Expert: Kenton Scott - 11/29/2008

Question
I am a percussionist but also a middle school band director. I have recently
come in to owning a York Professional model cornet. I am not looking to sell
this instrument but would like to know a little more about it. The serial
number on the horn is 965. The valves are locked up as well as the slides. I
know a wonderful repair man that can do great work on it. Is this horn worth
an overhaul? I think it may date back to 1899. It has a very nice sound in
open position at least.
thanks,
Jay

Answer
Hi Jay,

Some of my best friends are percussionist middle school band directors. . . well my son-in-law is anyway!

I would say that this is a horn of interest, and is worth restoring.  I would make sure that your repairman understands that this is a restoration and not a repair.  And, I would recommend talking over what is going to be done to it beforehand.

I would be interested in seeing pictures of it.  The next oldest Professional that I find listed is one from 1903.  There are a number of possibilities with it; high pitch or low pitch, Eb or Bb, design, etc.