Expert: Kenton Scott - 7/12/2007

Question
Hi,

I had read one your earlier responses concerning the King Tempo trumpets, where you had said that this particular commenced production in 1964.

My Tempo 600 has the following serial number on its second valve: "41 361xxx" (there's a space between the '41' and the following six digits; also, I obscured the last three digits).

I'm not sure how to read this serial number: does the serial number begin with the digits '41' or are the six digits, '361xxx' the actual serial number?

If the latter, that would place the date of manufacture for this trumpet between the years 1955-1960, according to the Conn-Selmer site, (http://www.conn-selmer.com/content/resources/serialno.php#King)

"1955-1960:     340,001 - 370,000"

However, of course, if the '41' is the actual start of the serial number, that would place the date of manufacture between 1960-1965.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Answer
The source of my comment on the initial date for the Tempo came from www.hnwhitekings.com (except that it seems to say 1962 rather than 1964)

On there, he has both a reference to the Tempo, and also to the serial number list that you are referencing.  

Although, that horn is the 1300 model.  I find no historical data on a 600.  

If you would want to move your question over to www.horn-u-copia.net, somebody will probably know.