Expert: Kenton Scott - 2/17/2006

Question
We are curious about the value of my son's Holton Coronet with serial number1700384.  The horn also has the word collegiate inscribed on it and made in Elkhorn, Wis.  Any help to determine the history would be great.  It was given to my son by our 72 year old next door neighbor who played it in high school and college.  My son is planning on playing it in his middle school band next year.  Thanks for any help.

Answer
Hi James,

I think you may have one too many zeros in your serial number.  If it is really 170384, then it was made in 1947.  Collegiate is Holton's name for its student model instruments.  However, it is my impression that Holton's student horns were pretty darn good instruments.  I have a Collegiate bass trombone that I have had since the '60's and it served me well for a long time.  I only replaced it in the mid 1990's.  

I think your son will be well served by this instrument.  I suppose it may not be as pretty as some of the new horns one the music shop's shelves, but if the horn is in good servicable condition, it will play better than those new horns.  

The Collegiate horns are well made and durable. If it needs some repair to be in good condition, it will be worth the expense.  

kms