Expert: Kenton Scott - 12/8/2006

Question
This is a kind of family item, reportedly made by my great-great granduncle Anthony. It says it was Made by the STANDARD Band Inst Co 62 Sudbury Boston. I'm guessing this would be somtime in the 1880s.
Can you tell me anything about this company and the instruments they made?
Also do you have any advice about having it restored/refurbished? It's in pretty good shape but the valves need work and there are a few dings. I live new New York City, so my first instinct would be go head down to one of those stores on 47th St (Alex's, Manny's, Sam Ash)? Would that be advisable or should I seek out someone who's more expert on older instruments?

Answer
The Standard Band Instrument Company was started in 1884 by Thompson & Odell as the Brasswind branch using stock and equipment previously owned by Quinby (Quinby produced instruments from 1861 to 1884). They were in turn taken over by Vega in 1909.  The Vega Company continued to use the Standard Band Instrument Co. name under their own.  (Example:  One trombone is engraved: Vega Greely Model made by the Standard Band Inst. Co. , 62 Sudbury St., Boston)

If you want to send some pictures, I might be better able to see how extensive the work is.  (send to Kenton@PunxyPa.com)  I live in rural PA, so know nothing of the reputations of the stores in NYC.  But, in general if the repairs are other than routine, you probably want a shop that doesn't specialize in school repairs (i.e., quick and cheap).