Replacement handles on Buescher cases

[Rackety Sax]

Has anyone come up with a solution they are satisfied with in the way of replacement handles for Buescher cases? Seems that along with the alt F# problem, the case handles were the weak point in early Buescher production. Ideally I'd like something that matches the vintage character of the case, will last 100 years (OK, 50 will probably keep me from being the one to see the horn hit the ground when the handle finally gives out) and - never mind, those two would do it. The rope that you see on eBay auctions from time to time just doesn't cut it for me.

[saxtek]

Ohio travel bag makes exact replacement handles. A good repair shop will have them, or try a luggage repair shop.

[Dave dix]

I found a matching one on an old suitcase so try visiting your old granny and ask her if she wants that old case as you desperately need it to go on holiday with. Replace it with the ebay string but make sure you put it back on her wardrobe the wrong way round!!!
Dave

[Rackety Sax]

Ohio travel bag makes exact replacement handles. A good repair shop will have them, or try a luggage repair shop.
Wow, thanks Saxtek, I can't beat that. Though if these are BUILT like the originals, they won't last 50 years! ;)

I found this OTB handle catalog section. Do you happen to know which is the matching model?

http://www.ohiotravelbag.com/pdf/p2004-f.pdf

[Dave dix]

Those handles have the rings 90 degrees wrong for the buescher cases but they may have the correct ones somewhere
Dave

[Rackety Sax]

Those handles have the rings 90 degrees wrong for the buescher cases but they may have the correct ones somewhere
Dave
If you scroll down to the bottom of the second page (it's numbered page 134), there are 3 that have the correct orientation I think. L-1551, L-1847, and L-1632. I'm guessing one of the first two is the correct one.

Probably a dumb question but my color discrimination is not too good - are the standard True Tone cases considered black or brown? I'm guessing maybe originally black but 75 years of rubbed in dirt gives them a brownish hue?

[Dave dix]

I have a tenor and alto original cases (1920's) and they are black with black leather handle without the 2nd end handle
Dave
ps i didnt scroll down so my mistake

[Hornlip]

I've got a replacement handle on one of my TT alto cases that looks like the first handle on the left on p. 143 of that catalogue -- ones that use leather loops & buckles to attach them. They call them "emergency handles" but they're plenty strong. It's sturdy, black like the case & looks good with it. I got the handle off an even older Conn case -- the only thing salvagable was the handle.

[Rackety Sax]

I've got a replacement handle on one of my TT alto cases that looks like the first handle on the left on p. 143 of that catalogue -- ones that use leather loops & buckles to attach them. They call them "emergency handles" but they're plenty strong. It's sturdy, black like the case & looks good with it. I got the handle off an even older Conn case -- the only thing salvagable was the handle.
Heh heh heh - the one below that is the same but steel reinforced. That ought to handle ANY emergency and meet my 50-year requirement! Here's hoping I've got 50 years left too ;)

[Dave dix]

I put some bees wax on the leather to soften it up and stop it cracking as they do tend to dry out
Dave

[Rackety Sax]

Finally spent some time following up on this. OTB doesn't sell retail. They directed me to a retailer, I. Sachs Sons (isachssons.com) in Chicago, who I called. They will order them, but directed me BACK to OTB for a price. Of course when I called OTB, they didn't want to quote a price because they don't set retail prices. So I said, if you found L-1551 at retail for $15 (my wild guess at the price) would you consider that a good price? The reply - that would be a GREAT price. So maybe they are more like $25 - or more? I think I'm beginning to see why so many Buescher cases on eBay have rope replacement handles ;)

[Dave Dolson]

Chitown: I saw where a few posters solved their problem with handles on their Buescher cases. I did not post because it appeared to have been done by others. But, it also seems you are still struggling with this.

I solved mine a few years ago - an early '20's TT alto that came in what appeared to be the original case. I bought a case-handle from WW&BW (ordered it from their catalog), took the case and handle to a near-by luggage-repair store and the guy fitted it on the spot. Solved!

The replacement handle was black leather with steel reinforced ends - the handle measured end-to-end approximately the same length as the distance between the case's rings where the previous handle was attached.

The ends of the handle feature belt-buckle-style closures. All the luggage-store guy did was to bend open the steel reinforcement loops, attach the handle to the case's rings, and bend the steel back into place. Other than the newness of the handle, it appears to be all stock. DAVE

[Rackety Sax]

Thanks Dave, do you remember if it was this Ferree's Tools end buckle model? Actually sells for $15, so my guess must have been scaled to WWBW rather than OTB prices.


http://www.wwbw.com/Ferree-s-Tools-Case-Handle-i118767.music

[Dave Dolson]

I don't recall the maker of the handle nor the price I paid for it. I looked in the catalog (WW&BW) and I recall they listed the handle's measurements, which matched my case (at least close enough that I was willing to take a chance on it). I ordered it and got it done.

Price was a non-issue for me - having the handle (and matching at that) on the case was my issue. DAVE