Expert: Kenton Scott - 1/30/2010

Question
QUESTION: Some friend of mine has a Bb trumpet that can be converted on a C trumpet with an extension. Trumpet says Emperor Virtuose Paris, it's silver nickel and it's was from his Grandfather and think it was made on 30's. We can't find anything about it on the web.
Many thanks for you time.
regards.
Nico

ANSWER: Does it look like this one?

http://www.horn-u-copia.net/instruments/misc/Emperor-Trumpet-Virtuoso.jpg

I'm not certain where the Emperors came from, but it is suspected that they were made by Dolnet.

Adolphe Dolnet started in business in 1880 as Dolnet, Lefevre et Pigis, In 1900 it was changed to Dolnet & Lefevre. Adolphe died in 1911 and his son assumed control of the company to 1945.

Here is a Bb/C Dolnet:

http://www.horn-u-copia.net/instruments/Dolnet/Dolnet-trumpet-Universal.jpg



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: YES ! It's the same Bb/C trumpet !!! You're amazing ! I searched the web and could not find a clue about it. Actually Trumpet it's not working properly, has some dents (think that's the word?) and wondered if it may be one for the collection rather than for playing. Worth a reparation for playing it? Or better keep it as a museum piece?
Actually sounds great, but has some problems you can see in attachments pics.
I'm a begginer student with a T 602 Holton and want to know if Virtuose Emperor should be a good option for a second trumpet or just a vintage and collectors instrument.
Really appreciate what you can tell me about it.
Looking forward your answer, thanks for your time,
Regards,
Nico.
PS: First time I saw Emperor, I felt a connection with it... something like "come and play me"... and I did that and was great, but I'm not really sure about spending money on it if Brand or Model does not worth it.
Thanx a lot.

Answer
Nico, I've never been face to face with an Virtuose Emperor.  But I would say trust your own impressions. If it plays reasonably well, with decent intonation, then it should be a candidate for repair.  Talk with your repair service to see what it needs, how much it will cost, and what improvements in performance you can expect after repair.