Buffet "Master Model" Alto? Identical to Buffet S

[Saxaholic]

I was in a music shop the other day, and I saw an old alto up on the racks. Was pretty beat up with the lacquer wear....but physically it was in good shape, maybe one small dent. It was a Buffet "Evette Schaeffur" model I believe. Had "Master Model" engraved on the side of the body. Made in France, serial number was 4 digits long. Anyone know any information on these horns, how they play, what type (prof, inter, student), and what they would run if I got her fixed up? She plays sweet....pads are old but what a horn....just wondering if anyone has good information on these guys. Thanks.

[stinnergy]

I've seen two Master Models on ebay. one appeared identical to an SDA. It had "master model" on the back of the body much like the location of "super dynaction". The other sax looked German/Keilwerth. It had solid key covers with adjustable bumpers and a solid pantguard. It had "master model" written on the bell. It also had nickle/silver keys.

[com281]

I've seen two Master Models on ebay. one appeared identical to an SDA. It had "master model" on the back of the body much like the location of "super dynaction".

I may have seen the same Buffet that you were referring to on Ebay several months back. It was identical to my 1961 SDA alto. My alto has sparkle laquer, a four digit serial number and came in an orange leather Chesterfield case. The one on Ebay was within a few digits of my horn, had sparkle lacquer and came in an orange Chesterfield case as well.

As far as the pads are concerned, my horn has the original screw in pads.

My thoughts are that these horns are identical and are therefore of equal quality. This is only an educated opinion based on the above. I don't know why Buffet marketed these horns under different names.

I remember the "Master Model" on Ebay selling for less than $1000.00 USD. If you can pick it up at a bargain, you'll have a pretty good horn.

[stinnergy]

I've receintly noticed the low C# pad/cup on the Master Model is off-set like a Dynaction, not like a Super Dynaction which has it in line with the B/Bb pad/cup. This leads me to think the Master Model is transitional between the Dynaction and Super Dynaction.

The older "off-set" design is a more direct design (fewer moving parts). Therefore it may be lighter to the touch.

[BobbyC]

I have that horn in a TENOR and as far as I have been able to determine from "asking around" and using the information at www.saxpics.com ,
It seems the Master Model E & V and the SDA Buffet are the same horns.

Perhaps stinnergy is on to something.
I'll look more closely at my C# setup tonight.


EDIT: stinnergy is RIGHT !!

My C# is like the Dynaction but everything else is like the Super Dynaction.
Key layout and removal of the G# trill key all match the SDA except for the position of the C# hole.

I guess I can no longer refer to my tenor as an SDA.

[1958SelmerMarkVI]

I know that this thread has been dorment for a while, but I was just wondering if anyone has any more info on the Evette Master Model. I just picked one up for a song (pun fully intended). It is in nearly perfect physical condition, but it needs new pads. Even so, at $75 it was a steal. It is just like the one described earlier in this thread that has "Master Model" stamped vertically on the body in similar fashion to a SDA. If anyone has new info to add I'd love to hear it.

[bbbouklas]

definitely sda! they even came in the same leather cases.

[stinnergy]

You're right '58, the Master Model is a steal at $75. I good rebuild for about $600-$800 and you've got a horn that would sell on e'bay for about $1500!

[BobbyC]

For the record.

Here is another discussion on this topic:
http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?p=1246654&posted=1#post1246654

[Saxland]

Anyone have a capiler handy? My Buffet Dynaction Olds Opera (one neck) tenor neck measurments are:

Inside diameter of tip opening of neck: 0.4970 inches
Inside diameter of other neck end.....: 1.0360 inches