After a number of years listening to , studying, and researching the bass sax, I have finally bitten the bullet and purchased a Buescher bass sax vintage 1921. ONe of the best sites that discusses the challenges of owning a bass sax is Helen’s Bassic Sax site. And part of the draw of this particular instrument was that I was buying it from Wade Walker, Jr. who I knew from a number of sax forums including the one he adminstrates, the C Melody Sax forum.

Wade listed this bass sax on eBay and there was a lot of action on the auction. So a couple of hours before the end of the auction I conferred with Suzy and then hit the ‘Buy it Now’ button. I had been considering a $20,000+ Eppelsheim bass sax, but after hearing Paul Woltz play his Buescher, I decided that this was the way to go. Now if I can only get some quality time with Paul, life will be sweet.

I called Wade as he had his impressive resume, he’s a geek like me, on the Web. Wade is the director of a city band and has sax repair skills. The mouthpiece is a Runyon that has been refaced by our friend Paul Coats. I’ve also purchased a number sax quartet/quintet arrangements by Paul.

The Eppelsheim bass is a custom instrument of world-class pedigree. It is stunning in its conception and the modern equivilent to the Mercedes, a luxery ride in the sax world. But that’s a lot of money for anyone, especially a late bloomer, such as myself.

I hoping to play the bass sax with some of the bands I play with and in my fledgling sax xTet. Right now we have four very rookie players, all who are returning to music after many years away from music. I’ve been purchasing music for a number of years and we have a nice set list so far.