Antique Musical Instruments/french horn identification

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Expert: - 9/28/2010


Question
Hi!  I just purchased a french horn for my daughter and wondered if you could give me some info.  It is engraved with OLDS on the bell and the only number I can find is where the mouthpiece fits in OHR 321.  The mouthpiece says Olds 11.  It is in like new condition.  Didn't pay that much for it but just wondered if it's a good beginning horn for her. Thanks!

Answer
The easy answer is that it is a good horn for your daughter.  Since for the most part,  I deal with vintage horns, and I'm betting that this horn may be newer, I don't know if I can give you a date on the horn.  The Olds serial number list ends in 1979, http://www.horn-u-copia.net/serial/Oldslist.html and I'm betting this horn may be newer than that.  Usually, the serial number on horns is on the brace that holds the valve levers in position.

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.

Experience

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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