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Antique Musical Instruments/Martin baritone
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Question
I was given an old Martin baritone (or euphonium?) that has been stored in an attic for many years. Three hours of cleaning and polishing have revealed a lovely silver instrument that plays very well. Could you provide an estimate as to its age (serial number 18049)? Also, it came with a mouthpiece that has a metal shank, but the cup is something else -- looks more like Bakelite than anything else I can guess. What is it? Thanks SO much!
Wow, that's a early one. There are two serial number ranges for Martins, depending on which factory they came from. Unless yours has some model name that you didn't mention, I believe it dates to 1919.
Experiments have been made with making mouthpieces from a varity of metals and other substances. Plastic of course, rubber, wood. Conn made one that was sort of an amber/maroon color called a visible mouthpiece. I wouldn't think that bakelite would be out of the question.
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| Comment | You have absolutely made my day! In reading some of your other repsonses, I know you are a fan of unlacquered horns. You might enjoy that this silver baritone is unlacquered except for over the logo engraving on the bell, and inside of the bell (up bell). The mouthpiece cup is a gold and white swirl pattern, and says 'Martin' on it. If it is original to the instrument, the date pretty much tells us it's *not* plastic! (But it will be fun to play on a cold day in Iowa for Tuba Christmas!) Thanks again! Gail | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Kenton Scott
Expertise
Please note: My area is BRASS instruments, not other wind, string or percussion instruments. I will provide information on antique, obscure and out of production BRASS instruments. 1) Please don't ask for evaluations, I'll not provide them on this site. 2) I am often asked very similar questions, so I'd invite you to first check on Horn-u-Copia.net. Much of the information I have garnered about this topic, I have posted on this WEB site.
Experience
I perform in several historical bands, have informally researched the area, repair brass instruments, and operate a Forum dedicated to the topic at http://horn-u-copia.net
Education/Credentials
B.S. Ed, M.S.
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