Musicians who play, sell, or collect vintage saxophones pay close attention to the serial number on the instrument. The serial number can be used to confirm the brand, model, and location of the factory that made the sax. The maker’s name and logo are usually stamped on the original stamp as well. Serial numbers for saxophones differ from model numbers in that they are longer and mostly comprised of numbers. An Aristocrat Series II, for example, is a Buescher model number; the serial number might be 294125.
Serial numbers on saxophones can reveal a lot about the instrument. You could cross-reference the serial number on your Beuscher Aristocrat Series II sax to see when it was made. A simple Web search will yield several websites with comprehensive free lists of saxophone serial numbers and information. If you look up the serial number on your Buescher Aristocrat II, you’ll find that it was made between 1941 and 1942. You’d also learn another interesting fact: due to America’s entry into World War II, Buescher saxophone production was halted shortly after.
Check underneath the thumb rest for your saxophone’s serial number. A metal hook about six inches below where the body tube attaches to the neck serves as a thumb rest. A manufacturer’s stamp is usually found near the low D key on the opposite side of the body tube. There will be several sets of letters and numbers on the stamp. The patent number, model number, serial number, and letters for key and pitch are usually included.
The key and pitch stamps are imprinted above or below the serial number, and are frequently misinterpreted as part of it. Tenor is represented the letter T, Melody the letter C, and Alto the letter A. You’ll also notice a L or a H: L denotes low pitch (A=440) and H denotes high pitch (A=456). The serial number was sometimes imprinted on or inside the bell many horn manufacturers, usually right next to the logo. Look under the rim of the bell to find this. Check for any brand names or imprints on the inside of the bell as well.
If you can’t find your saxophone’s serial number in either of these places, look through any instructions or documentation that came with it. With used or vintage saxophones, this is not always an option; the original documentation may have been lost years ago. Taking your horn to a vintage horn dealer, a music store, or a repair shop may provide you with more information. On the Internet, you can find a number of experts who can share their knowledge about specific saxophone brands. If you post your question and serial number on a saxophone forum or message board, you might get the answers you need.
If possible, you should also contact the person who sold you the instrument. The seller should be able to assist you in locating the serial number or explain why your instrument lacks one. Although it’s unusual for a saxophone to be without a serial number, the lack of one does not necessarily indicate that your instrument is a knockoff or cheap knockoff of a more well-known brand.