Expert: Kenton Scott - 10/26/2006

Question
My father has a Holton Clark model Coronet he received new in 1925-28. He would like to know if the company still exists and its history. He feels that the tubing may have a blockage although he doesn't have much embrochure. Can it be tested or cleaned?

Answer
The company still exists - sort of.  In 1964, it was made a subsidiary of Leblanc.  They no longer have the Holton factory making Holton instruments.  I just finished working on a Holton euphonium that says, Made in Japan.  You can find more information on the company at: http://www.horn-u-copia.net/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?board=holton

It is possible that there is some blockage, but it is probably more likely that the valves are out of alignment, and needs new corks and felts.  To check for blockage simply run a flexible cleaning rod or something flexible through the tubes.  You can clean it with soap and water.