Expert: Kenton Scott - 9/13/2006

Question
I own a Benge cornet that was purchased in 1983.  It has the number 41763 on the second valve.  The bell reads Resno-Tempered Bell 3 Custom Built by Benge.  My parents had originaly ordered a professional grade horn, but my mom thinks they got a student horn.  Can you tell me what I have?  It is a silver plated horn.  Also, I just purchased a King Tempo 600 Brass trumpet for my son.  I am trying to find out what level of instrument it is and whether it is a quality horn.  I believe King was a line of Benge.  Thanks

Answer
I think you have a quality horn.  But, check out this WEB site, it will help figure out the detail of the horn.  

http://www.musicbyjoelill.com/benge/

The King Tempo was designed by King to be an upscale student level horn.  I.e. better than student horns, but not up to the quality of a professional horn.

Benge was purchased by King Instruments around 1971, Early Benges from King (early 80s - 80-81) were sold in King Cases  
In 1981, Dan Henkin of C.G. Conn Ltd. purchased W.T. Armstrong Co., a flute manufacturer. The acquisition of King Musical Instruments followed in 1983. The companies came together in 1985 under United Musical Instruments U.S.A.