Featured here is an early Buffet French made Silver Plated Apogee Model Alto Sax. It’s a beautiful little alto that has been much loved throughout its 100 year Life!! Yes, this sax is an early 1920’s Buffet Apogee model sax that is stenciled MJ Kalashen. It has a beautiful tone and plays Excellent. It has unique features not duplicated by any other instrument builder which is the Apogee system. NOTE The left hand Pinky Keys function as any other sax. The Apogee keys are an additional method of fingering the notes. Also, Owing to the lack of Pearl Buttons I believe that this sax was produced some time before 1920 as that is when the pearl key touches were introduced. By this reasoning and the fact that Apogee production was abandoned in the early 20’s leads to the conclusion that this horn is over 100 years old. She’s been around quite awhile and the wear on the silver plate proves it’s worthiness as a solid player. The Apogee system includes 3 keys directly above the F and F# keys that allow the player to play the bottom notes – C#, B, and Bb, all without ever having to move the left hand pinky. The keys are very easy to play with the right hand middle finger which can be free to use when playing these low notes on this sax. For me, the left hand pinky is wayyy weaker than my right hand middle finger!! The sax was re-padded a couple years ago and it plays beautifully. The front F key is an innovation that is commonplace on all modern horns today. The D# trill key that is stacked on top of the D key is pretty slick and plays with excellent intonation. If you look at all of the pictures, you will see that the Apogee key work is incredibly innovative but people at the time were already set solid in the current saxophone keywork and it was decided that apogee keywork was not needed. Kinda dumb if you ask me. They front F is not part of the original saxophone fingering yet they exist on every modern horn. Look at the pics. With the Apogee system, The “Top” key plays a Bb. The middle key plays B, and the “Bottom” key plays C#. I seriously considered adding rollers to the Apogee keys to allow a simple flowing move from low C# to low Bb. I have decided to leave that to the new owner. It would be really easy to add rollers though. There is a minor flat spot on the bow of the sax – Look at the Pictures Please. Also, The music Lyre was removed from the sax but is included in the sale. This is a beautiful little Alto Sax for anyone. Altos, C Tenors and Bb Tenors. I don’t need them all and I have a little B Buescher alto that screams, a Buescher C Tenor that smokes and a Pan American Tenor that is on Fire!!! Please look at all of the pictures and feel free to ask questions. Included with the sax is a solid and well fitting Conn case, a neckstrap, and an old Selmer Goldentone mouthpiece. Make an offer if you want the sax. I’m open to that. Ships FAST and FREE to contiguous 48 states. Check out my other listings as well. Have a blessed day. The item “Vintage Buffet Silver Plated Apogee Model Alto Saxophone Free Ship! Make Offer” is in sale since Tuesday, February 16, 2021. This item is in the category “Musical Instruments & Gear\Wind & Woodwind\Band & Orchestral\Saxophones”. The seller is “wiltuc59″ and is located in Clovis, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Modified Item: No
- Country/Region of Manufacture: France
- Custom Bundle: Yes
- Body Finish: Silver-Plated
- Type: Alto
- Key Finish: Silver-Plated
- Body Material: Brass
- Brand: Buffet Crampon
- Skill Level: Professional
- Bundle Description: Includes solid Conn case and a neck strap and mouthpiece
