Antique Musical Instruments/USA Baritone

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Expert: - 1/20/2010


Question

baritone
A student in my band would like to know more about his baritone that was recently given to him. The only engraving on it is USA. There is a number 32 on the sleeve of the removable forward facing bell. I have attached a picture. I used his information so that he will get the response. Thank you!

Answer
At first, I expected it to be a Grand Rapids instrument, as they used USA line as a name on their instruments.  But it doesn't appear to be that.  

Therefore, I expect it is a stencil.  By that I mean that a music company contracted with an instrument maker to provide them instruments with no logo on them.  And, then the music company could put their own brand on them.  Sometimes those connections are well known.  Other times, not so much.

By comparing the information/design on the horn, it might be possible to determine the maker.  

But, of course, what is more important is how it plays.  Good makers have sometimes made clunkers and sometimes otherwise unnotable makers have made gems.  It may be that is was made by some top quality maker, and you have a diamond in the rough.  Or it may be a clunker.

But to be fair, make sure that the horn is in good mechanical condition before evaluating its playability.  

Antique Musical Instruments

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Kenton Scott

Expertise

Please note: My area is BRASS instruments, not other wind, string or percussion instruments. I will provide information on antique, obscure and out of production BRASS instruments. 1) Please don't ask for evaluations, I'll not provide them on this site. 2) I am often asked very similar questions, so I'd invite you to first check on Horn-u-Copia.net. Much of the information I have garnered about this topic, I have posted on this WEB site.

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I perform in several historical bands, have informally researched the area, repair brass instruments, and operate a Forum dedicated to the topic at http://horn-u-copia.net

Education/Credentials
B.S. Ed, M.S.

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