Questions about Aristocrat 200 and True Tone [Archive]

View Full Version : Questions about Aristocrat 200 and True Tone

Alto_Sax_Guy

05-13-2003, 10:13 PM

I was loooking at two different altos, and I was not sure about them. One was an Aristocrat 200 (never heard of that) and one was a TT from around '28. I am looking for an intermediate horn. I have just really started getting serious about sax.
If these arent good horns, what would be a good horn?

Daniel

05-13-2003, 10:17 PM

The True Tone should be a very good horn, IF it is in good playing condition. I don't know anything about an Aristocrat "200."

Alto_Sax_Guy

05-13-2003, 10:19 PM

I thought it was odd too. It was on ebay. It looks like a new horn, here I will give you a link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2529885587&category=16 232

05-14-2003, 01:51 AM

I'm baffled on that one, but my guess is it's a later student model horn (I'm sure someone here can verify or clear this up). If so, the True Tone is certainly the better horn. My first sax was a TT alto and I still have it. It sounds better than most altos I've tried.

Dave Dolson

05-14-2003, 04:38 AM

A_S_G: I checked the link you provided. I am not an expert on Bueschers except that I own four True-Tones from the '20's (two straight sops, an alto, and a C-melody), all in silver.

The Buescher 200 may be a lower line of Buescher horns after the True-Tone era. Others may be able to be more specific.

From the photo you supplied, it appeared to be a version of the 400 model with the bell keys on the inside curve of the bell.

As for True-Tone models, I'll put mine up against any saxophone. They are top-flight players with wonderful tone and response. They are better than any other brand I've owned or played, vintage and new. DAVE

knighttrain

05-14-2003, 04:22 PM

I own an Aristocrat 200. It was made by Buescher in the 70s after Selmer bought the company. The consensus is that these horns are not the equal of the earlier Aristocrat models. But I have to tell you that I absolutely love mine. I do not think you will be disappointed with either the 200 or the TT. These are good values in today's market. There are other good values as well. How much do you want to spend, and what kind of sound do you want?