Expert: Kenton Scott - 3/21/2010

Question
QUESTION: I was given a Nikkan Baritone horn in pretty good shape that is believed to have been bought in Japan around the early '60's. The varnish is getting wore but very few dents. The serial # is 6202011 ( I think the last 2 numbers are either 11 or 77. On the bell it says Nikkan - Tokyo. Has the original mouthpiece and a different one that says: #10 Made in England. Plays good with that one and not so good with the original. Do they still make these horns and if so can you tell me anything about them? It has 3 sliding valves that are working good since I oiled them. It is an upright, straight bell. Can you also tell me who makes this mouthpiece %26 if this is a good one to use. I was also curious as to what kind of polish you might recommend and if you think this horn is worth re-varnishing it. I'm not a Baritone player but may learn. I think that it is not as good as a Yamaha, right?

ANSWER: The Nikkan was a forerunner to Yamaha. In 1963, the Japanese company Nikkan established a wind instrument factory in Saitama, Japan. In 1965 the first wind instrument began to bear the Yamaha name. Nikkan and Yamaha merged in 1970.

I'm not a fan of lacquered instruments, and I tend to strip off lacquer after it starts deteriorating.  Then I occasionally polish them with Brasso.

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QUESTION: Should this be done by professionals? Is my Nikkan then a Yamaha in the making %26 does that make it a good investment to hang on too? You didn't say what kind of mouthpiece would be a good one. Did these Nikons have model numbers? %26 where might I find it? Are they good horns or junk? Have you ever played one? Seems to sound ok but I'm a french horn player so what do I know... Would a picture of it help any? My brother, who is a Baritone player would like to get it from me but if it is valuable, I think I might keep it. There isn't a lot of info on these Nikkans so if you could give me as much info as possible, I would certainly appreciate it... Ken

Answer
If you want to take the time, you can strip it with aircraft grade stripper.  I don't know that it is an investment, more of a curiosity.  I've never seen one in person; but my impression is that they were decent horns, but not the quality that Yamaha has become.