no way it is a 1913 horn. I have a 1921 Conn baritone, and a 1910 trombone, so I know what that arge looks like. This horn is definitely from the late 40's-50's-1963. It is a Conn 14k copy. It takes the conn neck and bits, has the same valve set as all the other Conn horns and and bell is 24 inches.

I'll have to post pictures or more info later...
Any other serial number lists out there?

Thanks again,
Blake

windshieldbug · Post by **windshieldbug** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 2:29 pm

That engraving sounds like an "Elkhart" as in Elkhart Band Instrument Company.

Horn-u-copia has a couple of Elkharts, and mentions the "Elkhart Band Instrument Company that made brass instruments between 1924 and 1928. In 1928, it merged with Buescher" and "Buescher also used it as a trade name", so it may not be a Buescher number per-se.

http://www.horn-u-copia.net/cgi-bin/yab ... 1123374000

miz-zoutuba · Post by **miz-zoutuba** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 11:45 pm

Hey,
Checked the serial number...it's really 185764...forgot a digit. But still...that Music trader online list would make it a 1925, which is still way off.
The instrument repair guy that I work for says it is a 1950's horn, and I tend to believe him...he has been around quite a while.
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/25 ... 6843ncAeTL
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/26 ... 6843zRaTJd
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/25 ... 6843ApaccP

Here is a Conn 14K for comparison
http://www.xs4all.nl/~cderksen/Conn14K1956image.html

Here are some picks. Any more ideas out there?
Thanks,
Blake

windshieldbug · Post by **windshieldbug** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 11:35 am

The engraving says "Elkhart / Built by Buescher", so I don't think that the Buescher lists are of any help... sort of like Conn with Pan-American and the other stencil brands.

I'm not aware of any "Elkhart" lists!