Ebay Nuescher 400 Tenor - is this Crazy?

[clipper]

This no-neck 400 Tenor sold for $972!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/old-SAXOPHON...44122276199157

What happened here?

[drwhippet]

I've seen them sell WITH the neck in nice shape for $1,500 as recently as last summer so nothing too remarkable there, considering the crappy condish....

Just like the housing market, there's been a correction in the vintage market of late. High-end Selmers, Kings and Conns are still setting records, but the rest of the market has really come back down to earth, with many makes and models selling around where they were at 10 years ago. The vintage horn market seemed to peak in 2007-2008.

Have you looked at junkdude.com or worldwidesax.com lately? I think those guys are clearing their inventory, as there's no money to be made in it right now. However, I see that Hoskins is starting to carry more Mark VI's, something he didn't sell that much of before; so maybe he's going the high-end route....

[GT]

How do you pronounce Nuescher?

[LateNiteSax]

Its a total restoration. 985 with shipping+ 100 case + 800 overhaul + at least 400 for a neck (probably more) = about $2300.00. for an ugly old horn. Maybe closer to 2600.00 for a decent original neck if you can find one.

To me its an extreme no brainer. You could have a brand new gorgeous, fantastic playing Viking or TK Melody with money left over.

[Sigmund451]

Add 3-500 and you can have one in georgous shape/and overhauled that has never been abused. There are plenty of closet 400's around.

Either way it is no great bargain unless you can do the work yourself and have a good line on a neck.

The positive point here is that an old horn may have been rescued.

[Kritavi]

Quinn bought it.

[Enviroguy]

Quinn bought it.

If you already had an extra neck (like I do) you could just hand-polish this up a little. Don't even attempt the rebuild. And you might still clear $500 on the resale.

[paulwl]

I got my Top Hats in about 2006 - beautiful playing/looking horns, but it was the height of the market, and neither horn had its Snap-Ins. Big mistake, even though they play great, 'cause players are out of the market now.