Expert: Kenton Scott - 3/28/2007

Question
My grandfather, born in 1880, had this coronet which he played in the Shriners band.  It is beautifully engraved with York name and Grand Rapids, MI and marked "Professional".  I played it in the 1960's in High School and my Mother also in the 1930's.  It needs rehabbed.  One of the three valves is stuck or has broken spring, the two spit valves need new cork and springs, some small dings on the bell need hammered out.  It is in a leather case that is deteriorating due to age and the green felt has seen better days.  Has 3 extra mouthpieces and 3 replacement tubing parts that I suppose change the tone of the instrument.  Lyre is missing but lyre holder is in place.  Is this instrument worth rehabbing, given that it will never be played due to lack of any kids, and will probably be sold when I get old and feeble.  Still it is a fine instrument and wonder, why not have it repaired and restored.  What do you think?

Answer
I think getting it refurbished is a good idea.  It doesn't sound like there is anything terribly wrong with it. There are some things that you may not want to have done, rebuilding the valves for example, if you don't have plans to put it back into regular service.  But getting it serviced, cleaned and put into good service and cosmetic condition only makes sense.

York consistently made good and respected instruments.  

If you get it fixed and don't plan on playing it, you may want to tell the repair person that fact as it should make a difference in how it is prepared.  

The extra tubing you have is most likely used to change the instrument's pitch.  At one time, some bands played at high pitch and some at the modern low pitch.  So makers would design the instruments so they could be played in both.  Also some instruments were made so they could play in C and/or A.