Expert: Kenton Scott - 12/5/2008

Question
I have a Boston trumpet #9367. The seller stated it as a .470 bore but when I received it I measured at .460 bore, this doesn't matter since it plays great. I looked it up in horn-u-copia and it looks exactly like the William Frank stencil horn. What does that mean, were W. Frank horns considered any good? This horn also has a smaller m.p. receiver and my m.p. doesn't seat as far in as on my modern trumpets. This doesn't effect the intonation and I have noticed the intonation on this horn is as good or better than most other trumpets. What info do you have on this horn? Thank you, Dave Mickley

Answer
Dave,

What was reported on Horn-u-copia was that the seller of the horn pictured believed that it was a Frank stencil.  However, IF the Boston serial number lists are accurate regarding your horn it would date to 1887, which would be too early for Frank as he didn't establish his business until 1910.  (But that is pretty early for a trumpet.  As they weren't too popular in the 1880s as the cornet was the popular voice.) Franks' horns are considered quality instruments.  And, there was a different standard for mouthpiece fit back then and your horn very possibly would perform even better with a vintage mouthpiece.