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Antique Musical Instruments/Questions Answered by Expert Kenton Scott
| Subject | Date Asked |
| martin trumpet | 2/5/2012 |
| Q: ANSWER: For some instrument makers, yes. Others, no. For Martin, it is yes. Here is a WEB page. ... A: In 1961, Martin, Blessing, and Reynolds were merged into a company called Richards Music ... | |
| Old Trumpet | 1/25/2012 |
| Q: I have an old J.W. York & Sons trumpet with a serial number of 43684. I believe it was made in 1915 ... A: I would also estimate it at 1915. I suspect that it may be a cornet. I think you will probably do ... | |
| Frank Horton Bugle | 1/25/2012 |
| Q: greetings, I have recently come into possession of a bugle and am trying get at least an ... A: Try with Holton rather than Horton. I believe you will find quite a bit of information on ... | |
| French Horn - Single in F | 1/11/2012 |
| Q: I have a single French Horn with no manufacturer marking that I am able to find. Close to the ... A: It is only speculation that FA Buescher formed a new company after he left the Buescher Company with ... | |
| Baronet brand | 1/1/2012 |
| Q: I own both a Baronet (Elkhart, IN) baritione horn SN 30249 and a trumpet (silver and heavier then my ... A: Blessing, Buescher, Conn (Pan American, Cavalier), Gronert, Pedler, and Osgood are the makers ... | |
| J W Pepper & Son Slide Trombone | 12/30/2011 |
| Q: I have a silver slide trombone. The engraving is: J W Pepper & Son Standard Philadelphia 56500 ... A: This horn dates to after Pepper discontinued their own manufacturing. Consequently, it is an ... | |
| Royal trumpet | 12/29/2011 |
| Q: I do not know if you got my previous Question So please excuse me if I am repeating myself. I have ... A: I did think I answered this question, but maybe it got lost somewhere. Metropolitan Music Company ... | |
| USS Leviathan trombone | 12/26/2011 |
| Q: I have a Conn trombone that has been engraved with “Carl Fischers New York American Model” serial ... A: I think you are talking about a counter-weight. For a while, they were sold as an after market ... | |
| Have an old coronet I played in school | 12/20/2011 |
| Q: I have an old coronet I played as a 6yr old in West Chester, Pennsylvania around 1973 (30 min ... A: Ben Henton and Al Kneck were former saxophone players for Sousa who opened a store in Philadelphia ... | |
| Buescher valve trombone question | 12/18/2011 |
| Q: My son is a senior in high school and has been playing trombone since 5th grade. He is now in about ... A: That horn was made around 1920. I have a Buescher valve trombone that is a bit older than the one ... | |
| King Liberty Trumpet | 12/17/2011 |
| Q: It's serial # is 59xxx so I know it was made between 1915-1925. I just want to know if it's ... A: That is like asking if a 74 Lincoln is better than a 89 Chevy. The Liberty was a better ... | |
| Brass instruments from the former GDR | 12/14/2011 |
| Q: I have spent many hours browsing the English language internet without much success. The pre-WW2 ... A: First a comment on serial number lists: Most serial number lists that are available are ... | |
| Our Own Make Salvation Army cornet | 12/13/2011 |
| Q: We have a silver cornet with "Our Own Make" with the old Salvation Army crest (2 swords, cross, ... A: Salvation Army brought out the Our Own Make models in 1893. They were first at Clerkenwell Rd, ... | |
| Holton Euphonium circ 1945 | 12/5/2011 |
| Q: My father bought a rebuilt double bell Frank Holton (Elkhorn, Wis) Bb Euphonium the summer of 1945. ... A: It is a bore size. Unlike some companies, like Conn, Holton does not seem to have used a numbering ... | |
| 18H Director Trombone | 11/30/2011 |
| Q: I just bought a Conn Director Trombone Serial number 18H 314376. I just want to know what year it ... A: Good point, that hadn't occurred to me. So, the next possibility that occurs to me is that your ... | |
| 18H Director Trombone | 11/29/2011 |
| Q: I just bought a Conn Director Trombone Serial number 18H 314376. I just want to know what year it ... A: Just to confirm, I'm assuming you are talking about the 18H with the Coprion bell. You can look ... | |
| Sherman Clay & Co Holton Cornet | 11/20/2011 |
| Q: I have purchased (for a steal) a Holton Cornet from ebay. The serial number is 22672. The bell is ... A: That is interesting. Most serial number lists are created after the fact and usually by fans and ... | |
| Carl Fischer Reliable New York cornet | 11/13/2011 |
| Q: I have my great grandfather's cornet (?- shorter than the student trumpet my husband has)- silver ... A: The part between the horn and mouthpiece is sometimes called a bit, and they were common on cornets ... | |
| Hawkes & Son Trombone | 11/9/2011 |
| Q: I have a silver coloured Trombone with quite alot of engraving on it (flowers etc) It also says on ... A: Bev, I concur with your speculation that it probably dates to the 1930-ish period. I've not seen ... | |
| Old C.G. Conn Trombone | 11/3/2011 |
| Q: I recently inherited an old trombone from my late grandfather and was hoping you could help identify ... A: Conn re-used some of his model numbers. So, you can have very different instruments sporting the ... | |
| Higham cornet | 10/16/2011 |
| Q: I have been given old cornet made by this istrument maker, but it appears to be incomplete. There ... A: It seems like the bits for these old cornets disappear faster than the horns themselves. Since that ... | |
| Question about a trumpet and a cello | 9/30/2011 |
| Q: I have a couple questions about the quailty of instruments. The two in mind are a trumpet and a ... A: The Couesnon trumpet circa 1927 should at least originally have been a good player. The Kay ... | |
| A Lorenzo Sansone horn | 9/28/2011 |
| Q: I've bid on this horn on e-bay for $395 but they say it needs a valve job... (has only 10% ... A: Well, of course many things are possible. But going from the most probably, I would suspect that ... | |
| A Lorenzo Sansone horn | 9/28/2011 |
| Q: I've bid on this horn on e-bay for $395 but they say it needs a valve job... (has only 10% ... A: It is hard to make much sense out of this description. If the valves don't work properly, they would ... | |
| Carl Fischer Trombone | 9/23/2011 |
| Q: I traded an old banjo for this trombone. There is an ornate engraving on it, says "Carl Fischer ... A: Artist was one of the many model names that Fischer used on the instruments sold by the company. ... | |
| Trouble finding right mouthpiece for antique mellophone | 9/21/2011 |
| Q: I am having trouble finding a mouthpiece for an antique mellophone. The local music store does not ... A: Glenn, That is going to be a tough one. Distin, effectively, used a vintage short shank trumpet ... | |
| Baritone Bugle | 9/17/2011 |
| Q: I was in a Marine Drum & Bugle Corps in Danang, South Vietnam/ 1966-'68. Played baritone bugle. I ... A: Gretsch, Olds, Slingerland, Getzen, Ludwig, Conn would be the most likely choices. I remember D&B ... | |
| Lyons Emperor Sousaphone | 9/15/2011 |
| Q: Greetings, Recently acquired a cosmetically challenged but playable EEb Sousaphone with "Lyons ... A: It appears that it is likely that Lyons purchased from a variety of makers. But you might be able ... | |
| Frank Holton Sousaphone | 9/12/2011 |
| Q: I have a Frank holton sousaphone serial number indicates that it was made it 1950 ive been trying to ... A: OK, the key is important. Most sousaphones made were either in BBb or Eb. But the use of Eb ... | |
| bore size -Holton Revelation | 9/4/2011 |
| Q: one of my older horns a Holton Revelation/#48 from the mid 1920's has a bore marking/the numeral "1" ... A: I'll post some inquiries and see if anything comes up. Here is one response: Holton does not seemed ... | |
| W. Frank Co. Bugle | 8/31/2011 |
| Q: I just aquired a single valve bugle to add to a turn of the 19th/20th century Indian War/Spanish ... A: Is this the Frank bugle with the #1 on the bell or the one with the #34 on the valve casing? We ... | |
| keefer trumpet | 8/29/2011 |
| Q: i inheireted a Keefer trumpet #HP11099, and know nothing about this horn. I would appreciate ... A: Keefer was the manufacturer. They were located in Williamsport, PA. Keefer succeeded Henry Distin. ... | |
| Wurlitzer Bros. Alto Horn | 8/3/2011 |
| Q: Just recently it came to my possession this old Wurlitzer Bros. Cincinnati Eb Alto Horn. It is in ... A: Actually, in their day, alto horns were as common as oh, say baritones, or tubas. But eventually ... | |
| Trumpets | 8/2/2011 |
| Q: My son is about to begin band, and his teacher cautioned us not to buy instruments from China that ... A: There used to be a Senator model that Fisher imported from Germany years ago. I don't know if that ... | |
| JW Pepper trombone in orig case | 7/31/2011 |
| Q: We recently recovered a trombone in its case...we apparently bought it at a yard sale some years ago ... A: Pepper always imported some of the instruments he sold, but after 1910 he discontinued manufacturing ... | |
| French Horn? | 7/31/2011 |
| Q: We have what we think is a French Horn (photos available) on the front there is a symbol of sorts ... A: That is not a French horn, but rather a mellophone. Mellophones are not used in the modern concert ... | |
| Varsity U.S.A. trumpet | 7/27/2011 |
| Q: I have a silver trumpet that has the serial number 847 on it. On the bell all there is an engraving, ... A: There is some debate on the Varsity trumpets. Holton apparently used the name for student level ... | |
| e flat horn | 7/16/2011 |
| Q: i have a e flat horn with rotary valves that has the markings Al lehnert my father says he tried in ... A: I assume that it is a Henry Lehnert. If so, here is my history page on this maker: ... | |
| Silver Cornet | 7/15/2011 |
| Q: I have my grandfather's silver cornet [with mouthpiece] that was made by a company called Lyon & ... A: >But what about the cornet? I found a very similar one [the overall shape is slightly different] on ... | |
| Silver Cornet | 7/15/2011 |
| Q: I have my grandfather's silver cornet [with mouthpiece] that was made by a company called Lyon & ... A: Lyon and Healy were major players in the music instrument business at the turn of the Century. The ... | |
| Richard Sergent Fiddle | 7/14/2011 |
| Q: Just wondering where came from and value it is a 1933 Richard Sergent fiddle. A: Never seen a vintage brass fiddle. Since the questioner thinks I'm being a smart ass, I guess I'll ... | |
| Antique Trumpet | 7/12/2011 |
| Q: I have an old trumpet with the following engraved om the bell; "Made by the Boston Musical ... A: 1884 would be my best estimate. Boston Musical Instrument Manufactory was formed in 1869 from the ... | |
| lyon healy french horn | 7/12/2011 |
| Q: I cant find any similar pictures on the net it has a loop at the bottom. Can you tell me would it be ... A: American Professional is one of the trade names that Lyon and Healy used for imports that they ... | |
| Upright Alto Horn | 7/9/2011 |
| Q: I have a silver (at least silver finish) upright Alto Horn. It is a USA Line by Grand Rapids Band ... A: Grand Rapids was a sister company to York Instrument Company. The horns came out of the same ... | |
| trumpet | 6/29/2011 |
| Q: I found an old trumpet when my Dad passed away. It is in a case and looks pretty old. It has Empire ... A: Beare and Son were in London from 1883 to into the 2nd quarter of the 20th Century. Beare & Son ... | |
| trombone fe olds | 6/28/2011 |
| Q: my trombone has f e olds and son imprint but nothing to tell me the date thease are numbers i ... A: I'm assuming that one number is on the slide section and one is on the bell section. I believe that ... | |
| trying to find historical data | 6/24/2011 |
| Q: Can you provide history- manufacturing/commercial - re: Slingerland single-valve, chrome-plated, ... A: I don't have much. But apparently HH Slingerland was located in Chicago from 1913/1916 and was ... | |
| Elkhart Trumpet | 6/23/2011 |
| Q: I saw your answer to a previous question - The Indiana Company was started in 1938 by the Martin ... A: I'm a bit confused by your question. It sounds like you have a Martin trumpet, not an Indiana ... | |
| The Buescher Baritone | 5/30/2011 |
| Q: I had a buescher baritone give to me (from Elkhart Ind.) serial number 272633 can you give me about ... A: Your horn dates to 1935. The three most likely problems with the valves would be 1) the pistons are ... | |
| Fischer trombone | 5/28/2011 |
| Q: I have a "Carl Fisher's Artist Model New York" (on the bell) trombone. It doesn't have a serial # ... A: No, neither is unusual. We tend to think of serial numbers as a way to date instruments, but that ... | |
| Fischer trombone | 5/26/2011 |
| Q: I have a "Carl Fisher's Artist Model New York" (on the bell) trombone. It doesn't have a serial # ... A: Back when this horn was made, trombones used a short shank mouthpiece. You will need to scour eBay ... | |
| Ditson Eb helicon | 5/25/2011 |
| Q: I've just become the owner of a Oliver Ditsen "New Century" Eb helicon. Nice horn, plays pretty ... A: Ditson imported his instruments from a variety of makers. About the only way to estimate age would ... | |
| J. GRAS BUGLE Made in France | 5/18/2011 |
| Q: I received a vintage brass bugle with the following stamped on the horn: 'JG'(Insignia) Brevete ... A: I don't have any answers for you, but a couple of comments. Brevette - means patented. A number ... | |
| Goumat & Co Tuba | 5/8/2011 |
| Q: I am so excited to get some answers, I bought a Tuba (12 inch round opening) horn at an auction ... A: I suspect what you may have is a baritone. Here are some examples of Goumat baritones: ... | |
| Holton Trumpet | 5/5/2011 |
| Q: I am curious to find out more about a Holton trumpet that has been handed down to me. The second ... A: Your horn dates to 1921. You might find this price list from 1926 interesting: ... | |
| Diamond trumpet | 5/4/2011 |
| Q: We have a trumpet that was played by my wife's grandfather many years ago. The name on the bell is ... A: William John Dyer was a dealer and importer from 1855-1941 He became the largest music house west ... | |
| Age and production site of trumpet | 4/24/2011 |
| Q: I have a trumpet played by my uncle when he was a young person. He was 72 when he died in 1991. The ... A: The Bruno Company was established in New York. In 1868, the Company used C. Bruno and Son as its ... | |
| Huttl Mellophone | 4/23/2011 |
| Q: I've been trying to date and gain some history on a mellophone my father gave me. It has the logo ... A: The history of the Huttl company is confusing. Anton Konrad Huttl started his company in 1877. ... | |
| Besson/ Carl Fisher | 4/23/2011 |
| Q: I have been given a vintage, silver clad american style cornet of Besson manufacture. The bell ... A: Yes, the Besson cornets are highly regarded, historically they are among the top of the list. ... | |
| Besson/ Carl Fisher | 4/20/2011 |
| Q: I have been given a vintage, silver clad american style cornet of Besson manufacture. The bell ... A: Carl Fischer had a long history of importing instruments, some of which were of very good quality. ... | |
| Olds Trombone | 4/11/2011 |
| Q: I have an Olds trombone that is the recording model S# 111761 and I am trying to find out when it ... A: You would think it should be easy to date an Olds trombone, wouldn't you? Well, there is an on ... | |
| instrument | 4/6/2011 |
| Q: I'm looking for the age of an instrument I have. It's engraved with an etched name Karl Schubert. I ... A: It appears that Jenkins used the Schubert name in the 1920s and 30s. It was a tradename, not an ... | |
| Rotary Valve Trumpet | 4/3/2011 |
| Q: I have an old rotary valve trumpet that I am trying to research. It was brought back from Europe ... A: There was a Johann Keilwerth in Graslitz by 1920, but they were primarily woodwind makers. His son ... | |
| Salvation Army Euphonium | 3/29/2011 |
| Q: My aunt found an antique Euphonium at her place and I am helping her sell it, but we don't know much ... A: Salvation Army has a long history of making musical instruments. The lack of a mouthpiece is not a ... | |
| Besson 5-Valve Euphonium | 3/23/2011 |
| Q: I have checked both Hornucopia and completed Ebay listings (for months) and have not seen anything ... A: The significant measures would be the inside diameter. You didn't say whether these measures are ... | |
| antique valve trombone | 3/8/2011 |
| Q: I recently acquired a valve trombone and don't know anything about it and am having a hard time ... A: Your horn dates back to 1911. Back at that time, instruments were made to play at the antique ... | |
| old baritone | 3/7/2011 |
| Q: I have an old baritone that I would to know more about. I can not find anything about it at the ... A: Information on Gras is sketchy. Called variously J. Gras, J. Gras & Son, Ch. Gras, Gras Freres, and ... | |
| Antique Coronet | 3/6/2011 |
| Q: I have a antique Coronet in an old Coronet case from the Boston Music Company. The Coronet is ... A: In that case, I would suspect that it is much more likely it was an import that was intended to be ... | |
| What type of tuba | 3/1/2011 |
| Q: Spoke to you about aging my Tuba but if I could ask, how would I know if it is an Eb? As haven't a ... A: Eb tubas were the most popular form of bass in the 19th Century, but in the 20th Century, the BBb ... | |
| Tuba number 7981 | 2/23/2011 |
| Q: My local youth organisation are just up dating musical equipment and have a salvation army tuba to ... A: I can't give you a direct answer, but maybe you can put together some clues using these two sites: ... | |
| Trombone | 2/23/2011 |
| Q: I play lead trombone in a jazz band, we play difficult stuff like Chattanooga choo choo. My playing ... A: Kyle, I find it interesting that you are selecting between these two particular instruments. I ... | |
| hawkes and son trombone | 2/19/2011 |
| Q: have a silver plated hawkes and son, picadilly circus, trombone serial no;56067 and named artist's ... A: This horn would date to the mid 1920s. William Hawkes, started as an importer business in 1860. ... | |
| Velvet Tone Instrument | 2/15/2011 |
| Q: I was given a Velvet Tone horn,I can't find any info about a Velvet Tone cornet or trumpet only info ... A: I've seen a Velvetone (all one word) sousaphone. It looks to be a typical configuration, possibly a ... | |
| general info | 2/9/2011 |
| Q: Boston musical instruments, silver trombone, serial #17959, made for the U.S.Navy... a very nice ... A: Boston Musical Instrument Manufactory was formed in 1869 from the joining of craftsmen from the ... | |
| Cornet | 2/6/2011 |
| Q: I have an old cornet that has been in my family since WWII. It was issued by the army and played in ... A: It seems as though you have researched this horn pretty well. However, I would be surprised if the ... | |
| Antique Hackley Piano | 1/30/2011 |
| Q: My mother is in the storage industry. She came across an Antique Hackley Piano ,34530 is the number ... A: Pianos are not my area, but I'll make an exception and provide some information on this piano as I ... | |
| Identifying an old Tuba | 1/29/2011 |
| Q: I have a 3 piston valve tuba that predates 1900. It plays beautifully, but looks ugly. Between ... A: How did you determine that it was pre-1900? Horns of that period were either plated in silver/gold, ... | |
| antique trumpet | 1/27/2011 |
| Q: I have a 1866 trumpet made in Paris by A.LECOMTE for D.C.HALL of Boston;still in the ordinal box ... A: After working for Gautrot, Lecomte established his company as brass makers in 1859, and from 1860 ... | |
| Huttl tuba | 1/15/2011 |
| Q: I have a Huttl 800 series tuba, and I was wondering about date of maufacture, etc, just the general ... A: Anton Konrad Huttl started his company in 1877. The company advertised in 1913 that they had the ... | |
| Cornet, Conn S/N 179274 | 1/9/2011 |
| Q: My parents bought me a Conn Cornet from a pawn shop in the 1950s S/N 179274. I played it for about ... A: It dates to 1921. In all likelihood, that which you describe as brass, is gold plating. There ... | |
| antique instruments and sheet music books | 1/6/2011 |
| Q: My late grandfather left me a 1912 Olds Slide Trombone with 5 mouthpieces, 1855 Theobald Berteling ... A: It seems to be generally the case that those that are interested in the history and artifacts are a ... | |
| circa 1805 instuments | 12/29/2010 |
| Q: I am writing a novel set in 1805. I was surprised when one of my characters picked up a clarinet ... A: Well the clarinet was certainly around in 1805, and had been for about a hundred years. But it was ... | |
| conway upright | 12/14/2010 |
| Q: since my piano is outside of your expertise and I have looked almost every where else online that I ... A: I can only answer from my experience with brass instrument manufacturers. Generally, the companies ... | |
| carl fisher senator trumpet | 12/8/2010 |
| Q: I was looking for an inexpensive trumpet to start playing again. I got what I thought was a great ... A: Well, there are a couple of possibilities, but the most likely is that this horn was made before the ... | |
| odl WJ Dyer cornet | 11/20/2010 |
| Q: What can you tell me about an old cornet that was my husband's grandfather's. It is a silver cornet ... A: William John Dyer, fisrt of Boston MA, then Makato & St Paul MN, was Dealer and importer. He became ... | |
| company info | 11/17/2010 |
| Q: in 1957 my parents bought me american standard alto saxaphone. can you give me any info about the ... A: The Pan American line was a line of student instruments made by the CG Conn company, which was ... | |
| Please ID a Tuba's maker | 11/16/2010 |
| Q: Can you tell me about a company that made a tuba. The stamp on the tuba is "Pistons K&C Francais" ... A: Just a guess. I suspect it is a Kohler and Chase of San Francisco horn. They were in business from ... | |
| Buescher Baritone or Euphonium | 11/11/2010 |
| Q: I have an old Buescher Baritone horn I used to play as a kid. It is a silver horn, but is so ... A: Oh boy, the old baritone vs. euphonium question! <g> There is no simple nor clear answer to the ... | |
| York & Son Cornet | 11/6/2010 |
| Q: I purchased an old cornet at a garage sale. It is silver and says "York & Son" with the number ... A: I would like to get more information from you. We are trying to construct a serial number list for ... | |
| cornet history | 11/5/2010 |
| Q: I have a Rudy Muck cornet purchased 1940 from NYC factory. Interviewed Mr. Muck 1950 but no longer ... A: Rudy Muck was a German engineer, mouthpiece builder who played in New York City in the Twenties. He ... | |
| old trombones | 11/4/2010 |
| Q: I have recently purchased a J. W. Pepper trombone, the bell is inscripted with "Premier J. W. Pepper ... A: Here is our information on Pepper: http://www.horn-u-copia.net/Reference/display.php?thisrec=574 ... | |
| Trombone | 10/30/2010 |
| Q: I am a music teach and sax player. I see all kinds of instruments come and go. My family also buys ... A: He was in business until 1942, and used Keystone as a tradename in the later years of his business. ... | |
| F Horn | 10/29/2010 |
| Q: I have an instrument that I have been told is an F horn or maybe a mellophone. The only marking I ... A: Karl Schubert was tradename used by the J.W.Jenkins Co. of Kansas City, MO. It was probably made ... | |
| hotlon baritone | 10/27/2010 |
| Q: Where can I get used valves for my 1902 holton bariotne. Thanks A: Basically your options are to get another 1902 Holton and swap the valves, or get some custom made. ... | |
| Antique Cornet | 10/25/2010 |
| Q: I just bought an old Lymon Healy Cornet at a garage sale and would like to know the approximate age ... A: Lyon and Healy started out as and continued to be primarily a dealership selling imported ... | |
| Fillmore Euphonium | 10/24/2010 |
| Q: I have found what I think is a Fillmore Euphonium, but I am unable to find a serial number, or a ... A: Sometimes pictures can be mis-leading, but that appears to me to be a tenor horn or an alto horn. ... | |
| Old Couesnon instrument | 10/23/2010 |
| Q: I have an old Couesnon instrument from 1923. It looks similar to a euphonium, although it seems ... A: Well there could be a couple of possibilities. There are some smaller configured euphoniums out ... | |
| identifying baritone horn | 10/23/2010 |
| Q: I just acquired a baritone horn. It is probably from the 1940's ( my guess). The only ... A: Some domestic companies would buy horns made in Europe and then resell them in the US. Typically ... | |
| Maison Couturier Bugle | 10/20/2010 |
| Q: My great uncle has a bugle his father supposedly brought back from France after WW1. It has the ... A: The Couturier company was founded in 1812 by Jacques pere in Lyon In 1836, he partnered with ... | |
| Elkhart Sousaphone | 10/19/2010 |
| Q: I have an old Elkhart sousaphone. I noticed that the instrument has the best tone and sound quality ... A: The Elkhart Band Instrument Company was started in 1924 by Buescher President Andrew Beardsley. ... | |
| Boston Musical Instrument Man. Valve trombone | 10/15/2010 |
| Q: I am an elementary music teacher and I had a student bring in her grandfather's valve trombone for ... A: Wes, It would date to around 1885. They are collectible, so it would have some value. It is ... | |
| Alto Horn | 10/13/2010 |
| Q: My grandfather passed away last year and I inherited his instrument. It has the name: C Bruno & ... A: The Bruno Company was established in New York in 1834 In 1868, the Company used C. Bruno and Son as ... | |
| Reynolds French Horn | 10/10/2010 |
| Q: I played a Reynolds Contempera in High School from 79-83. Have you come across any Reynolds French ... A: Just speculation, but during the 60's in the RMC years, a lot of the production was contracted out. ... | |
| Harry Pedler cornet | 10/9/2010 |
| Q: I purchased a cornet engraved "American Triumph, made by Harry Pedler and Sons,Elkhart Ind." Serial ... A: The company started using that name in 1937, and was sold to Selmer in 1958. I believe the company ... | |
| french horn identification | 9/28/2010 |
| Q: I just purchased a french horn for my daughter and wondered if you could give me some info. It is ... A: The easy answer is that it is a good horn for your daughter. Since for the most part, I deal with ... | |
| Trumpet | 9/28/2010 |
| Q: Engraved...Master Art Elkhart USA - also have Bosstone Grand zither. They both look really cool, ... A: 1932 - ART Musical Instruments was founded in 1932 by F. A. Buescher 1934 - Harry Pedler was ... | |
| Century brand Clarinet | 9/26/2010 |
| Q: I have a Bb clarinet that I have had for about 8 years now. It is used and my mom got it from a ... A: Clarinets are not my area, so allow me to answer you only indirectly. I have seen examples of ... | |
| Pan American baritone | 9/23/2010 |
| Q: We bought our daughter a used baritone off of the web for $150. Yesterday she came home very excited ... A: Pan American was the student line of the Conn Company. But, that isn't to say that they were of ... | |
| 1904 trombone | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: i have had an old trombone that is etched "Kid Ory" made by the F.E.Olds Co. in 1904. I also have ... A: I'm not sure what you are seeing on the horn that you are using for dating it. Possibly, it if has ... | |
| Lineage of antique cornet | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: I have an antique brass instrument that I have had for at least 25 years. It was an antique when I ... A: There is none. And, even if there were, there is no serial number list for most of the Lyon and ... | |
| 1904 trombone | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: i have had an old trombone that is etched "Kid Ory" made by the F.E.Olds Co. in 1904. I also have ... A: Well, I'm not sure what you have, but it isn't what you describe. Olds wasn't yet in business in ... | |
| Lineage of antique cornet | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: I have an antique brass instrument that I have had for at least 25 years. It was an antique when I ... A: Champion Silver Piston is a tradename used by the Lyon and Healy Company of Chicago. They were ... | |
| Liberty trumpet | 9/15/2010 |
| Q: I purchased a 1930’s Pan American (this is what it was advertised as) trumpet. This is a silver ... A: That is an interesting one. I'd like to have pictures of it if you would care to send them to me. ... | |
| value of trombone | 9/5/2010 |
| Q: My son recently purchased a trombone and we had it cleaned. The people that cleaned it said we ... A: In 1936, Foster A. Reynolds, who also established the Reynolds Band Instrument Company, established ... | |
| carl fisher cornet | 9/2/2010 |
| Q: I an interested in anything you can tell me about a cornet I inherited from my grandfather.It is a ... A: Besson instruments are always confusing to date, and may be even more suspect when they were ... | |
| J.W. Pepper | 8/29/2010 |
| Q: I am just trying to get some information on a J.W. Pepper Cornet that I own. The serial number is ... A: Pepper made some of their own instruments and imported many others. For a while, he would indicate ... | |
| trumpet? | 8/29/2010 |
| Q: I have a horn and its case its brand is Olds can u tell me alittle about it? A: The Olds company was established in 1908 in California, by trombonist Frank Ernest Olds. Initially ... | |
| Henry Pourcelle Sousaphone | 8/28/2010 |
| Q: My grandparents just came back from their friends who live in New York State's house with a bunch of ... A: Pourcelle was a tradename used by the Bruno Company. of New York. They were established in 1834 In ... | |
| Antique Trumpet | 8/23/2010 |
| Q: I purchased what looks like an antique trumpet from an estate sale but since I don't know anything ... A: I believe that that appears to be an extended model cornet. Grand Rapids was the sister company to ... | |
| Euphonium | 8/23/2010 |
| Q: We have a silver plated, brass, Pan American Euphonium. It is inscribed on the bell with ... A: That horn would date to 1929. Pan American was a second, or student, line for Conn. But back then ... | |
| Trombone Mahillon Bruxelles serial 697 | 8/20/2010 |
| Q: Kenton, I recently enherited a trombone from my late father. At that time I had no interest in this ... A: Charles Mahillon founded his business in 1836, and continued in business until 1935. In its earlier ... | |
| Old trombone | 8/19/2010 |
| Q: we have an old trombone with the following markings---THE NEW AMREICAN MODEL==MANUFACTURED FOR ... A: Old trombones don't usually generate much value. Basically because most trombones of that era were ... | |
| J Higham French Horn | 8/11/2010 |
| Q: I used to play the French horn. Now a trombone (and bari sax). I have a J Higham FH (50432). Model ... A: Does your horn look something like this? ... | |
| antique trumpet early 1900's? | 8/8/2010 |
| Q: Found and cleaned up a silver (plated possibly) 3 valve trump with engraving "Geo Baring & Son ... A: Baring made instruments that were then imported into the US and sold by HN White in the 1880s. White ... | |
| C.G. Conn Bugle | 8/7/2010 |
| Q: Perhaps you may be able to assist me if you have a minute. I am a Civil War collector, reenactor, ... A: Well, since Conn didn't start his factory until 1876, seems a little difficult to have a CW vintage ... | |
| Victor Cornet | 8/2/2010 |
| Q: I have a Conn Victor Cornet (name on the bell) with the serial no. 182341 on the 2 nd valve.My dad ... A: Made in 1921, it sounds like you have one of the 80's series Victor cornets (80A-87A). Conn ... | |
| Identify unknown horn | 7/29/2010 |
| Q: I have the pictured instrument and case. Identifying marks are only "Silver Piston" Chicago and ... A: Silver Piston was a tradename used by Lyon & Healy of Chicago. It is an import, mostly likely from ... | |
| Firth & Hall Flute | 7/28/2010 |
| Q: Several days ago I aquired a wonderful flute! It is a wood four keyed flute which I assumed was a ... A: Hawk, This isn't my area, but since you wrote such a detailed question, I don't want to leave you ... | |
| Rudall Carte & Co. LTD trombone | 7/25/2010 |
| Q: I am researching the date of a trombone that I purchased at an auction in DEC 2007. The case is ... A: Though primarily woodwind manufacturers, this company which was established in 1852 as successors ... | |
| EUPHONIUM | 7/20/2010 |
| Q: WE HAVE AN INSTRUMENT AND HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS A EUPHONIUM. IT HAS BEEN IN A STORAGE UNIT FOR OVER ... A: I would concur with you on age. As to what to do with it, it sort of depends on your intentions. ... | |
| identity of baritone | 7/18/2010 |
| Q: I am trying to identify the maker and age of a baritone.I can find no name on the bell, however on ... A: It would be difficult to narrow it down much with just this information. Here is a listing of ... | |
| Holton 1909 Baritone | 6/29/2010 |
| Q: I have just purchased a Holton Baritone serial number 5020 (1909). I have had an instrument repair ... A: Well there are a couple of possibilities here. There is some indication that these horns were ... | |
| Buescher valve trombone | 6/24/2010 |
| Q: I have a Buescher valve trombone, serial number 34187. It is silver with gold trim. Can you tell ... A: It was made in 1917, Buescher made at least two models of valve trombones, the long model which is ... | |
| A.M.Bottali key lever trombone | 6/23/2010 |
| Q: I just recently acquired a A.M. Bottali key lever valve trombone. Dont know much or cant find any ... A: It would make sense that it looked similar to a Roth since Fratelli Bottali took over Ferdinando ... | |
| antique horn | 6/16/2010 |
| Q: I have a very old horn that had belonged to my grandfather. My dad had always told me it was a slide ... A: CG Conn did make an instrument like what you are describing, however, I would call them soprano ... | |
| Courtois alto trombone | 6/12/2010 |
| Q: Kenton, I am Co-Principal Trombone with the Pittsburgh Symphony and would be very interested in ... A: Rebecca, Unfortunately, unless the person posts personal information in their post, I have no ... | |
| old coronet | 6/10/2010 |
| Q: Trying to find out some information on an old coronet, appears to be silver/chrome, inscribed "Band ... A: Well it might be a Getzon brand Elkhorn, this is an example: ... | |
| brass trumpet | 6/9/2010 |
| Q: I obtained a brass trumpet many years ago which I have some historical knowledge about. I plan to ... A: This horn was made in 1943. I think it is a Conn-queror, although I don't see a 44B on the Conn ... | |
| Boston Musical Instrument--tuba | 6/4/2010 |
| Q: I have an E Flat tuba with 4 valves, string actuated.(Boston Musical Instrument) I am unable to ... A: Yes, it is possible that it was made before they started putting on serial numbers. Boston was ... | |
| Conn Gold Cornet | 6/2/2010 |
| Q: I saw an earlier post about a gold Conn cornet. My Great Uncles first wife cornet soloist Marie ... A: I can think of nothing that would definitively determine whether a B&W picture would be of a gold or ... | |
| frank holton cornet | 5/24/2010 |
| Q: i was just wondering if you would could tell me about this cornet that i got from my grandfather. He ... A: Frank Holton was a trombonist with Sousa who decided to go into business for himself, He first ... | |
| Old Pan American Cornet | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: I have a old Pan American cornet, with the serial # 138810. It has no model markings or ... A: It was made in 1939. I'm not sure which model it is, but it looks similar to the 56A. You might ... | |
| Indiana Trombone | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: We have a customer that has brought in a trombrone which says The Indiana as the model and then ... A: I believe I have also had private conversation with your customer. And, I believe you may have ... | |
| trumpet - Indiana Band Instr Co | 5/10/2010 |
| Q: I am a semi retired professional trumpet player but I still free lance on a casual basis. Recently I ... A: Indiana wasn't exactly acquired by Martin, it was established in 1938 by Martin President Fred ... | |
| Keystone State (Henry Weymann) Trumpet | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: A student recently brought me a Keystone trumpet (serial number 38363). How do I find out the value ... A: Weymann appears to be a dealer not a maker in Philadelphia 1864-1942. In 1885, he started ... | |
| Buescher Sousaphone | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: What is the best way to sell an antique brass sousaphone? How can I tell how old it is? A: Selling it is the easy part. As long as you get good pictures and describe it accurately, you will ... | |
| Archaeological objects: are these valves from a Clarinet? | 5/5/2010 |
| Q: I am an archaeologist, I am working at the moment in an underwater excavation of an Ottoman ... A: Berta, I think the three mostly likely possibilities would be 1) key off of a keyed bugle, 2) a ... | |
| Trombone | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: I am looking for information on silver plated-JW Pepper and Son Trombone with Supuprise, Phila. on ... A: >It is silver on the outside and brass inside. It may be brass but if you are talking about the ... | |
| boston vavle trombone | 4/29/2010 |
| Q: I have a 1902 Boston valve trombone can find no information on the company or any thing about the ... A: Boston Musical Instrument Manufactory was formed in 1869 from the joining of craftsmen from the ... | |
| Old Trombone | 4/23/2010 |
| Q: My son's is joining the band and we have my grandfathers old silver trombone. It says it is made by ... A: You may want to have someone try it to make sure that it playing in tune, and was not built to a ... | |
| montreal mellophone | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: ....thank you in advance for your time & attention.........just bought a Cavalier mellophone in E ... A: I'm wondering whether you may have missed an initial digit on the serial number. Cavalier wouldn't ... | |
| old brass b-flat cornet | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: A friend of mine came to me with his grandfathers old cornet and asked me to clean it up for him, ... A: Te original company founded as J.W.Jenkins Co., and succeeded by J.W. Jenkins Sons. (John ... | |
| German rotary valve flugelhorn | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: I have had a German rotary valve flugelhorn for a few years and have never had any luck finding any ... A: Johann Mollenhauer, of Fulda Germany was a woodwind maker from 1822-1870. He was succeeded by his ... | |
| Numbers | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: I asked about a Buescher a week or two ago and was told I didn't give enough information so here is ... A: It dates to 1931. The patent was for the manufacturing technique where they increased bell metal ... | |
| Buescher Grand Trombone Finishes | 4/11/2010 |
| Q: Kenton, do you know when Buescher began and ended making the Buescher Grand model trombone. Did ... A: I do not have a production range for the Grand. Practically all the makers used a basic raw brass ... | |
| an antique trombone | 4/5/2010 |
| Q: I am writing to you on behalf of my father. He was given a trombone from a friend that pasted ... A: If by Union band, you mean the Civil War, someone has created some tall tales about this horn. ... | |
| antique piccolo | 4/3/2010 |
| Q: I have a Wm. S. Haynes D flat wood piccolo Ser. #4816, US Marine Corps. (Quartermaster Issue), made ... A: Haynes is a highly respected name in flutes and piccolos. And, though there is a lot of old music ... | |
| Antique trumpet | 4/2/2010 |
| Q: I checked your answer (3/1/2007) regarding a Hager Musical Instrument-Co. trumpet. I have a similar ... A: Nick Hagar was a dealer not a maker, and specialized in student instruments - a 20th century ... | |
| C. Bruno & Son Inc | 3/28/2010 |
| Q: I would like information regarding a C.BRUNO & SON INC. shepards crook trumpet. Also on the bell it ... A: Henry Pourcelle, was a tradename used by Bruno for instruments made in Czechoslovakia The Bruno ... | |
| old conn trumpet | 3/26/2010 |
| Q: I have an old silver trumpet with G.G. Conn LTD, USA, Elkhart IND on the bell. the serial number is ... A: I can tell you that the horn dates to 1936. There is nothing much more to tell based on the serial ... | |
| Unknown year J.W. Pepper Cornet | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: Recently I found a vintage J.W. Pepper Cornet on Ebay. I am not looking for an appraisal, but I ... A: It is likely from the 1890s. Pepper did so many variations to supply all the horns he needed. He ... | |
| Baritone horn | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: I was given a Nikkan Baritone horn in pretty good shape that is believed to have been bought in ... A: If you want to take the time, you can strip it with aircraft grade stripper. I don't know that it ... | |
| Baritone horn | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: I was given a Nikkan Baritone horn in pretty good shape that is believed to have been bought in ... A: The Nikkan was a forerunner to Yamaha. In 1963, the Japanese company Nikkan established a wind ... | |
| French Horn | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: I have a Royal Single French Horn with Rotary Valves. Do you have any information on it? Thanks ... A: Metropolitan Music Company, 224 Fourth Ave.NY , sold these Royal instruments. I've thought about ... | |
| Getzen valve t-bone | 3/17/2010 |
| Q: I have an old Getzen Valve Trombone with a number on the bell: KT4076 and another on the second ... A: Here is the Getzen serial number list. http://www.horn-u-copia.net/serial/getzenlist.html It would ... | |
| silvertone trombone | 3/14/2010 |
| Q: i have a silvertone trombone made in elkhart, ind. with the serial no# 96788 on the slide. it is in ... A: There is no serial number list for Sears. The serial number is probably one used by the original ... | |
| replacement parts for 1921 cg conn euphonium | 3/12/2010 |
| Q: I have a cg conn single bell euphonium serial number 178856, needs new third valve, 4 valve caps, ... A: Unfortunately, the answer is that it is probably - unless there is something truly special about ... | |
| ELKHART Buescher Grand Trombone | 3/10/2010 |
| Q: at the top of the slide, it is stamped, 143231, 38, LP, PAT OCT 29 07, and TRUETONE in a triangle ... A: It dates to 1923. The yellow in the bell is most likely gold wash. If the yellow in other places ... | |
| C.G. Conn cornet | 3/9/2010 |
| Q: I can't find a model number. It's got a "Union Lable" stamp on the 2nd valve. An upercase "L" above ... A: Yes, that date is based on the serial number. I guess it is common for schools to give out all ... | |
| dyers trumpet | 3/9/2010 |
| Q: how would I find out info about a Dyers Professional trumpet? Age, value etc.? I would like to sell ... A: William John Dyer was a dealer and importer in Boston MA, Makato & St Paul MN. He became the ... | |
| Bundy Cornet | 3/8/2010 |
| Q: I have what appears to be a old Cornet.It has engraving on the flared end or what may be referred to ... A: In 1927, H&A Selmer under George Bundy and Carl Greenleaf (proprietor of Conn) moved to Elkhart Ind. ... | |
| I have a salvation army Tenor Horn and i was wondering what date it was? | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: The Engraving is as follows THE TRIUMPH "Class A" 16131 MANUFACTURED BY THE Salvationist Publishing ... A: In 1901 the SA opened the factory at St. Albans. This factory was called the Campfield Musical ... | |
| Euphonium | 3/6/2010 |
| Q: I recently purchased a 3 valve Euphonium at a second hand store. It has the inscriptions Imperial ... A: I know of three companies that used Imperial. One was the Imperial Band Instruments of ... | |
| 1812 french made sousaphone | 3/6/2010 |
| Q: Can you give me any history info on a 1812 french made sousaphone. The markings on it are - ... A: The Couturier company was founded in 1812 by Jacques pere in Lyon In 1836, partnered with DuCois ... | |
| Cornet | 3/3/2010 |
| Q: I acquired a brass cornet about 10 years ago-classic 19th century style marked on the bell, HENRI ... A: All I know about that brand is that they were supposed to be Italian made imports (Sometimes you ... | |
| What have I found? | 3/2/2010 |
| Q: ! It has an inscription on the bell exhibition prze medals awarded to J higham 127 strangeways ... A: Sometimes, I think I have answered questions, only to realize that I thought about the answer in my ... | |
| trumpet identification/history | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: I've read some of your other answers and you, of anyone, would have the information I'm looking for. ... A: Thompson and Odell were in business from 1874-1900 as a music store and publishing business. The ... | |
| old sax | 2/22/2010 |
| Q: My family has inherited a saxophone. It looks silver with maybe a gold tint. It appears to b in ... A: It is no spring chicken, it dates to 1920. Buescher made excellent saxophones, and being low pitch ... | |
| Buescher Euphoniums | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: I recently bought a very nice (10-20 year old reconditioning my guess) Buescher True Tone 4 valve ... A: It sounds like you have done good research already. But you might want to check out this old ... | |
| Lyons Monarch French Horn | 2/16/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Scott; I have in possession a Lyons Monarch French Horn in fair condition. I see no other ... A: In 1928, the Lyons Band Instrument Company was started by Wm. H. Lyons, Howard R. Lyons, and ... | |
| Horn | 2/13/2010 |
| Q: I have a euphonium that my father bought at a garage sale. I am wondering how old it is and the ... A: I can't narrow it down very much, but here are some relevant details: The Salvation Army started ... | |
| Trombone age & specs. | 2/12/2010 |
| Q: I just purchased a Holton trombone for our son,but the seller couldn't give me much info. about it. ... A: In 1962, the Holton Company was sold to Leblanc which merged Leblanc's woodwinds with the Holton's ... | |
| Elkhart by Buescher trombone | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: I have an Elkhart by Bueshcer trombone with the serial number 75033 and 66I below that. I got it on ... A: The Elkhart Band Instrument Company was started in 1924 by Buescher President Andrew Beardsley. ... | |
| flugelhorn | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: I have an Ahlberg & Ohlsson Alto Flugelhorn in F made in Stockholm with serial number #4478. It has ... A: Ahlberg & Ohlsson was a Stockholm based brass instrument maker from 1850 to 1959. And was the ... | |
| antique "varsity" trumpet | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: ..in 1963 my parents bought for me an old "varsity" trumpet..it has no serial #, no manufacturer ... A: It is most likely a Holton. Holton appears to have used the name for a student model line. ... | |
| trombone | 2/10/2010 |
| Q: I have a York trombone silver in color stamped with York Grand Rapids Michigan USA on the bell. ... A: It was made in approximately 1938. The counterweight certainly isn't original to the horn. ... | |
| Old "The Buescher" True Tone Tuba | 2/9/2010 |
| Q: I was just recently given a very old tuba from a member of my church. The tuba was made in Elkhart ... A: It appears that you have a nice old Eb tuba from 1926. LP means that it will play in tune with ... | |
| Vintage Holton Collegeate Baritone | 2/5/2010 |
| Q: I found this Baritone on EBay & looks not bad for it's age(don't really know it's age or model #) ... A: If the silver is basically intact on the Holton mouthpiece, I think I'd recommend starting with it. ... | |
| C Mahillon trumpet | 2/2/2010 |
| Q: I purchased this trumpet (see photo) today, and I have some questions about it. It's a C Mahillon, ... A: Most of the Mahilon trumpets I have seen have been piston valved, but I don't know whether that ... | |
| vintage cornet | 2/1/2010 |
| Q: Good morning from chilly Minnesota, I am going through my late father's estate and have come across ... A: And hello from a warming up Pennsylvania. The Boston company was respected for the quality of their ... | |
| brass euphonium | 1/31/2010 |
| Q: I recently acquired an old three valve brass instrument. It appears to be brass with a nickel ... A: Sounds like you have a Lyon & Healy instrument, Champion was one of their tradenames. Lyon and ... | |
| 30,s Emperor Virtuose Paris | 1/30/2010 |
| Q: Some friend of mine has a Bb trumpet that can be converted on a C trumpet with an extension. Trumpet ... A: Nico, I've never been face to face with an Virtuose Emperor. But I would say trust your own ... | |
| 30,s Emperor Virtuose Paris | 1/29/2010 |
| Q: Some friend of mine has a Bb trumpet that can be converted on a C trumpet with an extension. Trumpet ... A: Does it look like this one? ... | |
| William Frank Co. Saxophone | 1/28/2010 |
| Q: I recently acquired an Alto Sax with a W.M. Frank Chicago, Illinois stamp on it. The serial numbers ... A: William Frank (b. 1876 Allentown, PA - 1932 Chicago) worked for Holton and in 1910 established his ... | |
| Buescher alto sax | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: looking at buying an buescher alto sax serial number 234109. was this a good sax? I have some are ... A: It dates to 1927, so it is still possible that it might be high pitch, but it is most likely that it ... | |
| age of my cornet | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: I have an old cornet made by Standard Band Instrument Co. 62 Sudbury St. Boston. It has no serial ... A: The Standard Band Instrument Company was started in 1884 by Thompson & Odell as the Brasswind branch ... | |
| USA Baritone | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: A student in my band would like to know more about his baritone that was recently given to him. The ... A: At first, I expected it to be a Grand Rapids instrument, as they used USA line as a name on their ... | |
| background on a trombone | 1/18/2010 |
| Q: Good evening Mr. Scott, I have a Martin trombone, Model - Reg. 3 or J. - Serial #189973 - Finish 1. ... A: I would probably be easier to decided if the story is not correct than to document that it is ... | |
| Antique Baritone horn | 1/17/2010 |
| Q: Baritone Horn, labeled American Standard High Grade, serial # 9802. Silver-plated brass. How old ... A: The horn dates to the late 1920s. American Standard was - in a sense - a student model; but not ... | |
| French Horn 1850s | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: I would love to locate a French Horn that was presented to a man named Harry Hardy by the officers ... A: I would have to speculate that finding such an instrument is extremely remote. The chances that it ... | |
| French Horn | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: I have acquired a french horn by accident, looks well used and worn in places where fingers and ... A: I believe you mean Elkhart. The Elkhart Band Instrument Company was started in 1924 by Buescher ... | |
| trombone age | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: I have an Elkart trombone with a number, lp 3691. Can you tell me anything about its date of ... A: The Elkhart Band Instrument Company (not to be confused with the Elkhart Musical Instrument Co ... | |
| Conn Baritone | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: I have my father's Conn Baritone, serial # H34560L that I would like to sell. I believe it was made ... A: Well saxes aren't my area, so I probably should pass on this one, but a sax with a prefix of H ... | |
| JWPepper Import | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: I have a instrument I believe to be a cornet prossible Solo Alto. with JW Pepper and Son Imports ... A: I can't tell you what it is without seeing it or having more information. But, I can tell you that ... | |
| Couesnon & Cie trumpet | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: I have an old trumpet that I've had lying around the house for awhile and I'm try to find out a ... A: Basically, I can confirm your findings. I suspect that the 'spelling' on your horn may simply be ... | |
| Lyon & Healy Eb/F Tuba | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Scott, I have what I think is a unique instrument. It is a Lyon and Healy "Own Make" Tuba. It ... A: Are you sure that they are F to Eb sleeves? Might they not be High pitch to Low pitch sleeves? The ... | |
| Buescher Elkhardt In | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: I have had my Dads trumpet since his death 20 years ago. I cleaned it up tonight and thought it time ... A: It dates to 1928, the model is 10-22 and it is pitched to play with modern instruments. It was ... | |
| Silver Gundy-Bettoney Clarinet or Soprano Sax | 12/17/2009 |
| Q: Scott! I have been willed a Gundy-Bettoney, what appears to be silver, clarinet or soprano sax. ... A: I should probably pass on this question as woodwinds are not my area, but I can tell you this much. ... | |
| King Sousaphone | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: Kenton, Thanks for the info. One lastDoes the "market" like these types of instruments to be in ... A: As to the market, the answer to the question of whether to leave original or refurbish, is . . . ... | |
| Buescher trumpet | 12/12/2009 |
| Q: I have a Buescher trumpet serial number 169554. I believe that it was produced somewhere about ... A: I can only surmise that it must depend on the serial number list you look at. If you look at: ... | |
| Henri Gautier Cornet | 12/9/2009 |
| Q: My daughter was given this cornet and case the only marking we can see is the name Henri Gautier ... A: Gautier is a tradename used by Lyon and Healy for imported instruments. Lyon and Healy was ... | |
| INSTRUMENT | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: MY FAMILY HAS THIS INSTRUMENT. IT IS ENGRAVED NEW YORK WONDER. C. G. CONN. ELKHART , IND. IT ... A: Mike, I imagine you have a old Conn Cornet. The New York Wonder models came out around the turn of ... | |
| Triebert trombone | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: About 40 years ago I was given a trombone by my uncle just prior to his emigration to Australia. ... A: The Triebert workshop was established in Paris in 1810, but they were primarily oboe makers, and are ... | |
| JW York trombone | 12/4/2009 |
| Q: I just uncovered an old trombone in my dad's basement. It appears to be silvare or silvare plate ... A: Wow, that would be a very early example, it dates to around 1887-99. I would like to see some ... | |
| Brown and Sons Cornet | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: I discovered your website while looking for information on a silver plated cornet that I picked up ... A: I think I must have answered this question - well, all but hitting the send button. So, I guess ... | |
| Antique Coronet | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: I hate to bore you with another coronet question, but, I found one and would like to know how old it ... A: John F. Stratton was a notable manufacturer of instruments during the Civil War. He started making ... | |
| carl fischer senator trumpet | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: Looking for a Bottom Valve Cap for a Carl Fisher Senator Trumpet (1920's). All current ones do not ... A: Well, the easiest answer is find another Senator trumpet. They do show up on eBay from time to ... | |
| Eb Alto horn | 11/28/2009 |
| Q: My daughter recently purchased a Holton Eb alto horn and I was wondering if you could help me find ... A: It dates to 1911. In 1898, Frank Holton opened a third-floor two-room Chicago shop at Clark and ... | |
| King Baritone | 11/25/2009 |
| Q: I'm trying to get some information on an old baritone (upright valves) that I've had for a few ... A: This horn was made between 1910 and 1915 (probably closer to 1910). HN White Company was originally ... | |
| Seroco Trombone | 11/25/2009 |
| Q: I am a band director and this morning a student brought in an antique trombone that he found in his ... A: I have not seen that brand name before, so I have to assume that it is a tradename used by a music ... | |
| Buescher Horn | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: I have this old trumpet horn, on horn & case says Buescher & Elkhart. I got this from my dads uncle, ... A: Buescher started his own independent company in as the Buescher Manufacturing Co. in 1894. Buescher ... | |
| Holton-Clarke cornet | 11/18/2009 |
| Q: I have a Holten-Clarke model trumpet/cornet. It was given to me by my grandfather when I began ... A: There were a couple of versions, but here is the Shepard's crook version. ... | |
| Olds Coronet | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: I have an Olds Coronet that is 59 years old. It was given to me in 1966. At that time the coronet ... A: The Olds company was established in 1908 in California, by trombonist Frank Ernest Olds. Initially ... | |
| Holton-Clarke cornet | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: I have a Holten-Clarke model trumpet/cornet. It was given to me by my grandfather when I began ... A: Well, depending on what the shiny new one is, and the condition of the Holton, it may make sense to ... | |
| Mellophone possibly Pan American. | 11/16/2009 |
| Q: I work for a museum that just acquired a Mellophone that I'm trying to identify and research. It ... A: Pan American would sell its instruments to other entities and allow them to engrave them with their ... | |
| Antique trumpet? | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: I have a trumpet that was made by Ohio Band Instruments Co. From what I gather they only made a ... A: Around 1936, Foster Reynolds, established both the Reynolds Band Instrument Company and the Ohio ... | |
| Goumat & Co. Paris Cornet | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: When did the Goumat Co.produce brass cornets? I have my great-great uncle's cornet(given to me by ... A: The Langwill Index, rather unkindly, lists this company as a Counterfeit purporting to be the maker ... | |
| BUESCHER HORN | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: MY PREVIOUS QUESTION REFERED TO A BAND STYLE HORN (BARITONE). UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, I AM WONDERING ... A: There is no clear definition of what is a baritone and what is an euphonium. Additionally, US ... | |
| BUESCHER BARITONE | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: I HAVE A BUESCHER BARITONE (SERIAL # 127185). IT IS SILVER WITH FANCY ENGRAVING AND TRUE TONE ... A: It was made around 1923. Buescher started his own independent company in as the Buescher ... | |
| Courtierre helicon | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: I have a brass instrument that bears the following inscription on its bell: F Courtierre Paris JW ... A: Well, without seeing it, I can't say for certain whether it is a small sousaphone or a helicon. But, ... | |
| antique coronet | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: I have what appears to be an antique coronet, but I do not know anything about it's history. Can you ... A: It most likely was used in brass bands of the latter part of the 19th century. Without inspecting ... | |
| buescher truetone trumpet | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: I HAVE A BUESHCER TRUE TONE TRUMPET THAT HAD BELONGED TO MY UNCLE. IT IS SILVER WITH GOLD PLATING ... A: The horn dates to about 1925, Buescher was a well respected maker and the horn would have been ... | |
| antique coronet | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: I have what appears to be an antique coronet, but I do not know anything about it's history. Can you ... A: J Howard Foote was a maker and importer. He established his business in 1863. He claimed that the ... | |
| Standard Coronet | 10/28/2009 |
| Q: I have a beat up silver colored coronet. On the from it has etched in "The Standard Chicago ILL ... A: That's an interesting one. There were several companies that used Standard. There was the Standard ... | |
| Coronet | 10/13/2009 |
| Q: One of the treasures I brought home from my parents attic is a silver coronet. It is a Vega made by ... A: The Vega Company bought out Standard in 1909 and lasted at least another 30 years. It would have ... | |
| vintage silver cornet. By Hawks and Son | 10/11/2009 |
| Q: My Father bought a Silver Cornet Called -THE CHIPPERTONE EXCELSIOR SCNCROUS CLASS A. No33777 By ... A: William Henry Hawkes, state trumpeter for Queen Victoria, started an import business in 1860 at ... | |
| Bugle | 10/9/2009 |
| Q: I bought 2 bugles from a second-hand shop. I know nothing about bugles or any brass instruments. My ... A: The one bugle is clearly brass - and so you could use Brasso on it to clean it up I can't tell if ... | |
| information & approx age of trumpet | 10/4/2009 |
| Q: I just purchased a trumpet reading:'Patent clear bore. Model class A. Exhibition prize medals ... A: Joseph Higham established his business in Manchester in 1842. He was succeeded by his son-in-law ... | |
| York cornet | 10/1/2009 |
| Q: I have an old cornet in my possession and was wondering if you might be able to shed a little bit of ... A: The York company was purchased by the Carl Fischer company in 1940. And although they kept the ... | |
| trombone: Silvertone - made in Elkhart | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: I recently picked up a horn with the Stencil "Silvertone" and "made in elkhart" on it. It has ... A: It seems as though the likely candidates are Conn, Buescher and Blessing. I have never seen ... | |
| Vincent Bach Mercury Trombone | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: My father has a Vincent Bach Mercury Trombone #1637 that we are thinking of refinishing for my 10yr ... A: I'd rather not get into the price of things, but suffice it to say that relacquering a horn is not ... | |
| Valve trombone | 9/21/2009 |
| Q: I have purchased a valve trombone at an auction, and I would like to know more about the instrument, ... A: I believe there was more than one company that used Champion. One was Lyon & Healy of Chicago, ... | |
| Gautrot Breveto | 9/16/2009 |
| Q: I have been given an old brass cornet with Gautrot Breveto on the bell plus below the words a small ... A: Neil, It sounds like you are describing a cornet, like this Gautrot: ... | |
| Trumpet | 9/16/2009 |
| Q: I have a Stowasser Bb trumpet with piston valve engraved "W. STOWASSER'S SOHNE COMO" below an eagle ... A: There was Bruder, Adolf (1874-1916) Graslitz, Anton (1897-1820) Graslitz, Franz 1895-1925 Graslitz, ... | |
| J.W. Pepper 1900 3-Valve Trombone | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: I'm probably going to buy a trombone tomorrow, and I would like to get any information I can about ... A: It would appear - though pictures can be deceiving - to be a Bb tenor. I think is too late to have ... | |
| trumpet | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: my name is amber. I have had a trumpet made by hary pedler and sons and i am just curious about what ... A: Harry Walter Pedler established his business in Elkhart in 1919, after previously working for ... | |
| Buescher | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: I have a Buescher Cornet/Trumpet? that was given to me by my Dad and am looking for more info on it. ... A: That's a very old horn. One of the issues with getting kids to play an instrument is that often ... | |
| Conn 15A Cornet | 9/8/2009 |
| Q: I haven't played since Jr. High, (50 yrs. ago) but thought I'd give relearning at try. Bought a ... A: Alfred. Changing the springs is a shot in the dark, not unlike saying, "My car isn't running well, ... | |
| Family Trumpet | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: We have an old German Trumpet--looks like three generations back-- which would place it somewhere ... A: Unless something lucky happens this is likely to be a needle in a haystack. Sometimes there is a ... | |
| Silver Cornet | 9/6/2009 |
| Q: I noticed a 2007 question re cornets and have another. I have a silver cornet and the bell is ... A: These are respected vintage instruments. Your dates to around 1886. Boston Musical Instrument ... | |
| trumpet made by Wm. Frank | 9/5/2009 |
| Q: I inherited a brass trumpet. The bell of the trumpet is ornately engraved and also engraved "Made By ... A: William Frank (b. 1876 Allentown, PA - 1932 Chicago) worked for Holton and in 1910 established his ... | |
| horns | 9/4/2009 |
| Q: Can you provide some history and #'s made of each for: Trumpet by John Heald, Springfield MA. ... A: John Heald was born in 1843, Atkinson, NH. in 1861, He moved to Mancester, NH where he learned t ... | |
| Frank Horton Euphonium | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: What can you tell me about a Frank Horton Euphonium, I believe, serial number on back of 2nd valve ... A: Holton was a trombonist with with Sousa in 1893-94. He achieved initial success with his ... | |
| Silver Baritone | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: Kenton, I own a small silver (plated? - upright bell orientation with three valves) Bb baritone that ... A: I find no reference for "Medallion". Therefore, I would have to assume that it is a horn stenciled ... | |
| Conn Instrument | 8/28/2009 |
| Q: I have a Conn trumpet or coronet. I have been told that is is a Model 48A. The Conn website ... A: The 48A was configured like this picture: http://www.xs4all.nl/~cderksen/images/48A1940.jpg This ... | |
| a VERY old cornet | 8/26/2009 |
| Q: I am a fifteen year-old trumpet player in high school and my grandmother just gave me a cornet for ... A: Lamoreaux Freres, Paris was a tradename used by the Sears (and Robuck) Company. Sears used a ... | |
| WURLITZER TRUMPET | 8/25/2009 |
| Q: I'm having difficulty in finding information on Wurlitzer brass instruments. I just inherited a ... A: It is hard to tell where Wurlitzer got all the instruments that they sold under their own name. ... | |
| Baritone/Euphonium Age | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: I have purchased an old brass instrument with 4 rotary valves, non-compensating, with this inscribed ... A: Even if there were a serial number on the instrument, and I don't believe that Mahillon actually ... | |
| Trombone brand | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: What brand might a trombone be if purchased "reconditioned" in the mid-fifties and has a number ... A: Jack, That is sort of like trying to determine the model of a car from its rear wheel. All you ... | |
| Antique J.W. Pepper Baritone | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: I have found an antique J.W. Pepper Baritone and I am trying to find the history on it. It has an ... A: The sale of musical instruments was added when Pepper's first retail store opened at 832 Filbert ... | |
| Boston trombone | 8/23/2009 |
| Q: I have an old silver trombone made by the Boston Musical Instrument Company, and I'd like to know ... A: The Boston Musical Instrument Manufactory was formed in 1869 with the merger of two of the most ... | |
| Antique Trumpet | 8/22/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Scott. My aunt inherited an old trumpet from an old friend. She took it to a person recommended ... A: Well, snort! Trust your suspicions. Considering the fact that valves weren't invented for brass ... | |
| J. Higham - Cornet | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: Similar to Belinda's question of 21 August 2008, except that I would not sell it . Tipperary Town in ... A: 1. Agreed. 2. Also sounds plausible. 3. Think of the Classes as models or quality levels. Makers ... | |
| J. Higham - Cornet | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: Similar to Belinda's question of 21 August 2008, except that I would not sell it . Tipperary Town in ... A: If the Garrison was started in the early 1900's then this horn was probably not associated with it. ... | |
| Beau Ideal Slide Trombone | 8/19/2009 |
| Q: I have seen your responses to questions about Beau Ideal valve trombones made by Lyon and Healey. I ... A: Probably nothing more than what you already know. Lyon & Healy acquired product from a variety of ... | |
| 1912 olds serial 819 | 8/19/2009 |
| Q: silver trombone says made by fe olds Los Angeles ca pat-April 2, 1912. Silver with gold embossed, ... A: Yes, I would say that that horn is definitely a keeper. The in-slide tuning was designed to allow ... | |
| Hawkes & Son trombone | 8/6/2009 |
| Q: I have a silver plated (i think) Trombone with quite alot of engraving on it (flowers etc) It also ... A: William Henry Hawkes, formed WH Hawkes and Son in 1889. In 1895, he moved to Denman St. Piccadilly ... | |
| Trumpet question reframed | 8/3/2009 |
| Q: Just got a trumpet with the following markings: Buescher Elkhart, Ind, True Tone, 131296 LP 11. ... A: It was a professional instrument when it was made. It still has some value. And, it probably still ... | |
| Coronet | 8/2/2009 |
| Q: I have a gold or brass? colored Coronet. On the bell you can barely make out J.Thibouvile London. ... A: The family is supposed to have started in Paris in 1860's producing all wind and string instruments. ... | |
| true tone buescher Grand elkhart ind | 8/1/2009 |
| Q: Grandfather passed, trying to get info on this silver plate? hard cased has numbers 36508 on one ... A: Lewis, You didn't say, but I'm assuming that it is a trombone. Oftentimes parts of trombones came ... | |
| Coronet | 7/31/2009 |
| Q: I have a gold or brass? colored Coronet. On the bell you can barely make out J.Thibouvile London. ... A: That would be brass. It is curious that it says London, since the whole group of makers named ... | |
| j w pepper trombome | 7/31/2009 |
| Q: I have a J W Pepper and son trombone. J W Pepper and son , Premier, and PHiladelphia are engraved on ... A: This horn was made around 1910-19, and was imported as Pepper had discontinued making instruments by ... | |
| Frank Holton Sousaphone | 7/31/2009 |
| Q: I have a BB flat Frank Holton silver Sousaphone se# 122482 made in 1937. Has a 27 inch bell with ... A: Jerry, I have heard either of that model of horn before OR I have heard about yours before! But ... | |
| cornet that belonged to my grandpa | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: I have inherited an old cornet that belonged to my grandfather. It is a Cuesnon Serial number 55384. ... A: Couesnon is a venerable old company that was started in 1827, and is still in business. There is, ... | |
| Silver Trombone | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: My grandson has been given a silver trombone. It is etched with a pattern, and Wm Frank Company ... A: William Frank (b. 1876 Allentown, PA - 1932 Chicago) worked for Holton and in 1910 established his ... | |
| Frank Holton | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: I found what appears to be a Frank Holton trumpet mouthpiece on the beach at my uncle' cabin. There ... A: Well, maybe you want to keep digging to find the rest of the horn! <g> That is a compelling idea, ... | |
| mellophone reference | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: I'm looking for some sort of written overview of the mellophone (early 20th century) so I can ... A: There was an podcast on Mellocast.com that discusses the mellophone history. But, I don't know that ... | |
| old Alto/Tenor horn | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: I was given an old Collegiate by Holton Alto horn, (I think.) It looks like a 1/2 size Baritone 7" X ... A: Yep, its an alto horn, though some folks call these altoiums, because they have a more narrow bore ... | |
| Pan American Cornet | 7/19/2009 |
| Q: I purcahsed a vintage Pan American Coronet and I'm having problems playing it. I know how to play a ... A: My first thought is I wonder if you are starting on the wrong harmonic. It is also possible that it ... | |
| Antique Euphonium or Baritone Horn | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: I have a very old instrument that looks like an euphonium but it only has 3 valves and is a little ... A: That is an old one. Franz Bock was in business from 1838 to 1869. It is hard to determine size ... | |
| Courtois Cornet | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: I was given a Courtois cornet a long while ago and recently found it again in my attic, the ... A: It is sort of pointless to look for a serial number. 1. Courtois didn't initially put serial ... | |
| Courtois Cornet | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: I was given a Courtois cornet a long while ago and recently found it again in my attic, the ... A: Well youu can tell from the engraving that it is no older than 1878. Courtois had a lot of agents ... | |
| age of cornet | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: I am wanting to research the age of a Lyons Monarch (Chicago, Ill) brass cornet with serial #40343, ... A: In 1928, the Lyons Band Instrument Company was started by Wm. H. Lyons, Howard R. Lyons, and ... | |
| G. Trombone | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: I have a G. Trombone would like to know more about it. It is highly engraved silver with copper ... A: It dates to around 1914. G bass trombones are fun. They need an extension handle on the slide ... | |
| JW York & Sons Trombone | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: I have my G.Grandfathers silver trombone. No serial numbers can be found on the bell. I have photos ... A: How certain are you of the 1911 date? How certain are you that it is this trombone in the picture? ... | |
| trombones | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: Hay,I just wanted to know when my trombone was made. It is a getzen super delux tone balanced ... A: Too many variables to really answer this question. 1) any horn in use runs the risk of being ... | |
| JW York & Sons Trombone | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: I have my G.Grandfathers silver trombone. No serial numbers can be found on the bell. I have photos ... A: I'm not sure where York might have put his engravings on his early models, but you might want to try ... | |
| Imperial Band Instruments | 7/6/2009 |
| Q: I recently acquired an Imperial Trumpet made in Williamsport PA. The serial number is 71. Do you ... A: Yes, Imperial was a company with mysterious origins. It was probably a group of Keefer employees ... | |
| monarch trumpet. | 7/5/2009 |
| Q: good afternoon kenton. i have found an old trumpet in my attic and i wondered if you could shed some ... A: Monarch is one of those names that a number of entities used. There is a Wurlitzer Monarch, a Lyons ... | |
| The Elkhart Band Instrument Company e-flat mellophone | 7/5/2009 |
| Q: The serial number is 148xxx. We are trying to find out when it was made and what quality level it ... A: The Elkhart Band Instrument Company was started in 1924 by Buescher President Andrew Beardsley. ... | |
| clarinet | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: A friend has a "clarinet like" instrument. She calls it a clarinet trombone. I don't think so. The ... A: My area isn't woodwinds, but this one is intriguing. If it is just thinner than a wooden clarinet, ... | |
| Antique French Horn | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: I have my fathers french horn and am trying to determine when it was manufactured. It has stamped ... A: The Elkhart Band Instrument Company was started in 1924 by Buescher President Andrew Beardsley. ... | |
| history-value? | 6/28/2009 |
| Q: I have a coronet made by Olds Superstar of Fullerton Ca. serial # 912157. I would like to find out ... A: made 1974-6 Ambassador Special Studio Super Recording Opera The Ambassador was a student horn and ... | |
| Buescher Trombone | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: From wht you do know what level of quality is the Buescher Trombone on. Was it an elite brand or ... A: A 1920s trombone with an f-attachment, was almost certainly intended to be a bass trombone. ... | |
| Previous Question | 6/22/2009 |
| Q: I was browsing the net looking for information about my family when I ran into ... A: Hannah, I'm not familiar enough with the workings of Ask the Experts to know whether there is a way ... | |
| French Horn | 6/21/2009 |
| Q: My father and I are trying to figure out the year of his french horn. We know it belonged to his ... A: Since 1836, the Kruspe family has been making instruments in Erfurt (PREDIGER-strasse 13 and then ... | |
| Cornet | 6/20/2009 |
| Q: I just purchased a cornet from a friend, and I am trying to figure out how old it is. It is a ... A: Not really. It is rumored that Ray Lammers used King instruments as his stencils. Here is one of ... | |
| Old Euphonium | 6/19/2009 |
| Q: We have an instrument we believe to be a 4 valve euphonium. It is silver and has the marking "Class ... A: There were a number of Williams companies. Earl Williams, Charles Williams, Williams Music House, ... | |
| horn | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: about 23 years ago i found this very old looking horn that i found it milner north dakota. it has a ... A: Aug. Heimen was a trade name used by GW Jenkins of Kansas City. JW Jekins was located in Kansas ... | |
| finger hook | 6/14/2009 |
| Q: I would like to purchase an adjustable finger hook for the lead pipe on my Conn 80A cornet. Know ... A: If you are talking about one of those that strap to the leadpipe and tighten down with a screw, I ... | |
| old Eb alto horn | 6/12/2009 |
| Q: I recently aquired a brass instrument which i have since found out is most likely an Eb Alto Horn. ... A: The dating of Besson instruments - particularly non-trumpets - is difficult. If you would like to ... | |
| 1916 Holton euphonium | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: I have a very old holton with a serial # of 35646. Is there anything you can tell me about the horn ... A: In 1898, Frank Holton opened his third-floor two-room Chicago shop and created his first trombone - ... | |
| Gautrot Aine & co. trombone | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: You gave me an excellent answer to my question. I do have a couple of other questions- Is it ... A: It is probably either silver plated brass, or german silver which is actually a type of brass. As ... | |
| Martin Superlative trumpet | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: I have a martin Superlative Dansant Model trumpet from the 1920s. What is the quality of this model ... A: It was a professional level instrument. As far as getting it repaired, it really depends on what ... | |
| 1912 Frank Holton couturier | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: I was handed down this model number 7340 by my father that was handed down to him by his Uncle Ben. ... A: I'm not sure what earlier message you are referencing, but Holton used the New Proportion model in ... | |
| antique ( I think) trombone | 6/6/2009 |
| Q: The complete inscription on this silver plated and it looks like the inside of the bell might have ... A: Gautrot was in business from 1845-1885 in Paris. Gautrot was a major litigant against Sax, which was ... | |
| Holton Trombone | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: I was told that in 1928 Holton produced a (or severa) trombone with the Whiteman potato head ... A: Yes, that is correct. Here is a picture of one: ... | |
| Martin Tuba - Silver - Bright Laquared Bell | 6/3/2009 |
| Q: "The Martin" - Elkhorn, Indiana BBb Sousaphone, Serial Number 185248 - Silver Satin Finish w/bright ... A: It is a comparatively new one, 1953. In the mid-1950s, the quality of the Martin began to decline. ... | |
| Sousaphone | 6/3/2009 |
| Q: I own a Windsor Sousaphone, on the bell is engraved, Windsor Elhart, IND, USA. The serial #33493, ... A: The Elkhart Band Instrument Company was started in 1924 by Andrew Beardsley. After Beardsley's death ... | |
| 1890 DISTIN CORNET | 6/3/2009 |
| Q: HOW RARE IS A 1890 EB CORNET PHILADELPHIA SUPERIOR MODEL FULLY ENGRAVED WITH ORIGNAL CASE AND ALL ... A: Distin was never a high volume - but very capable maker which makes his work desirable and ... | |
| 1916 Holton euphonium | 6/1/2009 |
| Q: I have a very old holton with a serial # of 35646. Is there anything you can tell me about the horn ... A: If you are asking whether there is any more information attached to the serial number other than a ... | |
| J. Gras Fluglehorn | 5/31/2009 |
| Q: I picked up a fluglehorn at a flea market in France this morning. The inscription says: Brevette ... A: Its possible, but you are probably going to have to be lucky or put some money into it. Gras was a ... | |
| Coronet Grand Rapids Stamped On The Bell | 5/30/2009 |
| Q: I have recently acquired a coronet and have no idea when it was made or even what type it is. It is ... A: I assume that the serial number is really 115197, but that really doesn't tell us much, other than ... | |
| elkhart alto condition | 5/30/2009 |
| Q: I own a silver-plated sax, and it's been sitting in an attic for 30 years. The case has aquired ... A: Conn saxes are respected instruments, so it is probably worth keeping in good working condition. ... | |
| Old Carl Fischer French Horn | 5/27/2009 |
| Q: Trying to find out more about my strange little horn - hope you can help! I bought it back in 1978, ... A: Carl Fischer (1849-1923) started as a dealer in New York in 1872, after immigrating from Germany ... | |
| boston musical instrument | 5/27/2009 |
| Q: I recently purchased a baritone by the Boston musical instrument manuf'y. Its serial number is ... A: I believe that you are describing an alto horn dating to 1892. Unfortunately, there are no off ... | |
| Springs on a trumpet key squeaking | 5/26/2009 |
| Q: I have taken on the burden of restoring my grandfather's trumpet (Selmer Paris Deville from the ... A: If all of the pistons squeak, then I would suspect that there may be incorrect springs in it. If it ... | |
| Antique cornet | 5/23/2009 |
| Q: i have recently acquired my grandfathers cornet and was hoping to find out a little bit more about ... A: That horn dates to 1900. At that time there was not settled upon standard pitch so, yes, some bands ... | |
| Silver Trumpet | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: I recently came across a llewllen model silver trumpet made by Frank Holton & co. serial number on ... A: 1929. It is a model that was made in the configuration preferred by Edward Llewellyn, 1st trumpet ... | |
| trombone | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: i have found a trombone in grandfathers house aftor he diad that i would like to know more about. it ... A: No, I'm afraid that it is too obscure. They might show up occasionally, but not often. Here is a ... | |
| Small King Tuba | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: 25 years ago I bought a King, by H.N. White - Cleveland Tuba at an auction. It stands roughly 33 - ... A: That would be an early one, prior to 1900. Tell your wife, that she should be happy with just a ... | |
| silver taylor & horn coronet | 5/17/2009 |
| Q: I have had this coronet for over thirty years, it was given to me by an elderly woman- was wondering ... A: It partly sounds like you are talking about an Andrew Taylor instrument. As he made a Chicago ... | |
| Old Getzen compensating double | 5/15/2009 |
| Q: Okay, I saw you addressing this model earlier. Here's my problem: I had one of these that I gave to ... A: Well, I always have the dilemma between a quick answer and a correct answer. So, I'll start with a ... | |
| Old Euphonium | 5/11/2009 |
| Q: I came across an old Euphonium I purchased at auction years ago. It has 2 bells and 5 valves. It is ... A: Ah, yes the venerable old Double Belled Euphonium. The ultimate low brass status symbol! These ... | |
| Louis Dubois horn | 5/10/2009 |
| Q: My father has this really old horn. The horn has "Louis Dubois" engraved on it. It also has a pat. ... A: The Louis DuBois instruments I have seen, do appear to be from the 4th quarter of the 18th century. ... | |
| OLD TRUMPET | 5/10/2009 |
| Q: I WAS GIVEN AN F.E.OLDS SUPER RECORDER TRUMPET FOR MY 14TH BIRTHDAY(63 YEARS-AGO).I KNOW IT WAS MADE ... A: I guess that depends on whether you are interested in selling it or whether you are just wanting to ... | |
| Previous letter. | 5/9/2009 |
| Q: Concerning the question by Ryan on 1/6/09 about his Maison Couturier Bugle 1812. What was your ... A: Jacques Couturier of Lyon was in business from 1812-1900. In partnership with Dubois as Dubois & ... | |
| Trumpet | 5/9/2009 |
| Q: I bought this particular trumpet from a used furniture store, of all places. Just curious if you ... A: Charles Mahillon founded his business in Bruxelles in 1836. In its earlier years the company appears ... | |
| OLD TRUMPET | 5/8/2009 |
| Q: I WAS GIVEN AN F.E.OLDS SUPER RECORDER TRUMPET FOR MY 14TH BIRTHDAY(63 YEARS-AGO).I KNOW IT WAS MADE ... A: I've seen the Super Recording Model on Olds Lists from the 1940s, and catalogs from the period, but ... | |
| J.W. Pepper Long Cornet | 5/6/2009 |
| Q: About a year ago I purchased a 1910 J.W. Pepper long Cornet on ebay and I love it. It is a fabulous ... A: If the date of 1910 is solid, then the horn you have is probably not made by Pepper. In the 1800's ... | |
| trombone by C. Mahillon | 5/6/2009 |
| Q: I have an antique trombone by C. Mahillon that I would like to get more information on...I have been ... A: Charles Mahillon founded his business in Bruxelles in 1836, and continued in business until 1935. In ... | |
| Besson euphonium | 5/6/2009 |
| Q: I have a student with a euphonium serial #A92530. We are wondering how old it is and anything else ... A: The early Bessons had no such serial numbers, so I have to presume that it is of more recent ... | |
| holton euphonium | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: I was given what I assume to be a Holton euphonium. It has 3 valves together and a 4th valve at an ... A: I presume that you are assuming it to be an euphonium, not that you are assuming it to be a Holton. ... | |
| trombone Gift | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: Kenton, I am pursuing a gift for a young (13) but seriously dedicated trombone player. Since I know ... A: Serious players with a bent for history, or a special reverence for a particular player might. ... | |
| Old Brass Bugle | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: I have a old brass bugle and would like to find some more info on it. Maybe you could help me. It is ... A: I don't know what else the LP would stand for. Serial numbers were used by most makers as a way to ... | |
| trombone Gift | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: Kenton, I am pursuing a gift for a young (13) but seriously dedicated trombone player. Since I know ... A: Well, of course there are many kind of kids (as there are adults). Most - kids and adults - are ... | |
| Old Brass Bugle | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: I have a old brass bugle and would like to find some more info on it. Maybe you could help me. It is ... A: The company was renamed Fontaine-Besson in 1880. Marthe Besson and Adolphe Fontaine both died in ... | |
| Holton Trumpet | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: I have an old Holton trumpet that has been lying around for forty years or more, serial number ... A: Well it has been somewhere for longer than 40 years! It was made in approximately 1923. Back at ... | |
| silver piccolo | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: I have the chance to purchase a silver piccolo which has been in the same family for several ... A: Woodwind instrument are not my area, but I'll take a shot at this anyway. I would think it ... | |
| Lyon & Healy (Harry B. Jay) tuba | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: A friend has a re-built CC tuba that began as a large Lyon & Healy BB-flat with "Made in Chichago" ... A: I sure would like to tap into your recollections about working at Lyon & Healy! I'm sure you know ... | |
| Buescher Custom Built Trumpet S/N 312605 | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: I have the above Buescher Trumpet which I bought used in 1962 or 1963. It probably needs to be ... A: It dates to 1916. Buescher used to use the description "True-Tone", could that be what you are ... | |
| E. E. Ridgely Cornet | 4/26/2009 |
| Q: I have been given an old cornet that I am curious about. It is a silver cornet with "Made by E. E. ... A: I don't have any information on the maker, but it appears to me that the horn is a bit older than ... | |
| old trumpet | 4/26/2009 |
| Q: We got a trumpet given to us with no history. It is a brass trumpet with A R Huttl Reg'd Western ... A: Anton Konrad Huttl started his company in Grazlitz in 1877. The company advertised in 1913 that they ... | |
| Champion Silver Piston Chicago Cornet | 4/25/2009 |
| Q: I've recently sent my grandmother's 1910 Champion Silver Piston Chicago cornet for complete ... A: It is very likely that it did not come with a case. Lyon and Healy - the company that sold Champion ... | |
| Holton cornet mouth pieces | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: I am new at brass playing, stringed instrument player and saxophone for a while. I just acquired a ... A: The 10C may be a bit small but the 3C would probably be too large. The 7C is a typical starter ... | |
| Conn cornet | 4/23/2009 |
| Q: I have a Conn cornet labeled Elkhart Ind and Worcester MA. S/n 29917, Pat. June 15, 1886. What can ... A: Your horn was made in 1895. At that time Conn was making horn both at his plant in Elhart and also ... | |
| CGConn LTD Elkhart IND Cornet | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: I do have a very old brass cornet that was told was built in the 1914 during the USA civil war. It ... A: Couple of problems here. 1) Conn wasn't yet in business during the Civil War 2) The Civil War had ... | |
| Valve trombone by H N White | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: I have this valve trombone that was made by H N White but it does not match the depiction in the ... A: That horn would have been made between 1900-1905. Lots of changes occurred between then and that ... | |
| trombone/trumpet | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: I have a J.W. Pepper Perfected slide trombone #45937. It also has Philadelphia printed on the bell. ... A: Well, let's see The Pepper is around the turn of the century The Conn is from 1914. I'm guessing ... | |
| very old coronet | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: My father, who died 13 years ago, played in a Civil-War Era band. I still have his instrument, but ... A: Well, although, that is not really of Civil War vintage nor a Civil War style instrument, it is ... | |
| Dating a Salvation Army tuba - followup | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: I recently purchased a very used but working silver upright tuba, manufactured by the Salvation Army ... A: The main tuning slide is the main place that it needs lengthening, but all the valve slides need to ... | |
| CONN Coprion Cornet | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: My Dad is about to turn 90, and he has been reminiscing about his days playing in the Army Band (and ... A: It was made in 1941. I have never heard that about a copper bell, but I've never tried to refurbish ... | |
| antique german made? trumpet | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: I have recently inherited from my father an antique trumpet. I am curious as to what year it was ... A: Unfortunately, that is not enough information to make any determinations. The mouthpiece is not a ... | |
| Frank Holton Trombone | 4/12/2009 |
| Q: I've gotten a silver Frank Holton Trombone, #126105. It was pretty messy when I got it, but a round ... A: In 1917 Holton moved his company from Chicago to Elkhorn, Wisconsin, In the 1930's, Holton ... | |
| brass instrument: french horn-baritone? | 4/12/2009 |
| Q: My grandparents are in possession of an instrument that belonged to my great-great grandfather. it ... A: Sounds to me like you are describing an alto horn, which looks like this: ... | |
| Cornet | 4/12/2009 |
| Q: I have a cornet that I would like to have restored. It was purchased around 1929 used. It has a ... A: Does your instrument look something like this? ... | |
| Old LeBlanc Flugelhorn | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: I found an old LeBlanc flugelhorn in an antique shop recently and despite my being a sax player I ... A: Leblanc was started in 1904 as a woodwind maker in La Couture and Paris. Their brass instrument ... | |
| Holton 1912 mellophone | 4/8/2009 |
| Q: I have a Chicago mellophone as you have described to another user of this forum. I am looking to ... A: Well there are special circumstances that may be reasons to approach an appraiser, but for most ... | |
| Boosey & Hawkes Emperor Bb Trumpet | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: I have a Boosey & Hawkes Emperor Bb trumpet with a 13C Rudy Mück cushion rim made in England ... A: It appears to have been made in 1955. It should be a good horn. Boosey and Hawkes has a long ... | |
| Euphonium / Alto Horn | 4/4/2009 |
| Q: I recently purchased what I think is either a euphonium or an alto horn (I will attach an image). ... A: Pictures can sometimes be deceiving, but your horn appears to be an alto horn. Lecomte & Cie made ... | |
| M.I. Kalashen Peerless Trumpet | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: I have this trumpet and would like some more info on it. This horn is silver and on the bell there ... A: Mark Kalashen was a Dealer and possibly a Maker in New York from 1895 to 1930. His address in 1901 ... | |
| French Horn | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: Scot, I recently acquired an old french horn which has the inscription "Serenader, USA" and "Made ... A: It is suspected that the Serenaders were instruments made in Italy, and imported by Buegeleisen & ... | |
| Besson Bell-Forward Euphonium | 4/2/2009 |
| Q: I have a Besson Euphonium, 4 valve Compensating with a removable forward bell. I am trying to ... A: Trying to determine age of Besson instruments is difficult at best. There are partial serial number ... | |
| getzen super deluxe | 4/1/2009 |
| Q: I have a Getzen Super Deluxe Baritone horn. The only other writing on it that I can see, is Elkhorn, ... A: I would think there would be a serial number on it, probably on the valve casing? If you find one, ... | |
| Old Soprano Trombone (Slide Cornet) | 4/1/2009 |
| Q: I have a soprano trombone (slide trumpet or slide cornet) that I cannot find much information on. ... A: Soprano Trombone. Slide trumpets were a different design. I've not seen an example of a American ... | |
| C.G. Conn Trumpet | 3/30/2009 |
| Q: Good evening! My husband has a trumpet that was his Grandfathers,and we're just wanting to know ... A: The horn was made in 1927, but I suspect it is a cornet rather than a trumpet. The mouthpiece, if ... | |
| Lorenzo Sansone 5 valve fr. horn | 3/27/2009 |
| Q: I have recently acquired this French horn from a friend who bought it in the late 1950s. Would ... A: I would hesitate to guess what you might have, I would suggest that you take it to some proficient ... | |
| clarinet | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: my daughter was given this clarinet is it by cavalier in elkhart, ind USA. it has a number on the ... A: Metal clarinets were kind of an experiment in the early-mid 1900s. A few were well made, but most ... | |
| old baritone | 3/24/2009 |
| Q: I have and old baritone with "Lyon Healy Own Make" on the bell, and No.527 in a square on top of the ... A: Lyon and Healy mostly imported instruments, but for a brief time starting in 1896, they made some of ... | |
| 1886 CONN Cornet | 3/24/2009 |
| Q: I have acquired what I believe to be a Conn Cornet? with a patent date of June 15, 1886. It came ... A: The patent is for the Wonder model valve design and the bits and tubing are to switch it from high ... | |
| Reynolds Piston Valve French Horn | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: I have a Reynolds, piston valve french horn, marked with the number 4882 on the second valve body ... A: Reynolds did indeed make a piston French horn. However, they made many more mellophones. And, ... | |
| Antique Trombone | 3/22/2009 |
| Q: I have a Couesnon silver plated trombone. It is inscribed: "Couesnon & Co. First gold medal Paris ... A: Darn, I thought I answered this question, I must have forgotten to hit the send button. It ... | |
| Antique trumpet | 3/20/2009 |
| Q: I have acquired an old trumpet from my grandparents so i showed it to my band director and she said ... A: Well, you've got me on that one. My guess is that it is a stencil. That is, it was sold by a music ... | |
| Boosey & Hawkes Imperial cornet | 3/20/2009 |
| Q: I have a Boosey & Hawkes "Imperial" cornet which has had extra 'lengths' added, which I was told was ... A: Was the picture a part of your original question? If so, I missed it. The horn appears original ... | |
| F. Jaubert & Cie. cornet | 3/20/2009 |
| Q: I have a cornet by F. Jaubert that I'd like to know more about, but can't find more info. I'd ... A: Monique, Jaubert was a Lyon and Healy tradename, and some of L&H's other brands would say various ... | |
| Boosey & Hawkes Imperial cornet | 3/19/2009 |
| Q: I have a Boosey & Hawkes "Imperial" cornet which has had extra 'lengths' added, which I was told was ... A: A couple of possibilities, it may be that the horn was designed to play in multiple keys. Or it is ... | |
| 1907 Holton Special | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: I have acquired an old Holton Special trombone with the serial number 3874. I did a little research ... A: I agree with 1907 as the manufacture date. That would be a good 'Pryor solo' horn! In Holton's ... | |
| King Sousaphone | 3/15/2009 |
| Q: I discovered your web site while doing some research on an old King silver Sousaphone I own in an ... A: Carl, It dates to the late 1050s. It is probably the model 1250. I also have one of these. They ... | |
| antique fillmore national cornet | 3/15/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering if you would be able to provide any information about my grandfather's old cornet ... A: John Henry Fillmore was better known as a composer and publisher, but he also had The Fillmore ... | |
| American Prep mellophone | 3/13/2009 |
| Q: I work at a music store in Wisconsin, and one of our schools sent us an old Wm. Frank Co. American ... A: The information on Frank serials is - to be kind - a bit sketchy. ... | |
| Antique Trombone | 3/13/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to find information on a trombone that I recently came across. It has "American ... A: American Professional is one of the tradenames used by the Lyon and Healy company of Chicago. Lyon ... | |
| conn vocabell 40A cornet/trumpet | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: Could you tell me a bit about the conn vocabell cornet and trumpet and approximate value. Thanks so ... A: The 40A Connqueror was a .468 Bore Long model, produced between 1932- 1941 THe Vocabell was ... | |
| W. Stowasser's söhne trumpet | 3/8/2009 |
| Q: I have a W. Stowasser's söhne trumpet from my grandfather that is at least 90 years old built by ... A: Wenzel Stowasser flourished from 1860-1945 in Graslitz, Stowasswers Sohn and in 1945 expropriated. ... | |
| Frank Holton Horn | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: I have a Frank Holton horn serial number 18178. Is there any way to date it? Looks to be in pretty ... A: The mellophones typically have one of two mouthpiece sizes. A smaller one that is roughly the same ... | |
| Conn Helicon tuba | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: I have run across a BBb Conn 3-valve (piston) Helicon tuba. Its serial number is 171310. I am ... A: It depends on how you want to sell it. Helicons have one big liablity. They are hard to ship. ... | |
| vintage French cornets | 3/3/2009 |
| Q: I have a French made cornet with the name Professional engraved on the bell. Bell flare appears to ... A: Professional - Wurlitzer, American Professional, Lyon & Healy, Harwood, Pedler, Symphony, Reynolds, ... | |
| Conn trumpet | 3/2/2009 |
| Q: I acquired a CG Conn ornate silver plated trumpet #269411 that was in the trash. It is in poor ... A: The horns dates to 1929. Its value sounds like it has been compromised by the treatment it has been ... | |
| bossey and hawkes cornet/trumpet | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: i have had one left to me by my grandma and wanted to find out about the history is of it. i ... A: The history of Boosey and Hawkes is really the history of two companies; Boosey & Co and Hawkes and ... | |
| Euphonium | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: Recently, a family friend offered me an antique euphonium. It has 3 valves and an inscription: C.B. ... A: There were some makers named Paris, but none were CB nor GB and they were woodwind makers. There ... | |
| ohio band co trumpet | 2/26/2009 |
| Q: Reasently i purchased a trumpet with an embrodery on the bell stateing,THE REGENT MADE BY OHIO ... A: REgent was a model name of the Ohio Band Instrument Company which came into existence in the 30's, ... | |
| 1914 York Mellophone | 2/26/2009 |
| Q: I have a mellophone from 1914 (A york) There are 2 twist type adjusters that can open and close ... A: Yes, there were a number of different ways that makers accomplished this, but a common plan for ... | |
| Frank Holton Horn | 2/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a Frank Holton horn serial number 18178. Is there any way to date it? Looks to be in pretty ... A: Yes, it plays in the same range as the alto trombone. Peck horn is a slang term that is used to ... | |
| holton trumpet | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: I have a holton trumpet.the model number is t602r and the serial number is 036214.it has what looks ... A: The Frank Holton Company was acquired by G. Leblanc Corporation in 1964, so it really ceased being ... | |
| Eb Alto Horn York | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: I have acquired a York Artist series Eb horn. When purchasing I though this instrument was a ... A: The fingering is the same as for the French horn, it just reads Eb music. When they were used in ... | |
| cornet | 2/22/2009 |
| Q: I have my G G Grandfathers cornet that I want to restore for my son to play, but would like to know ... A: This horn dates back to the early 1930s. It should be a good horn for your son, assuming it is in ... | |
| cornet models. | 2/21/2009 |
| Q: How does one define the model of a cornet ( eg an 80A, etc). All I can find (sometimes) is the ... A: Charlie, I need more specifics. Are you are referring to only Conn instruments? xxA is a Conn ... | |
| Martin baritione | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: I am considering the purchase of an old Martin Band Instrument Co. (Elkhart, IN) 3-valve baritone ... A: Can't help with the mouthpiece, but the horn dates to approximately 1917. There is some debate on ... | |
| Lyon & Healy 4 piston tuba | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: I recently inherited a Lyon & Healy Eb 4 value Tuba s/n 6611 in fairly good condition along with a ... A: It is true that a vintage Eb (underline Eb) mouthpiece will make a vintage Eb instrument play better ... | |
| Antique 4 valve Euphonium | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: I recently purchased and antique 4 valve Euphonium. After having the lead pipe replaced, I found ... A: I'm assuming since you didn't mention it, that there is no maker's name or other markings on the ... | |
| conn trumpet | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: A friend just gave me an old Conn trumpet she found in her mom's attic. I think it is a trumpet, but ... A: OK, we are talking about a horn from the mid 1920's then. It is hard to exactly envision what is ... | |
| conn trumpet | 2/18/2009 |
| Q: A friend just gave me an old Conn trumpet she found in her mom's attic. I think it is a trumpet, but ... A: I think you are describing a cornet. But, I wonder about that serial number. Is it possible that ... | |
| Eb Alto Horn York | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: I have acquired a York Artist series Eb horn. When purchasing I though this instrument was a ... A: the horn dates to the mid 1950's. There are several makers that went to the mechanical linkages ... | |
| Continental Colonial sousaphone | 2/16/2009 |
| Q: About 5 years ago I got an old sousaphone from an estate, and am playing it for community band. I ... A: Continental Music Company was begun by Conn in 1923 as a wholesale division of it's Chicago retail ... | |
| Baritone problems | 2/14/2009 |
| Q: I have recently found a baritone in my attic which has belonged to my family for a long time. I was ... A: Stuck valves are not usually a big problem . . . unless in trying to fix them, they are actually ... | |
| trumpet or cornet | 2/14/2009 |
| Q: i have my grandfathers horn is it a trumpet or acornet can you provide any info. on the maker and ... A: He established his instrument manufactory and repair shop in 1889, first at 23 Taylor Street, 275 ... | |
| Elkhart | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: After hurricane Katrina I grabbed 2 trumpets and a cornet from my grandparent's house. Upon further ... A: The Elkhart Band Instrument Company was started in 1924 by President Andrew Beardsley, as a sister ... | |
| Old Conn` | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: I have an old C.G Conn Coronet, the serial is 238492 i know the horn dates back to about 1926-1927 ... A: There is practically no way to determine the model from the serial number. But you can go to either ... | |
| Dating a vintage Besson tuba | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: Scott, I acquired a silver Besson upright tuba some years ago. I am now trying to date it's year of ... A: I can't account for the serial number, but Besson ran several different serial number lists ... | |
| boosey & co cornet | 2/4/2009 |
| Q: i was hoping someone could help me dating this cornet i have tried many web pages but when i get ... A: The serial number on the bell is the one that is used for dating. Actually, using serial numbers to ... | |
| J.W. Perry baritone | 2/1/2009 |
| Q: I have received, as a gift, a JW Perry baritone...this is not a marching instrument. Not in the ... A: It was probably made around the turn of the century, and Pepper obtained his horns from a variety of ... | |
| Olds Trombone SN: 20212 | 1/29/2009 |
| Q: Kenton, I would like to know more information about my Olds Trombone, SN 20212 made by F.E Olds and ... A: It apparently was new when you got it. My list would say that it was made in 1946. I don't have ... | |
| Holton H376 double french horn | 1/29/2009 |
| Q: With serial number 402329 can you tell me when it is made and where can I find a picture of it? I'm ... A: I don't have any pictures of that particular model, but I do have a number of Holton horns pictured ... | |
| Pan-American french horn | 1/27/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to find some information on an old Pan American french horn that I have. It has piston ... A: I think if you mean that it is missing the piston, then I think about the only way you will find a ... | |
| A Holton Chicago Trumpet | 1/23/2009 |
| Q: I have a Holton trumpet (it is definitely not a cornet), with a union label stamp on the middle ... A: You horn was made in 1914. Holton played trombone with Sousa in the 1890s, and then Holton opened ... | |
| Old Conn Cornet | 1/20/2009 |
| Q: I have purchased a Cornet for my Granddaughter to use for music class. I was told it is a Conn. It ... A: I fear you may have mis-understood my answer to your email, I didn't mean to say that your horn was ... | |
| Double Bell | 1/20/2009 |
| Q: Could you tell me where i can buy Euphonium Double bell. In Holland it's very difficult to find ... A: Well, since they are only available as vintage instruments, it means that to find one, you need to ... | |
| e flat Boosey Horn | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: Can you tell me anything about the following horn? E flat tenor horn, Boosey & Co makers 295 Regent ... A: Play it! I have a baritone and tuba that are just a couple of years younger that I play all the ... | |
| Antique Turville & Cie Paris baritone horn | 1/14/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know the history of the company or anything applicable. I have a family of brass ... A: It is pretty cool that you have a set of the horns still together. Historically, many horns were ... | |
| Maison Couturier Bugle | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: My uncle recently showed me an old bugle that he found and bought from a local antique dealer. It's ... A: I'm having difficulties with my WEB site at the moment, but I can get you a list of bugles, with ... | |
| elkhart trombone built by buescher | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: horn is in raw brass, 8" bell, 508 bore, serial number 103707 with 68i stamped above that. do you ... A: The Elkhart Band Instrument Company was started in 1924 by Buescher President Andrew Beardsley. ... | |
| Riedl tuba/helicon | 1/5/2009 |
| Q: I bought a old helicon with 4 rotary valves marked Eduard Riedl senior Graslitz, serial number 124. ... A: Franz Xaver Hüller, born 12/29/1856, in Pechbach, founded his factory in Graslitz in 1880. The ... | |
| antique trombone | 1/5/2009 |
| Q: For Christmas I was given an antique trombone made by a brand named Champion, I was wondering if it ... A: There was more than one company that used Champion as a tradename, but the most common was Lyon and ... | |
| antique coronet | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: I have a silver coronet made by CG Conn in Elkhart Ind and Worcester Mass serial number 14593, ... A: Your horn was made in 1888. In 1886, Conn, purchased the Fiske Plant in Worcester and labeled horns ... | |
| Sousaphone | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: I have a old sousaphone which was played in our town Band in the 20's and 30's. It has the following ... A: Perfection is one of those terms that were used by a number of companies. Bruno used it, as did ... | |
| Identity of horn | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: Just a note to ask a couple of questions concerning a horn I have. It is a lefthanded, piston ... A: Yes, I know the horn, and I agree 1942. Other makers also tried making French horns with piston ... | |
| Selmer sax | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: My husband found his deceased father's Selmer Mark VI sax which he guesses is quite old as his dad ... A: Saxes aren't my area, but. . . The Mark VI doesn't go back as far as WWII. So, it can't be that ... | |
| Conn Helicon Baritone | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: We have a 4-valve Helicon Baritone (b-flat) horn made by Conn. The inscription reads "Made by ... A: I'd like to see pictures of that! If you would care to share pictures, please send to ... | |
| French Horn | 1/1/2009 |
| Q: This Horn is a Fleshmen. I Believe German in origin. Plant destroyed in the WWII. A Friend of my ... A: Ed Kruspe. Since 1836, the Kruspe family has been making instruments in Erfurt (PREDIGER-strasse ... | |
| Vendome trumpet | 12/30/2008 |
| Q: My daughter just purchased a trumpet. The person we bought it from thinks it was made in the 1940's. ... A: That is not a name that I have come across before, But the numbering system on the valves would ... | |
| trumpet | 12/29/2008 |
| Q: Scott, I recently obtained a trumpet. It was a dear friend of mine. he was originally from NY and ... A: A trumpet isn't like a piano or a guitar where you push or pluck something and it makes a note. ... | |
| origin and rarity of trombone | 12/27/2008 |
| Q: my family has an old trombone that my in laws found in paris. It seems smaller than normal, but ... A: It is a Courtois trombone sold by a dealer Chappell. It obviously isn't any older than 1878. ... | |
| J W. York and sons | 12/26/2008 |
| Q: i have a brass cornet, in perfect condition with no marks or scratches. By any chance how much is it ... A: 1. You can determine its approximate age by using this chart: ... | |
| The Buescher Grand Model L Slide Trombone | 12/21/2008 |
| Q: I just purchased an old silver on brass slide trombone with the following: The Buescher~Grand ... A: By the serial number your horn was made in 1914. The friction fit connection between the bell and ... | |
| Old trombone | 12/17/2008 |
| Q: I have a Cleveland King 605 from 1940-41 that my mom bought me last summer and I've been learning to ... A: Well, there are two factors there; Trombone slides although simple in concept have a lot of things ... | |
| mellophone | 12/15/2008 |
| Q: My husband is a music nut so I picked up an old mellophone at a historical society sale. This is (I ... A: Check the middle of the 2nd valve casing, that would be the most likely place for the serial number. ... | |
| old tuba | 12/15/2008 |
| Q: I bought an old, BBb? tuba. It has four valves that rotate, like some of the better orchestra ... A: From what you have said, it does sound like it could very well be a 4 rotary valve Eb tuba. And, ... | |
| Buescher Alto Sax | 12/7/2008 |
| Q: Hey there. I'm a 13 year old and I've been playing sax for 4 1/2 years now. I've recently inherited ... A: Brady, I don't usually answer questions on saxes, but I will tell you a bit about your sax. Your ... | |
| Boston Trumpet | 12/5/2008 |
| Q: I have a Boston trumpet #9367. The seller stated it as a .470 bore but when I received it I measured ... A: Dave, What was reported on Horn-u-copia was that the seller of the horn pictured believed that it ... | |
| Louis B Malecki | 12/3/2008 |
| Q: I acquired an old cornet from a friend that picked it up at a garage sale. The cornet has "Louis B ... A: Paradox was apparently his model name. Both of those references were based on the same horn. NLI is ... | |
| What is this? | 12/2/2008 |
| Q: My mother-in-law found this instrument in an attic quite some time ago in a motel they purchased in ... A: It is a soprano trombone. It is a horn that many people would like to have (me too). It is more in ... | |
| York Cornet | 11/29/2008 |
| Q: I am a percussionist but also a middle school band director. I have recently come in to owning a ... A: Some of my best friends are percussionist middle school band directors. . . well my son-in-law is ... | |
| Trumpet | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: I have my grandfather's trumpet manufactured by the Boston Musical Instrument Company in 1918-19 ... A: In a word, yes. I'm assuming that it is in relatively good condition, and refurbishing it is ... | |
| antique trumpet | 11/23/2008 |
| Q: I have a silver trumpet marked "Bachman Perfected" patented July 1910 #15189 which says it is ... A: The few references I find to the name that sounds, Bachman; were all spelled with a double 'n'. ... | |
| JTL euphonium | 11/23/2008 |
| Q: I have a Euphonium marked: U.S. JTL Jerome Thibouville-Lamy Paris New York 106494 I'd love to know ... A: The Thibouville family businesses started in Paris in 1860's producing all wind and string ... | |
| Carl Fischer instrument | 11/22/2008 |
| Q: I found a baritone or euphonium in the attic of my church that hasn't been touched in a very long ... A: Carl Fischer has a long history as a dealer in instruments, and obtained them from a variety of ... | |
| counter weight | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: I recently received an old trombone as a gift. Someone found it in their attic. It was in a beat ... A: The counter weights - in addition to those that were sold with the horn - were also an after market ... | |
| old "crusader" trombone | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: I recently received an old trombone as a gift. Someone found it in their attic. It was in a beat ... A: Gretsch used Crusader as a tradename, however, there are other horns out there that use the name as ... | |
| Ludwig trumpet | 11/15/2008 |
| Q: I saw a "Ludwig St. Louis" trumpet today and am trying to get information about it. So far nobody ... A: Ludwig marketed bugles for a while, and they also sold a number of instruments (trumpets, cornets, ... | |
| Frank Holtn/Rudy Wiedoeft Model | 11/13/2008 |
| Q: I came into some horns (4 trombones), and one old sax. I was able to determine that it was made by ... A: I should remind Roberta that as it states in the introduction, that I am here to respond to ... | |
| Very Old Conn Coronet | 11/11/2008 |
| Q: I came upon an old Conn Coronet made of Brass with intricate flower designs etched on the bell. It ... A: It goes back to 1914 back before the time that Conn assigned model numbers to his instruments. And, ... | |
| mouthpiece shank | 11/10/2008 |
| Q: I've noticed that a lot of the questions aksed here refer to mouthpiece shanks. I was wondering ... A: I'm not sure what your question is about shanks. The shank is the part of the mouthpiece that fits ... | |
| Revere Stradolin trombone | 11/10/2008 |
| Q: I have a trombone marked Revere Stradolin Elkhart Indiana. Do you know who manufactured these? I ... A: I have no definitive information on the Stradolin instruments, but my suspicion is that they were ... | |
| tuba | 11/9/2008 |
| Q: i recently found a very nice insterment the name on it is york band inst.co it is silver and in ... A: The horn dates to the late 1920s. The value of the horn would depend on a number of things. Being ... | |
| Keefer trombone | 11/6/2008 |
| Q: I am thinking of buying an old tenor trombone. It is silver and has the words Made by Keefer ... A: The Keefer company formed in 1909 made excellent quality instruments until the early 1940s. After ... | |
| A. Hileron Cornet | 11/6/2008 |
| Q: I have an A. Hileron Paris signed horn which, I believe, based on another post is a cornet. It is ... A: There is no documentation on a company by this name, so it seems likely that it is a tradename ... | |
| Buescher model 8 trumpet | 11/1/2008 |
| Q: I have a Buescher True-tone model 8 New England trumpet. It has two slides on the tuning slide. It ... A: Have you tried this horn with a tuner to see what pitch it is playing in? A C trumpet is higher ... | |
| Buescher model 8 trumpet | 10/30/2008 |
| Q: I have a Buescher True-tone model 8 New England trumpet. It has two slides on the tuning slide. It ... A: Since it is marked as a low pitch, that would seem to define that it was designed to play at ... | |
| Father's antique trumpet | 10/27/2008 |
| Q: My father played in many dance bands in the 30' & 40's with a Blessing Co. silver, engraved trumpet, ... A: OK, let me separate your question into two parts. The horn is resell-able, but it is not worth ... | |
| Another Regent by the Ohio Band Co. | 10/17/2008 |
| Q: I also learned on a borrowed Coronet. It is "The Regent" from the Ohio Band company with a serial ... A: Information we have on Ohio Band Instrument Company wasthat it came into existance in the early ... | |
| American Triumph Art musical Trumpet | 10/14/2008 |
| Q: I have a silver Art American Triumph trumpet with the tuning slide and the third valve slide ... A: Yep, it is all very confusing. 1894 - After working for Conn-Dupont, Buescher left to start his ... | |
| ly0n & healy trombone | 10/12/2008 |
| Q: on this trombone asked about gold plating-#201690 WAS THIS MADEIN 1896 or before? would it be ... A: The Lyon and Healy company was victim of several fires, so there are no records to base any kind of ... | |
| lyon & healy trombone | 10/8/2008 |
| Q: on bell=lyon & healy makers Chicago USA #201690 did l&h gold-plate any of these horns? ... A: L&H would put gold highlights and gold wash on bells, but at least according to my 1894 catalog they ... | |
| Trombone | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: We have a trombone made by J. W. Pepper, importer. Philadelphia is engraved on it plus numbers ... A: The Pepper company started as a Philadelphia print shop in 1845. Your horn comes from around the ... | |
| Buescher sousaphone | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: I am a member of a local concert band in Australia and am wondering if you can help me learn some ... A: As stated in the introduction, I don't do evaluations on this site. Nor can I tell you where to get ... | |
| Buescher trombone | 10/3/2008 |
| Q: I saw another question you answered about what might be this same model, but thought I'd check to ... A: Your horn dates to 1926. If your horn is a silverplated horn, there shouldn't be any varnish on it, ... | |
| Lyons Monarch trumpet | 10/1/2008 |
| Q: I just bought a Lyons Monarch trumpet, sn 26278 (Chicago, IL). I'm having trouble finding out any ... A: I believe that Monarch was simply a tradename for the Lyons Company. I believe that the Lyons ... | |
| Keefer Trombone | 10/1/2008 |
| Q: I believe that it the maker. It is very hard to read. It also says Made in Williamsport PA. ... A: Brua Keefer of Williamsport, was the quality successor to quality maker Henry Distin. It dates to ... | |
| Wurlitzer Pocket Conet ca 1890 | 9/14/2008 |
| Q: I recently acquired a Wurlitzer Pocket Cornet. It came with various attachments, but it appears that ... A: It is certainly possible that the case is not original to the instrument, or may have been a generic ... | |
| BESSON CORONET | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: Kenton, I have a coronet that is my grandmothers. The case was badly burnt in a fire so I took the ... A: It isn't any older than the mid 1980s and probably closer to the early 1920s. The serial number ... | |
| Old Keefer Williamsport PA, trumpet | 9/10/2008 |
| Q: A &B Key change valve 80u on valve change part, scroll work on bell flowers & vines serial # ... A: Possibly a trumpet, but more likely a cornet. Keefer were good horns in their day, but $800 is a ... | |
| Martin Cornet | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: I just got a Martin cornet serial# 27628 and I didn't expect these other part I got with it. Can you ... A: They are not common that they have no value, though not exactly rare. The decision to repair it, ... | |
| Martin Cornet | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: I just got a Martin cornet serial# 27628 and I didn't expect these other part I got with it. Can you ... A: They aren't exactly spare parts, they are parts that replace those already on the horn to change ... | |
| E flat Alto horn | 9/7/2008 |
| Q: My grandfather played in a community band that travelled in the 1920's thru the 1940's in Virginia ... A: Calling it the first marching French Horn is an interesting perspective. The Alto horn was THE alto ... | |
| Antique Antoine Courtois Trumpet (4633) | 9/3/2008 |
| Q: Kenton, I recently purchased an Antoine Courtois Trumpet, serial number 4633, from an antique ... A: Patrick, I'm away from home as I'm on vacation and don't have any records with me, but the ... | |
| York Baritone Horn | 8/30/2008 |
| Q: We recently purchased a York Baritone Horn. It is silver in color. It has the numbers NAQSS38 ... A: It was made in 1942, just a couple of years after the York Company was sold to Carl Fischer. The ... | |
| old horn | 8/29/2008 |
| Q: I have a horn that my great grandfather played in a marching band in Luxembourg it is a whurlitzer ... A: Dan, I about 1/2 remember answering back, but I can't find any documentation. So, here goes ... | |
| 1907 patent Buescher silver cornet | 8/29/2008 |
| Q: I own a Bb cornet S/N 11214, which has accessory tubing, which converts it to a C instrument. Very ... A: My guess is that you really have a High Pitch Bb/A cornet. When you try to use it as a C ... | |
| Brass Bugle | 8/27/2008 |
| Q: I own a brass &copper bugle stamped"Mayers &Harrison,makers England. It measures 11" mouth to ... A: I don't follow bugles closely, and I do know that a ton of knock off bugles in this basic style have ... | |
| Alexander Mainz Trumpet | 8/27/2008 |
| Q: My son is a trumpeter who is still at a conservatoire studying for his BMus Perf degree. He has ... A: Well, it is true that the potential buyer will need to know something of the brand before they are ... | |
| Alexander Mainz Trumpet | 8/26/2008 |
| Q: My son is a trumpeter who is still at a conservatoire studying for his BMus Perf degree. He has ... A: My only thought beyond what you already know, and you do have this pretty well figured out, is that ... | |
| Lyon & Healy Inspiration | 8/26/2008 |
| Q: I have a Lyon & Healy Inspiration cornet serial #12728. One mouthpiece is engraved "The only ... A: Trying to compile information on Lyon and Healy is a real mess. They were a significant player in ... | |
| U.S. Calvary Horn | 8/25/2008 |
| Q: I have a U.S. calvary horn it is larger than a cornet and smaller than a trumpet. It is silver and ... A: Well, technically, a cornet and a trumpet are the same length, they are just wrapped differently. ... | |
| 1967 Reynolds Trumpet | 8/24/2008 |
| Q: I have a 1967 Reynolds trumpet (no other identifier on bell) that I started on in 4th grade. I'm now ... A: I use a 3Rs system to distinguish between different levels of service to instruments; repair, ... | |
| Cornet made by J Higham | 8/21/2008 |
| Q: I know nothing about musical instruments so forgive me if my terminology is completely wrong !! I ... A: Joesph Higham was a busy maker in London. He established his business in Manchester in 1842, and ... | |
| Buescher 6cb Trumpetmouthpiece | 8/21/2008 |
| Q: I have a near mint Buescher True=Tone 6cb trumpet mouthpiece. It is a cheater mp and has a very tiny ... A: We would need a Buescher catalog that is newer than what I have to answer this question. My ... | |
| cavalier trumpet | 8/17/2008 |
| Q: I also have a very olod cavalier trumpet that I myself played in school growing up the serial # on ... A: I think it is about 80 years old. The estimates on the Cavalier serial numbers would date it to ... | |
| Antique Holton Coronet | 8/16/2008 |
| Q: I have an old Frank Holton coronet. Serial number is 60535. Inscription says: "Holton-Clarke ... A: Your horn dates to 1922. Herbert Clarke the famous cornetist with Gilmore, Sousa, and on his own, ... | |
| Holton double bell euphonium | 8/14/2008 |
| Q: I've just bought a Holton double bell euphonium serial number 45872. Where can I learn more about ... A: Your horn dates to 1919. And, it almost certainly will play with better intonation if you use a ... | |
| german mystery trumpet | 8/14/2008 |
| Q: I would like to find out as much as possible about my trumpet. I've typed everything i can think of ... A: The numbers on the valves are simply 'shop' numbers to keep the pistons, and the casings together. ... | |
| old horn | 8/12/2008 |
| Q: I have a horn that my great grandfather played in a marching band in Luxembourg it is a whurlitzer ... A: OK, well first of all, that is a nice instrument in nice condition. Rather than a SARV, it is a ... | |
| Carl Fischer Trumpet | 8/11/2008 |
| Q: I recently acquired a Carl Fischer trumpet. The seller claimed that it had been made by Conn. But, ... A: Obviously, it is not a Conn. As far as I know, nobody has reconstructed a serial number list for ... | |
| French Horn | 8/9/2008 |
| Q: I have a Gebr. Alexander Mainz French Horn I played in high school and college. I began playing ... A: The Alexander family started in the instrument making business in 1802, though initially they were ... | |
| F.A. Reynolds - early cornets and trumpets | 8/9/2008 |
| Q: I have several early model F.A. Reynolds cornets and trumpets (serial nos <15,000). They all have ... A: It does seem kind of late for high pitched instruments. My only thought is that some of the old ... | |
| Keefer trumpet | 8/9/2008 |
| Q: I have a Keefer trumpet that I bought in 1955, used, in San Francisco. I'm curious as to it's ... A: The end of production information is murky and the records pertaining to that time are non-existent. ... | |
| weymann trumpet | 8/3/2008 |
| Q: My name is Bob Eade from Macungie,PA. I have my Dad's old trumpet and I THINK it's rare. It's a ... A: Bob, Henry Weymann was in business in Philadelphia from 1864-1942. Starting in 1870, he advertised ... | |
| Antique Tuba Info Please | 8/2/2008 |
| Q: I have a very old silver-plated Antoine Courtois & Mille Contre Basse - E flat. It has many ... A: More accurately, the horn will be no older than the most recent date. It can be newer. It was ... | |
| old horn | 8/2/2008 |
| Q: I have a horn that my great grandfather played in a marching band in Luxembourg it is a whurlitzer ... A: It is starting to sound like a SARV cornet (side action rotary valve). I can't say that I have ... | |
| old horn | 7/31/2008 |
| Q: I have a horn that my great grandfather played in a marching band in Luxembourg it is a whurlitzer ... A: Dan, Well, I'm assuming that it is really a Wurlitzer. Eb Keyed bugles were only made for a ... | |
| Buescher sousaphone | 7/30/2008 |
| Q: Where can I find the serial number on an older Buescher sousaphone? It is silver (white brass) with ... A: I suspect what you have is not a sousaphone, but a helicon. And possibly it is silverplate with ... | |
| buescher grand trombone | 7/28/2008 |
| Q: Kenton, I own a trombone marked the Buescher Grand. Other markings are True Tone, Elkhart, IN Pat. ... A: The main parts on a typical trombone are the slide with inner and outer sections, the bell section, ... | |
| trumpet or coronet | 7/18/2008 |
| Q: I have an old instrument marked Giacinto Sacco, Palermo. Rampone Agostino Battista Cazzani, Milano. ... A: The Rampone family company dates back to 1847 Battista Cazzani was a maker of saxophones, from an ... | |
| trombone | 7/18/2008 |
| Q: i have a silver plated trombone with lots of achievements engraved in the bell. the name antoine ... A: Courtois tended to do that on a lot of their early instruments. I guess it pays to advertise. In ... | |
| Antique Wraparound Baritone | 7/14/2008 |
| Q: My brother has a Buescher Baritone made in Elkhart, IN, seriel #22728. It looks like a miniture ... A: That would be an unusual horn. It is sousaphone or helicon shaped? It dates to 1913. There were ... | |
| instrument identification | 7/12/2008 |
| Q: A friend brought over a small guitar like instrument with 10 strings aranged in groups of 2 , 3 , 3 ... A: Stringed instruments are not my area, so I won't be any help in identifying what it is, but I can ... | |
| Two instruments | 7/9/2008 |
| Q: CONCERTONE Trumpet: Three pitch C,Bb, A with corresponding rings of valve slides and tuning ... A: Hey you are right. Why didn't I think of that? And, Liberty was their model or tradename. I ... | |
| Olds Ambassador Trumpet | 7/5/2008 |
| Q: Is it true that the Olds trumpets are out of production? If so has value of them increased? A: The Ambassador was a student level for Olds for many years, and they made a lot of them. They were ... | |
| Old Eb bass horn | 7/3/2008 |
| Q: Greetings Kenton Recently on Ebay I won what was advertised as an old baritone, but it plays out of ... A: Ebs are fun aren't they? They can be very 'tuba' like but also rather melodic. I think it is too ... | |
| age of an alto sax | 7/2/2008 |
| Q: I would like to know the age of my Dad's alto sax. It was made by Keefer of Williamsport, PA and the ... A: Woodwinds are really not my area, but I believe that Keefer didn't make anything except brass ... | |
| york french horn | 7/1/2008 |
| Q: I have a York French horn Identical to the one you have. If I clean the brass will it decrease the ... A: Well, I'm not sure what horn you think I have, as I don't have any York French horns, but, in ... | |
| Cousenon piccolo trumpet manufactured for Blessing | 7/1/2008 |
| Q: Howdy, I have a 3-valve Bb/A piccolo trumpet that has "Blessing Artist" stamped on the bell. I ... A: If that is a Blessing number, that would put it at near the beginning of their manufacturing ... | |
| Cousenon piccolo trumpet manufactured for Blessing | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: Howdy, I have a 3-valve Bb/A piccolo trumpet that has "Blessing Artist" stamped on the bell. I ... A: I've not heard of Blessing having done that. So, it is news to me. During the 1930s Couesnon ... | |
| Gretsch Commander Trombone | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: I purchased this trombone from an antique store and was wondering if I could get some general ... A: Fred Gretsch Mfg. Co. was established in 1883 in Brooklyn. In 1967, Baldwin Piano and Organ bought ... | |
| Identifying an Antique Baritone | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: I recently purchased a sliver three valve baritone from an antique store. It is beat up quite a bit ... A: Sorry, but you can't tell the brand of a horn, by the mouthpiece that is in it. Mouthpieces get ... | |
| Olds tenor sax | 6/26/2008 |
| Q: I've recently purchased a small lot of vintage brass instruments. Included in this was an Olds tenor ... A: Only in general. First, let me say that woodwinds are not my area. Olds started his company ... | |
| Very old trombone cleaning | 6/21/2008 |
| Q: My grandfather played baritone in the Geary High School Band in Geary, Oklahoma. After he graduated ... A: You can clean the horn yourself, if the horn is brass, your brass cleaner should be fine, if it is ... | |
| Date the first trombone was mfgd | 6/19/2008 |
| Q: Recently on Jeopardy, Alex Trebek said that the trombone was called a (Sackbut). The Bible shows ... A: I'd go with Alex. Early trombones were called sackbuts and they look much like a modern trombone, ... | |
| j howard foote cornett | 6/17/2008 |
| Q: i have a j howard foote cornett i am researching. it has several engravings on the bell. the first ... A: John Howard Foote was a maker/dealer. In describing his business strategy he said, "...most of my ... | |
| A Brass Cavalier Trumpet | 6/14/2008 |
| Q: Sir. I have been given a Brass Cavalier Trumpet. The mouth piece goes to the third valve. The ... A: Sounds like you might really have a Cav. trumpet. The Cav. long cornet was a common (and good ... | |
| king 3b concert | 6/12/2008 |
| Q: I have a old King 3b Concert with f attachent that my my dad gave me he played it in high school. Im ... A: For the finish, you might want to try rubbing a little Brasso on the tarnished spots, and see if ... | |
| Holton Alto horn | 6/5/2008 |
| Q: A few years back I fond a Holton Alto horn, Serial number 14963, lying in a trash pile on the side ... A: That's an old one. It goes back to 1911. It is possible that it is a high pitch horn. If so, to ... | |
| Sousa Trombone | 6/1/2008 |
| Q: I have a relative that supposedly played trombone in Sousa's band. We just cleaned out and sold my ... A: The horn you have was made by Henry Lehnert of Philadelphia. Lehnert started his company in the ... | |
| Buescher Alto Sax | 5/27/2008 |
| Q: My father-in-law just gave to my daughter for band, his Buescher Alto Sax that he played in high ... A: It dates to about 1949. The Aristocrat was introduced in 1940, and nicknamed the "Big B" It was ... | |
| Conn 18H trombone | 5/24/2008 |
| Q: I have a Conn 18H silverplated trombone, serial # 215632. Is this an unusual model and is it a ... A: There are several 18H's, but since yours is from the mid 1920's that eliminates one of them. It ... | |
| Silver coronet | 5/21/2008 |
| Q: I have my father's silver coronet that he used in an Army Band in the later '20's It has some ... A: It is probably silverplate or possibly what is called German silver, which is really a type of ... | |
| Very Old french horn | 5/19/2008 |
| Q: I have acquired a antique Frank Holton Chicago French Horn Pics enclosed. From my research on your ... A: I don't do evaluations on this site, and I don't have any need for another French horn, but if you ... | |
| Zimmermann French Horn | 5/16/2008 |
| Q: Good Day: I have a French Horn with the following marking: Jul. Heinr. ZIMMERMANN Leipzig Berlin ... A: In 1875, Zimmerman established his business first in St. Petersburg. He moved his headquarters to ... | |
| m j h kessel baby tuba | 5/15/2008 |
| Q: i have a baby tuba (from pictures as far as i can tell) m j h kessel is stamped on it .there is some ... A: How baby? A small tuba could be an euphonium, a baritone, a tenor horn, or an alto horn. Don't ... | |
| C. G. Conn trumpet | 5/11/2008 |
| Q: I purchased an older Conn trumpet and case at a Garage Sale for $20. Serial #353606. It was heavily ... A: It is most likely silverplated and was made in 1942. The valves most likely can be freed. But ... | |
| Trumpet | 5/10/2008 |
| Q: I have a Trumpet that my mother bought in 1950 - 1953, it said on the bell "custom built, ... A: Joe, I'm assuming this horn is a lot older than the 1950's. Wurlitzer imported horns for a while ... | |
| Questions about my York & Sons trumpet | 4/29/2008 |
| Q: I am a college trumpet player currently studying at Indiana University, and I recently acquired a ... A: Yes, they came in different sizes. And you don't necessarily need to stay with the same brand. ... | |
| Questions about my York & Sons trumpet | 4/29/2008 |
| Q: I am a college trumpet player currently studying at Indiana University, and I recently acquired a ... A: Your horn dates to about 1913. You can get considerable information on York instruments at: ... | |
| Windsor brand | 4/25/2008 |
| Q: What can you tell me about the Windsor, Elkhart brand baritone. I bought a used one about 30 years ... A: The Elkhart Band Instrument Company was started in 1924 by Buescher President Andrew Beardsley. ... | |
| STANDARD Band Instrument Co. Cornet | 4/22/2008 |
| Q: I recently found an old cornet that had belonged to my great, great uncle and was given to my ... A: At one time the split water key was a pretty common configuration, but today, about the only way to ... | |
| Piccolo Trombone / Slide Trumpet | 4/22/2008 |
| Q: I found what I believe to be a piccolo trombone or slide trumpet at a thrift shop. It has fairly ... A: I suspect you are talking about a Martin Soprano Trombone, I've not seen one by Martin, but if that ... | |
| harwood professional | 4/18/2008 |
| Q: it is a Harwood professional baritone also the letters jwjsm Co if you have any info or where I ... A: Stephen, The Harwood is a model name. And, I'm not sure how the jwjsm Co. translates to ... | |
| quote on saxaphone | 4/17/2008 |
| Q: I bought an antique saxaphone a couple of years ago and now I want to sell it. The guy I bought it ... A: um. . . . I think the guy was giving you a line. Ellington may have used it for an ashtray, but ... | |
| Elkhart trombone | 4/16/2008 |
| Q: I have a trombone and I have absolutely no idea how old it is or anything else, and it is driving me ... A: The Elkhart Band Instrument Company . . . not to be confused with the Elkhart Musical Instrument ... | |
| Tuba History | 4/16/2008 |
| Q: I purchased a (baritone horn size)E flat tuba 15 years ago. The engraving reads GAUTROT AINE 1900 ... A: The 24 is the production date - 1924. Couesnon has been in business for over 170 years. The ... | |
| Trombone used in WW1 | 4/13/2008 |
| Q: My dad gave me a trombone that his dad used in WW1. He engraved on the trombone where he was at ... A: The musical tradition of the Wurlitzer family can be traced back to the 17th century. The ... | |
| Identifying a Martin trumpet | 4/9/2008 |
| Q: I found a Martin trumpet in an attic. It is silver plate, has fancy engraving on the bell which ... A: That is an old one. It dates to between 1906 and 1919. It would be a professional level ... | |
| Trumpet passed down through family | 4/9/2008 |
| Q: We have trumpet in our family which apparently belonged to my late grandmothers brother. It has ... A: There are other more modern products that are matched up to modern instruments. You are better off ... | |
| Trumpet passed down through family | 4/9/2008 |
| Q: We have trumpet in our family which apparently belonged to my late grandmothers brother. It has ... A: You can see a bunch of information on Besson and their product line at: ... | |
| Stowasser trumpet | 4/8/2008 |
| Q: I have just purchased a "ventage" Stowasser trumpet. On the bell is says "Stowasser Shone Graslitz. ... A: Jim, Does it look something like this? ... | |
| Stowasser trumpet | 4/6/2008 |
| Q: I have just purchased a "ventage" Stowasser trumpet. On the bell is says "Stowasser Shone Graslitz. ... A: I don't know that I can add much more to what you already know. Stowasser is an old-old name in ... | |
| Elkhart trumpet by bueucher | 4/5/2008 |
| Q: Is there a way to determine the age of a trumpet by serial numbers? I have looked and have not found ... A: Unfortunately, Buescher did not use the same serial number sequence for the Elkhart instruments as ... | |
| Coronet Wurlitzer | 4/4/2008 |
| Q: I have my grandfather's coronet. On the Bell it says "The Wurlitzer American Made by Rudolpf ... A: Early in the 20th Century Wurlitzer quit making instruments and started purchasing horns from other ... | |
| boosy@co cornet | 4/3/2008 |
| Q: Class A 5C Medals of Honour FB Besson & Co "Prototype" London England British Throughout W.H.Paling ... A: Tom, The problem is that your horn was made to play at high pitch. Back then they hadn't settled ... | |
| Harwood Jenkins Sax #84086 | 4/2/2008 |
| Q: My Husband surprised me with this alto sax 10 years ago for my birthday...I have been trying to ... A: John Woodward Jenkins (died in 1890) was a dealer in Kansas City, MO, with the original company ... | |
| French horn | 4/2/2008 |
| Q: I just acquired a Carl Fischer french Horn. It has a fitted case with a & molded into it. The horn ... A: Probably shouldn't rely on the case to define the horn, they are often swapped as the original cases ... | |
| FE Ols & Son Trombone | 3/29/2008 |
| Q: My husband has a trombone engraved The Olds Made by F.E. Olds & Son Los Angeles, Calif. It has an ... A: I think the computer ate my answer, so I'll try it again. Your horn dates to 1938. The design of ... | |
| Valve Trombone Sirena by MJH Kessels NV Konefa | 3/25/2008 |
| Q: Your previous answer to question 12/18/2007 indicated the origins of the makers. Many thanks. This ... A: I don't have any information the output of their factory. Rarity isn't the only consideration for ... | |
| Valve Trombone Sirena by MJH Kessels NV Konefa | 3/25/2008 |
| Q: Your previous answer to question 12/18/2007 indicated the origins of the makers. Many thanks. This ... A: It is probably one of those horns, that may be of interest to someone who takes beat up instruments, ... | |
| Martin Tuba | 3/25/2008 |
| Q: I read with interest a recent post regarding a Martin Tuba. I have a Martin serial number 89907 ... A: "I play in the local community band and think I'm the old geezer of the tuba section playing an old ... | |
| Hawkes & Son Cornet | 3/20/2008 |
| Q: I have been given a couple of vintage cornets in the last couple of days and have spent fruitless ... A: Stuart, The horn dates to somewhere around 1910. Hawkes started making instruments in 1876, He ... | |
| hawkes and son | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: its a hawkes and son the clippertone serial no 62224 and on the outside of the second valve is a * ... A: Hawkes merged with Boosey in 1930, and this horn must have been near the end of the Hawkes ... | |
| Victorian tuning forks? | 3/13/2008 |
| Q: I am wondering what they used to tune their instruments in Victorian times. A tuning fork? If so, in ... A: Certainly the tuning fork was a possibility as it was invented in 1711. But there wasn't a standard ... | |
| Identifying a vintage coronet - extra information | 3/13/2008 |
| Q: I have an early 20th century coronet. This instrument is fully silver plated except for the inside ... A: Thom, I can't give you a maker, but we can talk about some of the details. At least sometimes when ... | |
| American Standard Trombone | 3/12/2008 |
| Q: Digging through the band room today, I found an American Standard trombone, and it has a satin ... A: American Standard was HN White tradename stated in 1925 for their amateur line of instruments. IF ... | |
| Question about a Josef Lidl French Horn, circa 1930's | 3/10/2008 |
| Q: I just acquired a French Horn, but unfortunately I can't find any information on it. The only ... A: Lidl was established in Brno in 1895. In 1948 the company was nationalized and merged into Amati. ... | |
| Old Orpheus Cornet | 3/9/2008 |
| Q: My son was recently given an old cornet and case from an older person on our street who has since ... A: I have seen examples of the Orpheus instruments, and they most certainly imports that had the name ... | |
| trombone | 3/7/2008 |
| Q: I found a great trombone yesterday. I know nothing about it. I have found the name HOLTON on the ... A: The name on the mouthpiece is not a good indication of the brand of the horn. If it was a Holton, it ... | |
| Hawkes & Son Tennor Sax | 3/7/2008 |
| Q: Hawk & Son Denman St, Picadilly Circus London. Low Pitch, Tennor saxaphone. 118883. LPT. The ... A: William Henry Hawkes, state trumpeter for Queen Victoria, started an import business in 1860 at ... | |
| E A Couturier Valve Trombone | 3/6/2008 |
| Q: I have recently seen a silver Valve Trombone with E A Couturier La Plante IN on the bell. I can ... A: Couturier's idea was to take advantage of conical tubing to make the horn sound as mellow as ... | |
| Hess Double French Horn from WWII | 3/6/2008 |
| Q: My dad was in WWII and brought back a HESS double French Horn which I have used for many years. ... A: Most early makers didn't put serial numbers on their horns. But most makers were using serial ... | |
| 25 yr old Besson | 3/5/2008 |
| Q: is it ok to buy a 25 yr old besson euphonium, was it made in the UK?, my gal is going to study this ... A: A UK made Besson at least started off as a good instrument. The fact that the valves have been ... | |
| Brass polishing | 3/4/2008 |
| Q: Kenton: This is a general question regarding brass, which you might have an insight on. My ... A: Yuk, not exactly a musical instrument question, but what the heck! The first issue is whether they ... | |
| Martin Galaxy cornet | 2/26/2008 |
| Q: I have the opportunity to purchase a mint Martin Galaxy, SN 690906, manufactured in '63 or '64. Is ... A: This horn was made during the period the Martin name was being passed around by various companies. ... | |
| Vintage Trumpet | 2/26/2008 |
| Q: I have a trumpet that was played by my late husbands father in the 40's and was reconditioned into ... A: I'm willing to take a look at the horn, but I don't know that I'll be able to determine the maker. ... | |
| your comments on Henri Gauthier Virtuoso cornet | 2/25/2008 |
| Q: Is it possible that some of the above were actually made in Paris, France, rather then in Austria by ... A: Henri Gautier was a Lyon and Healy tradename. Lyon & Healy had a elaborate system of procuring ... | |
| HBJ sousaphone-shaped baritone hn | 2/24/2008 |
| Q: I own a sousaphone-shaped baritone horn by HB Jay. I've owned since 1946. My father bought it for ... A: Yep, they are pretty unusual. Jay manufactured brass instruments in Chicago from 1910 to 1946. No ... | |
| Alto Horn | 2/24/2008 |
| Q: What can you tell me about Also Horn, Satin silver finish, labelled Imperial, Williamsport, PA? I ... A: The Imperial Instrument Co. was formed in August of 1922. It was located at 643 Elmira St. in ... | |
| EXCELSIOR TRUMPET MADE BY WM FRANK CO CHICAGO | 2/21/2008 |
| Q: A: William Frank (b. 1876 Allentown, PA - 1932 Chicago) worked for Holton and in 1910 established his ... | |
| 2 base baritones | 2/17/2008 |
| Q: I have 2 base baritones one marked GOUMAT & Co fully warranteed Austria. Can you tell e age on this ... A: The Goumat brand of instruments is an interesting one. The Langwill Index which is sort of the wind ... | |
| cg Conn cornet | 2/16/2008 |
| Q: Mr Scott I have a cg conn cornet I believe is a victor. I am trying to find some info on this ... A: Well, I'm not sure what you are asking. The serial number is a number that is assigned as the horn ... | |
| cg Conn cornet | 2/15/2008 |
| Q: Mr Scott I have a cg conn cornet I believe is a victor. I am trying to find some info on this ... A: Conn made 3 versions of 80A's. The serial number says it was made in 1946 (now don't call it an ... | |
| Old Olds--cornet serial no 7892. .... | 2/15/2008 |
| Q: I have a superb reconditioned (like new or better) Olds cornet with serial no. 7892. I was told it ... A: Not to worry, the horn will rise to a fair market value on eBay. reconditioning effect(s) on value ... | |
| antique instrument replacement | 2/13/2008 |
| Q: I am still waiting for a replacement cost due to a fire for an accordian approx 80 + yrs old and a ... A: Not to be difficult or anything, but in my introduction, I state that my area is brass instruments ... | |
| Olympian cornet | 2/12/2008 |
| Q: I was just given an old Olympian cornet. Except for a serial number and the name, there are no other ... A: I can show you numerous examples of their products, ... | |
| F.E. Olds and sons Horn | 2/12/2008 |
| Q: I have one that was in a fire, It is badly smoke damaged but was not in any flames.AS you know ... A: I'm assuming that the lacquer has been darkened or otherwise compromised. You can get some aircraft ... | |
| Vintage Cornet | 2/8/2008 |
| Q: I have a vintage french shepherd's crook cornet (pre 1900) with beautiful engraving that is marked ... A: The information I have is: The ASSOCIATION GENERALE workshop was founded in 1865 with Neudin and ... | |
| euphonium | 2/7/2008 |
| Q: I just found out the instrument that I've had for years is a Euphonium. It a stamp on the bell ... A: The York Company was established in 1882 by James Warren York who had earlier worked for Boston ... | |
| A. Lecomte & Co. baritone | 2/6/2008 |
| Q: I'm bidding on a baritone. Since you guys have no s/n lists, is there a way to generally date a ... A: From the information, only some general speculations. After working for Gautrot, Arsene Lecomte ... | |
| Carl Fischer baritone horn | 2/2/2008 |
| Q: I'm bidding on a baritone. Since you guys have no s/n lists, is there a way to generally date a ... A: On water keys, they went from: http://horn-u-copia.net/instruments/altowaterkey.jpg to ... | |
| Carl Fischer baritone horn | 2/2/2008 |
| Q: I'm bidding on a baritone. Since you guys have no s/n lists, is there a way to generally date a ... A: Those would be possibilities, assuming you had some horns as reference points. Another way is to ... | |
| Is this a french horn? | 1/30/2008 |
| Q: I ran accross a horn that looks like a french horn, but has trumpet style valves which I have never ... A: It almost certainly is a mellophone. Mellophones were generally pitched in F&Eb (as was this ... | |
| Wurlitzer Sousaphone | 1/29/2008 |
| Q: Where can I find all 3 valves or other spare parts for my old Wurlitzer Sousaphone? My son wants to ... A: That's gonna be tough. Are the valves missing? If they are still around, then they might be ... | |
| Buetcher Grand Trombone | 1/29/2008 |
| Q: In have come across a Buetcher Grand Trombone in a relatives belonging that I have inherited. It ... A: It was made in 1926. I think the patent is for Oct 29 07, which is for a technique to increase bell ... | |
| jw york and sons french horn | 1/28/2008 |
| Q: I recently inherited a jw york and sons french horn. It is sterling silver in near mint condition.I ... A: A York French horn would look something like this: ... | |
| Martin Trumpet | 1/24/2008 |
| Q: I would like your expertise about my Martin. It has engravings that read "Martin Handcraft Elkhart ... A: As noted in the introduction, I don't do evaluations on this WEB site. It dates to 1931. The ... | |
| Antique Martin Sax | 1/24/2008 |
| Q: I have an Antique Martin Sax that was given to me by a friend. I do not play, and I know very ... A: I can't tell you what size of sax it is by the serial number, but any sax player should be able to ... | |
| Holton Brass Trombone | 1/24/2008 |
| Q: I have a trombone that says Holton Special made by Frank Holton & Co, Chicago, also Union made ... A: That one goes back to 1914. As I understand it, the Special was the best of the Holton horns until ... | |
| Elkhart built by Buescher | 1/22/2008 |
| Q: I recent bought an old beat up trumpet. On the bell it says Elk Hart and had an elk head engraved on ... A: The Elkhart Band Instrument Company (not to be confused with the Elkhart Musical Instrument Co which ... | |
| The National Musical String Company | 1/20/2008 |
| Q: Scott, I am a Rutgers student doing research on the National Musical String Company which at one ... A: I don't know if this will help or not, but The Bruno Company was established in New York in 1834 In ... | |
| F.A. Reynolds Sousaphone | 1/16/2008 |
| Q: Mr. Scott, I have a 1941-1945 model Reynolds Sousaphone that appears to be in very good shape. I'm ... A: If it is tarnished, I would presume that it is silverplate. So, to clean up silverplate, I use a ... | |
| Besson cornet shank & leadpipe | 1/15/2008 |
| Q: I purchased an old (c. 1908) Besson cornet online not realising it has no shank or leadpipe. How can ... A: Well, basically, the two options are to have one custom made or find one someplace like eBay. Are ... | |
| tuba | 1/15/2008 |
| Q: I recently purchased a Martin tuba, serial #189727 and would like to know the history of the ... A: Your horn dates to 1954. Martin Band Instrument Company was established in Chicago before 1891. In ... | |
| Brand of brass instruments called Rex | 1/14/2008 |
| Q: A good friend of mine has an old valve trombone with the brand name Rex engraved at the base of the ... A: The Rex name is associated with two dealers Millard and Bryant and Newell. The sound of any ... | |
| Henry Pourcell horn | 1/13/2008 |
| Q: The horn I have IS NOT a Cornet. It plays by holding in a vertical position. I can't find anything, ... A: Well, that could be a couple of things, but I wonder if you may be describing an alto horn. ... | |
| Buescher 400 from '55 or so | 1/9/2008 |
| Q: I have the opportunity to refurbish his Grandfather's Buescher 400 and Conn for my grandson who is ... A: Mouthpieces are an interesting subject. They are standardized in the sense that for decades they ... | |
| Question. | 1/9/2008 |
| Q: I have a cornet RMC brand: Martin Serial #:213409. Please give me some info about it if you can. ... A: Your cornet dates to 1961. Richards Music Corporation was formed when Paul Richards, bought out ... | |
| Buescher 400 from '55 or so | 1/9/2008 |
| Q: I have the opportunity to refurbish his Grandfather's Buescher 400 and Conn for my grandson who is ... A: It is really hard to tell what the horns may need without being able to see them. If you wanted to ... | |
| The Buescher LP 37 FR | 1/5/2008 |
| Q: I have a silver plated Buescher True tone trombone with a Pat.Oct.29.1907. This is all the info I ... A: The patent was for what Buescher marketed as the "Split-No-Tone" bell and essential was a way to ... | |
| Who can I contact for an Appraisal? | 1/3/2008 |
| Q: This is my first time for contacting you. I have tried to look at my alto saxaphone to find ... A: Donna, Saxophones are really not my area, but I can tell you this much about your instrument. Rudy ... | |
| 1924 Buescher Grand Trombone? | 12/30/2007 |
| Q: Mr. Scott, I recently inherited a Trombone and I'm looking for more information about it and was ... A: Patent = To increase bell metal thickness Patent number: 869619 Filing date: Jul 18, 1907 Issue ... | |
| Buescher euphonium/baritone? | 12/25/2007 |
| Q: I bought a Buescher Aristocrat euphonium/baritone, serial # 642795, with a curved, adjustable bell ... A: Well, there is no clear - undisputed - definition of what is a baritone and what is an euphonium. ... | |
| Age of cornet | 12/22/2007 |
| Q: Mr. Scott, I have a Wurlitzer American cornet serial #7023 and would like to know when it was made ... A: Wurlitzer got their instruments from a variety of sources and stenciled their brand on them. But, ... | |
| 1920's ? Olds silver trombone | 12/21/2007 |
| Q: I recently came across an Olds silver trombone with in-slide tuning in excellent condition for sale. ... A: I'm assuming that 1845 is the serial number and the M may represent medium bore. That would be ... | |
| info on old horn | 12/21/2007 |
| Q: I have an Excelsior Sonorous Class A Hawkes & Son Denman St Piccadilly Circus London 38317. I ... A: That horn would date back to about 1912. William Henry Hawkes, state trumpeter for Queen ... | |
| Couesnon silver trombone | 12/20/2007 |
| Q: I have a beautiful silver trombone made by Couesnon in Paris--it also has the name Lafayette on it, ... A: Lafayette is one of the sub brands used by Couesnon. Couesnon has been in business for over 170 ... | |
| Sirena . By M.J.H.KESSEL. N.V. KONEFA | 12/18/2007 |
| Q: I am in the process or restoring my Thrombone, with 3 values, Unearthed the following information, ... A: Matthias Josef Hubertus established his business in Tilburg in 1880, having bought the Van Osch ... | |
| Marceau Trombone | 12/17/2007 |
| Q: Do you know the extend, or how long, or when the Marceau Trombone was manufactured in Czech.? I am ... A: Without a complete set of Sears catalogs I can't give you an exact range but in the 1897 catalog ... | |
| Old Trumpet | 12/17/2007 |
| Q: I just got this old trumpet that was owned by a friend's grandfather. (My friend is in her 60's) It ... A: The patent is for what Buescher advertised as the Split no tone Bell. The horn was made in 1924. ... | |
| SUPER PAN AMERICAN CONN ELKHART | 12/17/2007 |
| Q: You mentioned you know this horn. I can't find any info on it. My son also has an opportunity to ... A: You are correct in all your findings. The Pan Am, was Conn's student line, but were nevertheless ... | |
| Vintage Holton Trumpet | 12/16/2007 |
| Q: I recently acquired a Holton trumpet which bears the serial number 93416. This would date the horn ... A: >this long-time "sludgepump" player. . . Hmm, your horn must be dirtier than mine, I'm slushpump ... | |
| King 605 Cleveland F-Trigger | 12/16/2007 |
| Q: You mentioned you know this horn. I can't find any info on it. My son also has an opportunity to ... A: The easiest place to refer you to is the King section of www.horn-u-copia.net. ... | |
| Hawkes & Son Eb Profundo Bass | 12/15/2007 |
| Q: I have been the proud owner of a Hawkes and Son Tuba for the past 27 years. After a considerable ... A: Steven, It sounds to me that you have already collected all/most of the information that is going ... | |
| unknown horn | 12/14/2007 |
| Q: I have an old horn that was discarded by our local high school. I believe it is a Eb Tuba but I am ... A: It does sound like you do have an Eb Tuba. I'm still fond of them, and am sorry that they are no ... | |
| Hawkes & Son Tuba | 12/12/2007 |
| Q: I think, and I am hoping that I purchased a BBb tuba. I'm not 100% sure. It is a Hawkes & Son, ... A: I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't an Eb tuba. Back when this horn was made, the Eb was the ... | |
| harwood trumpets j.w jenkins music co. trumpets | 12/12/2007 |
| Q: would you say that these instruments are very good or are they the cheap kind of horns you can buy ... A: Oh, wow, that is a tough comparison. It is kind like comparing a 1948 Hudson with a new economy ... | |
| harmonicas | 12/11/2007 |
| Q: My name is Harland Crain. I am the President and co-founder of (HCI) Harmonica Collectors ... A: On my WEB site, www.horn-u-copia.net, there is historical company information. And, though the site ... | |
| Boosey & Co Class A Cornet | 12/10/2007 |
| Q: I recently bought a Boosey & Co Silver Plated Cornet, it has Class A, Light Valve, 295 Regent ST ... A: When you play a "C" on a Eb cornet, it sounds an Eb. When, you play an "F" on a Bb trumpet, it ... | |
| Antique C. G.Conn 3 Valve Tuba | 12/9/2007 |
| Q: I have inherited this seemingly solid and working Tuba,only 1 of the valves sticks a little. And one ... A: In 1886, CG Conn purchased the manufacturing plant of Isaac Fiske. And, he made instruments there ... | |
| Old Martin that I can't locate | 12/7/2007 |
| Q: I simply need to find a site that will trace my serial number. The Trombone says "The Martin ... A: That's wishful thinking, I'm afraid. There isn't such a site. The closest thing to it would be ... | |
| Old Martin that I can't locate | 12/7/2007 |
| Q: I simply need to find a site that will trace my serial number. The Trombone says "The Martin ... A: This is a Martin that is no older than 1964. People don't seem to be interesting in maintaining a ... | |
| Brua C. Keefer Cornet | 12/6/2007 |
| Q: Sirs: I was given a Brua C. Keefer cornet by a friend of my parents when I was seven years old - ... A: The horn was made in 1916. The two numbers represent the tracking number for different parts of the ... | |
| A. Fuellard antique trombone | 12/5/2007 |
| Q: I have just found an antique trombone with the writing A. Fuellard engraved on the bell? I am ... A: A. Feuillard is a tradename used by the Progressive Music Corp. The Progressive Musical Instrument ... | |
| 4 Valve Antique Baritone: No NAME | 12/5/2007 |
| Q: I recently purchased a 4 valve Baritone/Euphonium. It is peculiar in a couple of different ways. ... A: Regarding the valve markings: Actually, that is a fairly common practice at one time. Most makers ... | |
| Olds Superstar Trombone | 12/2/2007 |
| Q: I have an Olds Superstar Trombone V20, the s/n (which is somewhat hidden) is 935344. The number on ... A: That horn dates to the mid 1970s. I've not played a Superstar, but I've heard good things about ... | |
| Antique Coronet? | 12/1/2007 |
| Q: I recently acquired a coronet/trumpet and cannot tell how old it is by researching it. The case is ... A: Wm Frank established his business in 1910. He died in 1932, but the company continued on. All of ... | |
| Frank Holton Coronet #13395 | 11/29/2007 |
| Q: I just acquired this Holton coronet with its original case. Inside the case are several addition ... A: Your horn dates back to 1911. And, there are several possibilities, with the extra slides you have. ... | |
| the Buescher Elkheart-ind | 11/29/2007 |
| Q: i have a wonderful old trombone marked 241067 lp 410 i don't know a thing about it can you help? ... A: Made about 1928, and unlike some instruments of the early 20th Century, it plays at modern pitch - ... | |
| Date of Baritone Sax | 11/26/2007 |
| Q: I have recently acquired a baritone sax for restoration. Here is the basic info on the horn: ... A: Mark, Woodwinds are not my area, but I am trying to do the same as you are with an antique ... | |
| old selmer cornet | 11/21/2007 |
| Q: I perchest an old selmer cornet at an auction. the cornet has a very short bell and the ingraving ... A: Henri Selmer and Alexandre founded Selmer and H&A Selmer. They took over the workshop of Adolphe ... | |
| student size Antoine Courtois & Mille trombone | 11/19/2007 |
| Q: I own a student size (3/4??) Antoine Courtois & Mille trombone imported by Foote (last bell engraved ... A: For a tenor trombone to be a tenor trombone, it has to be a certain length. The bore of the tubing ... | |
| King French Horn | 11/18/2007 |
| Q: I have a Kind Cleveland double horn that has the number 338895 on the second valve. I am assuming ... A: It dates back to the late 60s. To get an idea of value, check complete auctions on eBay for a ... | |
| "Jean Marbeau" Baritone horn | 11/16/2007 |
| Q: I was just given an old silver baritone horn. The bell has a simple floral engraving with the name ... A: I've seen a few of those horns, but have never come across any company information. They are not ... | |
| Grenaelier Flugelhorn | 11/15/2007 |
| Q: There is a Grenaelier Flugelhorn listed on Ebay, and I cannot find any information about it. The ... A: I'm guessing that it is really "Grenadier". Not that that helps much. I have several pictures of ... | |
| vintage of KING "Master Model" cornet | 11/14/2007 |
| Q: How can I determine the approximate vintage of a KING "Master Model" Bb lacquered-brass cornet ... A: The King is about 1939. The Courtois is a little more difficult. The award sets the earliest date ... | |
| Shepards crook coronet? | 11/12/2007 |
| Q: I have recently come across a coronet made by C G Conn Inc. I got it repaired and the shop manager ... A: I hope that the manager didn't express himself clearly. He should know whether it was a Shepherd's ... | |
| Bundy trumpet info. | 11/12/2007 |
| Q: Mr. Scott, I recently picked up an older looking Bundy trumpet at a local thrift store. There is a ... A: It sounds like it is a style that is nick-named a pea-shooter. It was simply a different ... | |
| Triebert Tuba | 11/11/2007 |
| Q: I bought a Triebert Tuba, Model number 41035 and am curious when the horn was manufactured? Also ... A: The Triebert workshop was established in Paris in 1810, but they were primarily oboe makers, and are ... | |
| Lyon & Healy Trombone | 11/8/2007 |
| Q: I have a vintage trombone that I believe is silver plated. I has Lyon & Healy 20th Century Made in ... A: 20th Century model horns by Lyon & Healy, in fact practically all of the Lyon and Healy products are ... | |
| King Masters Silver Cornet | 11/6/2007 |
| Q: My neighbor (in his eighties) has a King Cornet serial #38,468 indicating it was made between 1893 ... A: Kathryn, The information I have indicates that the Master was introduced in 1916. So, it may be a ... | |
| Getzen compensating double horn | 11/6/2007 |
| Q: I recently purchased a Getzen compensating double French horn serial #57345. Can't seem to find out ... A: Getzen started the company in the 40s, but didn't start making french horns right away. They ... | |
| age of elkhart baritone | 11/4/2007 |
| Q: just acquired an elkhart (elkhart band instruments) baritone, Bb, bell front, 3 piston valves, ... A: a) There was an Elkhart Musical Instrument Company that made brass instruments between 1912 and ... | |
| Charles F Griebert Baritone Horn | 11/1/2007 |
| Q: My family gave me tis horn for my 63rd birthday, Straight bell . Marked Charles F Griebert Master ... A: That name is not listed in the references, nor have I come across one. My first suspicion would be ... | |
| my 4yr old's baritone tuba - would like to get more info on it | 10/31/2007 |
| Q: My 4 year old is obsessed with brass instruments; he played a neighbor's sousaphone and was hooked. ... A: I'm assuming it is a Bb Baritone/Euphonium. But that was one reason I was interested in seeing a ... | |
| "Hermes, USA" Trumpet | 10/31/2007 |
| Q: I've been looking at used trumpets/cornets for my son and I ran across one with "Hermes, USA" ... A: I find a Hermann and a Hermstedt, but no Hermes. My suspicion is that is a stencil - i.e. sold by ... | |
| Value of old trumpet | 10/31/2007 |
| Q: I have on old York Trumpet which belonged to my uncle now 93 yrs. old. Serial # 101760 with an ... A: The York serial number list is constructed, i.e. it is an approximation but according to the list, ... | |
| Henri Gautier Cornet | 10/28/2007 |
| Q: We have inherited an old Henri Gautier Virtuoso cornet from our grandfather. It looks to be silver ... A: Gautier was a tradename used by Lyon and Healy of Chicago. Most of the Gautiers were made by Caech ... | |
| Lyon and Healy tuba | 10/27/2007 |
| Q: I have come into possession of an old half size tuba. The engraving says Lyon and Healy "Own Make" ... A: Most of the product that Lyon and Healy sold was purchased from other makers, but they eventually ... | |
| T602R | 10/26/2007 |
| Q: I'm looking at a Holton T602R serial #041960. Can you tell me when it was manufactured and whether ... A: Well, it is different than the true Holtons. Holton made good instruments - I went through college ... | |
| Antique Trumpet | 10/26/2007 |
| Q: I bought a trumpet some twenty years ago. After my daughter took it to school and was teased about ... A: Conn was one of the major manufacturers in the USA, so there are many, many of them out there. ... | |
| Holton Clarke model cornet | 10/24/2007 |
| Q: I just purchased this horn, which has a s/n of 60XXX. It is silver and looks to be in good ... A: It would have been aimed at the professional market when it was made, Holton made quality stuff, ... | |
| Holton Clarke model cornet | 10/24/2007 |
| Q: I just purchased this horn, which has a s/n of 60XXX. It is silver and looks to be in good ... A: Herbert Clarke was a noted soloist who toured with Sousa and later on his own. He did endorsements ... | |
| American prep trombone | 10/23/2007 |
| Q: I have an old American Prep trombone. It looks silver on the outside, gold on the inside. I would ... A: I don't for certain know the answer. Frank fist worked for and then started his own business but ... | |
| Windsor Elkhart, IND, USA | 10/21/2007 |
| Q: Question I have recently acquired a silver trumpet that is Engraved on the bell with Windsor ... A: I really don't have any further information about the brand other than what I have already posted. ... | |
| Cavalier Trumbone | 10/20/2007 |
| Q: I picked up this slide trombone at a flee market and want to learn what I can about it. I was hoping ... A: Cavalier was a secondary brand of the Pan American brand which was a secondary brand of Conn. The ... | |
| GETZEN ELKHORN BASS TRUMPET | 10/18/2007 |
| Q: I PURCHASED A GETZEN DELUXE ELKHORN BASS TRUMPET FROM A LOCAL MUSIC STORE WITH NO CASE. I HAVE NO ... A: I'm not sure about that ring on the horn in the picture. The one Getzen bass trumpet I saw live ... | |
| 1963 Holton Cornet | 10/18/2007 |
| Q: Kenton, I have a 1963 holton galaxy cornet. The serial number is 367560. I would really like to know ... A: Deanna, I'm sorry you aren't satisfied with my answer. If you would bothered to read my intro. you ... | |
| Old Pocket trumpet / coronet | 10/17/2007 |
| Q: I stumbled on a very old pocket trumpet or cornet in my Granparents basement. It's silver, has three ... A: It might be a pocket trumpet, but I suspect that it may simply be a cornet. Have you tried playing ... | |
| salvation army baritone | 10/17/2007 |
| Q: I purchased this silver clad Boosey & Hawkes Baritone at an antique store for $175. It has hand ... A: Tammy, 1) you didn't pay much and 2) you say it plays great; the fact that it was a SA horn ... | |
| GETZEN ELKHORN BASS TRUMPET | 10/15/2007 |
| Q: I PURCHASED A GETZEN DELUXE ELKHORN BASS TRUMPET FROM A LOCAL MUSIC STORE WITH NO CASE. I HAVE NO ... A: Your horn was made before the 14963 fire that wiped out their records including the serial number ... | |
| Vintage Selmer Signet Coronet | 10/14/2007 |
| Q: I have a very old Coronet that has scrolling on it which says "Selmer Signet Reg. Pat. Off. Made in ... A: The instrument dates to 1951. Herco is a rather common after market mouthpiece, but I'm not sure ... | |
| An old E flat Tuba | 10/11/2007 |
| Q: I am interested in finding out how old my York & Son E flat tuba (#30169) is. In addition, I can't ... A: Looks like it goes back to around 1912. Does it have a 'high/low' donut on it? i.e. a piece of ... | |
| french horn | 10/11/2007 |
| Q: I have just purchased a french horn from the junk market - it says J Higham Ltd Strangeways ... A: Joesph Higham established his business in Manchester in 1842. He was succeeded by his son-in-law ... | |
| Trumpet | 10/9/2007 |
| Q: Im not sure if you can help me but I'm doing an assignment as part of my School Certificate where i ... A: Jessica, It might be a trumpet, but I suspect it is a cornet. It was made by Couesnon & Cie, ... | |
| Buescher 400 Truetone Trombone (age & usage) | 10/7/2007 |
| Q: I have had this trombone since about 1955 and only know that it was purchased used from a member of ... A: It appears to date to approximately 1947. It was the top of the line instrument. It has a narrow ... | |
| Hickernell Trumpet? | 10/7/2007 |
| Q: My father played trumpet for many years, during his school years and a good part of his life . He ... A: My best guess is that this is an instrument made for a dealer, possibly Hickernell himself. If the ... | |
| Trumpet Information | 10/5/2007 |
| Q: I recently found my grandfather's trumpet collecting dust in his closet, and I'm looking for some ... A: I have no record of a Legionaire brand. It is probably the trade name used by a domestic dealer. ... | |
| 1928 Martin Handcraft Trumpet tuning | 10/4/2007 |
| Q: I have this trumpet and from the pictures on your forum of Martin Dasants and Symphony's it seems ... A: Unless there is some collector out there with the instructions that may have originally, I don't ... | |
| getzen super deluxe | 10/4/2007 |
| Q: i have recently acquired a getzen super deluxe trombone and was wondering how the horn might play if ... A: I think you already have the answer. If you like the way it sounds now, then unless there are ... | |
| Horn | 10/3/2007 |
| Q: I have a horn ?? Name brand is Champion. Made in Slovakia. Has three valves. It is like a small ... A: At 10 inches, I would say that you have a Euphonium/baritone. If you want to send pictures to me ... | |
| Werlein Special Saxophone | 10/3/2007 |
| Q: I have a tough one for you. I have a silver color that has the following on the bell: Werlein ... A: Yep, that is a tough one. However, it does sound plausible that if is a store stencil from Werlein ... | |
| COUESNON EUPHONIUM | 10/1/2007 |
| Q: I have an old euphonium, Couesnon serial#55251, 105 Rue LaFayette Paris is also stamped on it. I ... A: Couesnon seems to have not been consistent in the way that they marked their instruments. Some have ... | |
| Antique Trumpet | 10/1/2007 |
| Q: I have an antique trumpet which belonged to my great grandfather. He played it in his band called ... A: The horn dates to 1928. The maker is Martin. It would be silverplated brass. The inside of the ... | |
| 1924-1925 Holton Trumpet | 9/30/2007 |
| Q: I just found my dad's Holton trumpet in my mom's garage. The serial number is either 81065 or 87065. ... A: In the mid 20's Holton only made professional instruments, and I don't believe he used model names ... | |
| Buescher Sousaphone | 9/30/2007 |
| Q: I have a silver plated buescher sousaphone engraved "The Buescher Elkhart IND. USA" On the part ... A: Nope. Nothing Conn about it. Buescher was a well respected instrument maker. The markings mean: ... | |
| frank holton coronet | 9/29/2007 |
| Q: i have a frank holton couturier coronet serial#16279 inscribed on flute is new proportion made by ... A: Holton worked with Couturier to develop this cornet, and put it in production, but he stopped short ... | |
| William Frank Cornet | 9/26/2007 |
| Q: I recently purchased a raw brass William Frank cornet and it semms to be a beauty and very precision ... A: William Frank (b. 1876 Allentown, PA - 1932 Chicago) French horn in the Chicago Symphony from 1904 ... | |
| King Baritone #3 Valve | 9/24/2007 |
| Q: Our daughter has a King Artist Model top valve silver baritone. The valve return springs are under ... A: Steve, It is hard for me to get a clear picture in my mind of the damage the horn has experienced. ... | |
| Crusade trumpet | 9/20/2007 |
| Q: I just bought a trumpet on E-Bay, In the case there is sheet music from 1913. The trumpet Has ... A: I'm not sure either. I've not heard of that brand name. If it is an old horn, then it is probably ... | |
| Boston Musical Instrument Manufy | 9/18/2007 |
| Q: I am an archaeological conservation student who has just recieved a 3-star coronet (serial # 12573) ... A: The Boston Musical Instrument Manufactory was formed in 1869 from the joining of Graves & Co. and ... | |
| valve is stuck! | 9/18/2007 |
| Q: my valve is stuck and i can't pull it out A: I assume that you are telling me this because you want to know what to do about it. There are a ... | |
| Tuba | 9/16/2007 |
| Q: I have in my possession an old, silver tuba. It has the engraving "Beaufort American Chicago USA" ... A: Beaufort was a model imported by Holton as a early attempt to compete in the student market. The ... | |
| Trombone history in America | 9/16/2007 |
| Q: I am trying to find information on the history of the trombone in America. When it first came to ... A: The trombone is certainly older than the US. It is the oldest of the chromatic brass instruments. ... | |
| Frank Holton Courturier cornet | 9/11/2007 |
| Q: My daughter wants to play trumpet in school band. We have a Frank Holton Courturier cornet serial ... A: That horn dates back to 1911. You should probably have it checked to see if it plays in modern ... | |
| Mouthpiece receiver for a Conn Wonder | 8/29/2007 |
| Q: I just purchased a 1905 Conn Wonder (raw brass) that seems to be in pretty good shape. However, it ... A: The valve numbers are 'shop' numbers to keep the casings,pistons, and maybe the caps together. I ... | |
| Old trumpet | 8/27/2007 |
| Q: I know you've had many questions about the Elkhart/Martin trumpets, but everytime I think I have ... A: In 1938, Martin established the Indiana Band Instrument Company, but allowed the company to ... | |
| Couesnon Euphonium | 8/25/2007 |
| Q: I have a 4V Couesnon Euphonium in Silver Plate very good condition. On the bell are the following ... A: Well, Couesnon bought out Gautrot in the 1880s. So, I suppose this instrument is using Gautrot ... | |
| Cornet | 8/24/2007 |
| Q: My son was giving a cornet years ago. I'm trying to find out when it was made and if it is worth ... A: I can give you a general history of the company. Starting around 1884 the Salvation Army began as a ... | |
| Mouthpiece receiver for a Conn Wonder | 8/22/2007 |
| Q: I just purchased a 1905 Conn Wonder (raw brass) that seems to be in pretty good shape. However, it ... A: You can sometimes find the bits on eBay, either by themselves or in another instrument. I know of ... | |
| old stanton cornet | 8/20/2007 |
| Q: i recently purchased an old very unique looking stanton cornet at an auction. its in very playable ... A: Those aren't serial numbers, they are manufacturing markings to keep the valve parts organized. ... | |
| French Horn | 8/19/2007 |
| Q: I have acquired a french horn and would like to know more about it. It engraved W.StowasseraSynowie, ... A: Stowasser is a confusing lineage: There was Bruder, Adolf (1874-1916) Graslitz, Anton (1897-1820) ... | |
| high pitched horns | 8/19/2007 |
| Q: I've just purchased a Besson & Co Baritone. The serial number is 113 707. I think this dates the ... A: I agree on your dating. In the US, I would expect that most horns from the mid-20s would be modern ... | |
| Eb Alto Horn | 8/18/2007 |
| Q: I have acquired an Eb Alto Horn. Lyon & Healy General Agents. J. Higham, maker. 127 S. ... A: Assuming that L&H used the Higham serial numbers on the Higham horns that they handled, your horn ... | |
| FE Olds & Sons Trombone | 8/10/2007 |
| Q: I recently purchased an FE Olds on eBay. There are a lot of scratches and it is very tarnished, but ... A: You have student model trombone from 1956. The Olds instruments are all very durably made, and are ... | |
| OLD TRUMPET | 8/7/2007 |
| Q: My boyfriend has an old silver trumpet it is engraved is engraved COUESNON STAR PARIS 75210 MADE IN ... A: Starting in the 60's, Couesnon tried to expand its share in new markets, both by building quality ... | |
| Antique Clarinet - Orpheum | 8/4/2007 |
| Q: Good morning Mr Scott. I've aquired a lovely silver metal clarinet,engraved on the bell The ... A: Other than several examples of metal clarinets that are listed as student clarinets, the only ... | |
| euphonium | 8/3/2007 |
| Q: I've read that you believe buescher to be a good brand. I have a euphonium that most likely dates ... A: I'm not about a serial number of 588. If that is what it is, the horn is a lot older than the 40s. ... | |
| Noblet Clarinet | 7/31/2007 |
| Q: I have a wooden Noblet Bb clarinet. The serial # is four digits beginning with a 4. I'd like to ... A: Woodwinds aren't my area, so I can't help with its value, but I will say that you really don't have ... | |
| OLD CARL FISHER CORNET "RELIABLE NEW YORK" | 7/31/2007 |
| Q: THIS HORN BELONGED TO MY DAD BILL DILLARD, WHO PASSED IN 1995. WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THIS HORN? ... A: Carl Fischer (1849-1923) started as a dealer in New York in 1872, after immegrating from Germany, ... | |
| old trumpet | 7/31/2007 |
| Q: The Lyon Healy trumpet does say own make on it. Can I clean the horn with something or should I ... A: My experience with Own Make insruments are that they are indeed well made. Unfortunately, the Lyon ... | |
| old trumpet | 7/28/2007 |
| Q: I found an old Lyon Healy trumpet can find any info on it can you help?It has a number on it #4525. ... A: The Lyon and Healy company records were destroyed by fire about a century ago. We have done some ... | |
| Buffet clarinets | 7/27/2007 |
| Q: there. I am a musical illiterate who has recently acquired a pair of Buffet clarinets which, ... A: Quite frankly, if selling them is your intention, I would recommend simply taking very good pictures ... | |
| Conn Sousaphone | 7/26/2007 |
| Q: I acquired an old Conn sousaphone at an estate sale about a week ago. It is silver plated, has four ... A: Please check that serial number again, I don't think that can be right. While you are at it, check ... | |
| Couesnon & Cie | 7/25/2007 |
| Q: I have an old trumpet that was originally my Aunts and I would like some information on it. On the ... A: Couesnon has been in business for over 170 years. By 1911, Couesnon had expanded to eleven ... | |
| Anitque Coronet | 7/23/2007 |
| Q: Recently while perusing an antique store, I found a coronet, that was silver plated and had ... A: Well, there were several Henry's in the musical world. Marchand comes to mind as a possibility. If ... | |
| Professional Wurlitzer French Horn | 7/21/2007 |
| Q: My community band (started 1889) has a number of instruments I am researching. First is a ... A: Well, that is an interesting horn. The vocal horns were marketed as a solo instrument. They are ... | |
| Imperial Saxaphone | 7/21/2007 |
| Q: Have a baritone sax with Imperial marked on the bell. Made in Elkhart. Serial number would put it ... A: Saxes aren't really my area, but. . . Imperial is one of those troubling names that have been used ... | |
| Professional Wurlitzer French Horn | 7/21/2007 |
| Q: My community band (started 1889) has a number of instruments I am researching. First is a ... A: There are no serial number lists for Wurlitzer. Could it be a mellophone? I would agree on the age ... | |
| Elkhart Saxophone | 7/21/2007 |
| Q: I purchased a saxophone labeled The Elkhart Band Inst Co on the bell with a model number of 2457-28 ... A: The Elkhart Band Instrument Company that made brass instruments between 1924 and 1928. In 1928, it ... | |
| Boosey & Co. cornet | 7/19/2007 |
| Q: My first research on an instrument. Cornet has the following markings: Bell: TRADE MARK DISTIN ... A: My understanding of that is that there were two departments one which assembled the instrument and ... | |
| Boosey & Co. cornet | 7/19/2007 |
| Q: My first research on an instrument. Cornet has the following markings: Bell: TRADE MARK DISTIN ... A: I can narrow it a bit. Unfortunately, the serial number lists start with 36932 in 1891, but that at ... | |
| Windsor Elkhart Ind, Silver Trumpet | 7/18/2007 |
| Q: I have recently acquired a silver trumpet that is Engraved on the bell with Windsor Elkhart, IND, ... A: I don't believe there is a serial number list for Windsor instruments which were made by the ... | |
| alto sax | 7/17/2007 |
| Q: I was given a Buescher Alto Sax as a gift ... serial #170100 ... just wondering if it comes with any ... A: This horn dates to 1924. Some consider Buescher to be be best saxophones made. And, this one was ... | |
| mouthpiece | 7/13/2007 |
| Q: either Fr. horn (or maybe alto horn - it seems to have a shallower cup than a Fr. horn) that has a ... A: There was a Robert Barth in Stuttgart, in the late 1800s, so it is likely his, although there were a ... | |
| King Tempo 600 trumpet -- made before 1964? | 7/12/2007 |
| Q: I had read one your earlier responses concerning the King Tempo trumpets, where you had said that ... A: The source of my comment on the initial date for the Tempo came from www.hnwhitekings.com (except ... | |
| old trombones. | 7/10/2007 |
| Q: Good musician friend of mine just passed away and left a bunch of old instruments he liked to ... A: 1. I agree with you on the date. It is not real rare, but I think it might generate some interest. ... | |
| info regarding trumpet | 7/9/2007 |
| Q: i have aquired a trumpet,it appears to be copper... with "oxford" made in england by boosey&hawkes ... A: It almost certainly made of brass. Oxford was a second line for Boosey and Hawkes. Generally, HP ... | |
| king 605 trombone | 7/8/2007 |
| Q: I'm Jacob. I own a king 605 trombone, and I have a problem with it. Spit comes out of the bell, and ... A: Jacob, I can't think that the problem you are struggling with is caused by water in the horn. It ... | |
| Elkhart (Built by Buescher) Trumpet | 7/6/2007 |
| Q: I have a trumpet with the inscription "Elkhart Built by Buescher" Elkhart, Ind, USA (379 is on the ... A: Buescher started his own company in as the Buescher Manufacturing Co. in 1894, after previously ... | |
| Boston M.I.M. trombone | 7/6/2007 |
| Q: Years ago, I acquired a trombone made by the Boston Musical Instrument Manufactory. The serial ... A: That would date it to about 1897. I would also suppose that it was a military instrument. I think ... | |
| conn cornet parts | 7/5/2007 |
| Q: do you know anyone that might have old Conn cornet parts? the best i know of this horn dates 1912 ... A: OK, it seems like we took a very round about path to what it is that you are actually looking for. ... | |
| The Indiana B-flat Trumpet Elkhart Indiana | 7/5/2007 |
| Q: I have a B flat Trumpet I think it was manufactured before 1952. It has the words The Indiana ... A: The Indiana Company was started in 1938 by the Martin Company but allowed them to operate ... | |
| CG Conn Worcester trumpet | 7/4/2007 |
| Q: some time ago I was given a old trumpet that I used as decoration in my home studio. Recently I ... A: In 1886 Conn purchased Fiske Plant in Worcester and labeled horns Elkhart and Worcester. He phased ... | |
| CONN TRUMPET DIRECTOR | 7/3/2007 |
| Q: HOW DO I FIND OUT HOW OLD MY CONN DIRECTOR TRUMPET IS? I CAN'T FIND A NUMBER. THE MOUTH PIECE IS ... A: Well, there are basically two ways: Some Conns have their model number stamped on the mouthpiece ... | |
| conn cornet parts | 7/3/2007 |
| Q: do you know anyone that might have old Conn cornet parts? the best i know of this horn dates 1912 ... A: The answer may be different depending on what your intentions are. Are parts missing or just ... | |
| Dyers cornet | 7/2/2007 |
| Q: i have been given a cornet it has dyers professional model on the bell. i can find no info on the ... A: William John Dyer was a dealer and importer. He became the largest music house west of Chicago. He ... | |
| Frank Holton & Co | 7/2/2007 |
| Q: I have my father's Frank Holton & Co, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, trumpet. The serial number is 79981. ... A: The horn dates to 1923. Holton, although he started the Collegiate student line in the 1930s, ... | |
| old Blessing Super Artist Trumpet | 7/1/2007 |
| Q: I have this old brass Blessing Super Artist Trumpet, Stamped PAT. July 19?? can't read last two ... A: Blessing started his company in 1906, but the record is empty until 1935 when the serial number was ... | |
| Wurlitzer Lyric Alto-Sax | 6/29/2007 |
| Q: my Name is Frank, sorry for bad English, I'm writing from Germany. I have an old Rudolph Wurlitzer ... A: My area is not woodwinds, but I can tell you this much. It was probably imported into the United ... | |
| buescher trumpet/coronet | 6/28/2007 |
| Q: i have a buescher trumpet/coronet the seriel# is 17803.can anyone give me any info on this ... A: Well it sort of depends on 1) where you live, and 2) what all is wrong with it. More likely than ... | |
| buescher trumpet/coronet | 6/28/2007 |
| Q: i have a buescher trumpet/coronet the seriel# is 17803.can anyone give me any info on this ... A: Yes, it is worth bringing up into good condition. Yours dates back to 1912. Now the only thing ... | |
| Wm Frank Co. Tenor Classic Saxophone | 6/27/2007 |
| Q: I have a Wm. Frank Co. Chicago Classic tenor Saxophone ser# 188255 Low Pitch. I am trying to find ... A: William Frank (b. 1876 Allentown, PA - 1932 Chicago) worked for Holton and in 1910 established his ... | |
| old trumpet question | 6/27/2007 |
| Q: I have an old trumpet/cornet that I am trying to find out information on. It is in really poor ... A: Well that is interesting. I believe what it has on the valve casing is actually Glassl. ... | |
| Buescher Cornet | 6/24/2007 |
| Q: My grandfather bought a Buescher cornet in 1920 to play at the University of Wisconsin. My son now ... A: It appears that the instrument was made in 1912. Tell your son that though it is old, it was made ... | |
| Cavalier Trumpet or Cornet | 6/24/2007 |
| Q: I am in the process of researching an instrument found in the attic and after reading the previous ... A: I not found anyone that could establish how the Cavalier serial numbers translate. The Conn serial ... | |
| Frank Holton Euphonium | 6/21/2007 |
| Q: Back in high school acquired a Frank Holton of Chicago, Illinois Euphonium the serial number is ... A: Holton was one of the major manufacturers in this country. Your horn was made in 1916 before Holton ... | |
| old cleveland tenor | 6/20/2007 |
| Q: I have my fathers old Cleveland tenor. The serial # is c123353. How old is this horn? is it a pro or ... A: I suppose that would depend on what it needs. I think rather than me making a guess at that one, ... | |
| Conn E32082 | 6/20/2007 |
| Q: I was wondering if you know where I could get replacement pistons for this. I know it was made about ... A: You would need to check with a repair technician. There are some horns that have parts in inventory ... | |
| old cleveland tenor | 6/19/2007 |
| Q: I have my fathers old Cleveland tenor. The serial # is c123353. How old is this horn? is it a pro or ... A: The Cleveland Musical Instrument Co., of Euclid Ohio opened for business in 1920. The company was ... | |
| 1910 low pitch sax. | 6/18/2007 |
| Q: I have bought a house and in the attic i found an old sax. On this sax. it says(licensed pat pend ... A: The dealer is Lyon & Healy, and the model is American Professional. And, the serial doesn't have ... | |
| Euphonium | 6/14/2007 |
| Q: While cleaning out an old house belonging to a deceased relative we found what we think is an old ... A: Where in Central Pa.? I'm in Punxsutawney. I would think most likely Brass. IF you have pictures, ... | |
| Old Holton Trumpet | 6/13/2007 |
| Q: My band teacher was about to throw out an old trumpet, when i piped in and told him i would take it. ... A: You have a Model 48 trumpet coincidentally from 1948. It was a professional level instrument, and ... | |
| old Pan American Cornet | 6/13/2007 |
| Q: I have an old Pan American cornet, with a serial number 190259. It bears no model markings or ... A: Your horn dates to 1949. Pan American was Conn's student line, so they are not worth as much as ... | |
| CORNET QUESTION | 6/10/2007 |
| Q: We have a cornet that has "beau ideal chicago"engraved on it. It is silver and brass and has ... A: Beau Ideal was a tradename used by Lyon & Healy of Chicago. Lyon & Healy at the beginning of the ... | |
| Gretsch trombone | 6/9/2007 |
| Q: We recently purchased a Gretsch Pathfinder trombone. I have searched it over and cant find a ... A: I believe that Gretsch was a distributor for Couesnon, not that they stenciled Couesnon instruments. ... | |
| J.Gras oboe | 6/9/2007 |
| Q: Ihope this note finds you well! I have an old oboe in its original case. The markings on it says: ... A: The Fillmore Company, Cincinnati, OH. started in business in 1905 as importers of instruments. ... | |
| Buescher Trumpet #55916 | 6/7/2007 |
| Q: Please provide any information that you are able to share in this forum about this instrument, ... A: Buescher had previously worked for Conn-Dupont, but started his own independent company in as the ... | |
| Silvertone Clarinet | 6/6/2007 |
| Q: I have an old clarinet that i still use! its a lovely black wood with Silvertone etched into the ... A: Woodwinds are not my area, so I can't give you anything definitive on your instruments, but ... | |
| Brass Trumpet | 6/5/2007 |
| Q: I have a brass trumpet made by Couesnon & Cie, Paris,France. It has an emblem & underneath it reads ... A: Couesnon has been in business sinced 1827. Your horn was made 100 years later in 1927. In the ... | |
| Harry B Jay Instrument | 6/4/2007 |
| Q: I inherited what looks to me like a french horn but the curl is not quite as tight as the french ... A: I believe what you are describing is a mellophone. I've not tried a Jay mellophone, but would ... | |
| Cavalier Slide Trombone Made in Elkhart Indiana | 6/3/2007 |
| Q: I think this is the serial # 05007 there are also 2 other sets of numbers 076 and 975 could you tell ... A: Cavalier was a student line of instruments made by Conn. It was actually a second line under Pan ... | |
| CG Conn Vintage Trombone | 6/2/2007 |
| Q: The serial # is 141094. This is a silver plated horn w/ engraved bell in it's original case. Can you ... A: Dates to about 1915. You probably won't get a lot for it, unless there is something unique about it ... | |
| Mellophone maker | 6/2/2007 |
| Q: I own a mellophone made by James L. Hatch Instruments, Altoona PA. My parents bought it for me ... A: I only live about 1.5 hours from Altoona, but I have never heard of Hatch. My guess would be that ... | |
| Martin Band Instrument Company | 6/1/2007 |
| Q: My grandfather was Fred Holtz, one of the presidents of Martin Band Instrument Company. He died not ... A: I don't recall what all may have been said about the Martin Company in this venue, and I would ... | |
| Alexandre Trumpet.... | 5/29/2007 |
| Q: My grandmother gave me an Alexandre trumpet made in U.S.A. and I can find no info. It is in ... A: Donna, I'm not certain what you might have there. There supposedly was a company named Alexandre ... | |
| king cleveland 605 trombone with f trigger | 5/29/2007 |
| Q: have you ever heard of the king cleveland 605 with f trigger trombone? I recently purchased one on e ... A: I know the horn. What I don't know is the condition of your particular instrument. If the lacquer ... | |
| Beaufort American cornet | 5/26/2007 |
| Q: I think you might have answered this in another question, but here goes. There is a cornet on eBay ... A: Actually, the seller is pretty close. Holton did sell the Beaufort American instruments. However, ... | |
| Baritone Horn | 5/24/2007 |
| Q: I have been looking at this antique Baritone horn; it has engraved on the bell: George Baring & ... A: Baring made instruments that were then imported into the US and sold by HN White in the 1880s. ... | |
| C.G. CONN Cornet | 5/24/2007 |
| Q: I have a C.G. CONN Union Label Cornet. The number on it is 135539. Also on it is MPBP and what looks ... A: The process I use on very tarnished instruments is to first use Tarnx, and then Blue Magic, and then ... | |
| 7 belled brass instrument | 5/23/2007 |
| Q: A friend of a co-worker of mine saw a strange brass instrument with 7 bells, 6 piston valves, and a ... A: I believe you are describing what is known as a 7 belled trombone. Each bell was activated by a ... | |
| fluglehorn | 5/20/2007 |
| Q: I have a King fluglehorn..serial number 104008..approximate date of manufacture 1925-1930 (according ... A: Jim, Good question, for which I don't have an answer. I've never seen those kind of numbers for ... | |
| 1977 Claude Gordon Benge | 5/20/2007 |
| Q: I recently purchased a 1977 Claude Gordon Benge (sn 22840) The valves do not have the serial number ... A: I don't know specifically in Benge's case, why they would have changed that convention. When ... | |
| Martin Baritone horn | 5/19/2007 |
| Q: I have a Martin baritone horn (bell up)with 4 rotor valves. It has valve spring windings like an ... A: The earliest verified Martin is 17221 for 1919. And, appears that their production numbers were ... | |
| Martin Baritone horn | 5/18/2007 |
| Q: I have a Martin baritone horn (bell up)with 4 rotor valves. It has valve spring windings like an ... A: I wonder if you have a GR Martin or a Max Martin instrument. I have never seen a baritone from ... | |
| getzen super delux balanced tone tr & tb | 5/18/2007 |
| Q: I work in a pawn shop/ music center and have aquired a Getzen super deluxe tone balanced trumpet and ... A: Getzen started making trombones in 1946. And, he started making trumpets in 1947. Then in 1963, ... | |
| York Eb Alto Horn | 5/17/2007 |
| Q: I recently purchased a York Eb Alto horn with a serial number beginning with 45***. Can you direct ... A: The York dates back to 1914, according to the best detailed list I know of. All of the York lists ... | |
| euphonium | 5/16/2007 |
| Q: I have found a euphonium, it is very beat up. Has the words Universelle Exposition De Paris 1900, ... A: It means that you are going to have to spend some money to get it fixed up (just kidding) Couesnon ... | |
| Frank Holton French Horn | 5/14/2007 |
| Q: A friend of mine has a nickle silver plated Collegiate French Horn made by Frank Holton in his plant ... A: That looks to date to 1929. Interesting. The material I have seen always says that the Collegiate ... | |
| Old trumpet/cornet | 5/13/2007 |
| Q: I helped my mother clean out her attic, and we came across an old instrument, in its original case. ... A: Well the easy part is that it was made in 1914. My guess would be that you have a cornet, because ... | |
| Antique Holton Trumpet | 5/13/2007 |
| Q: When I started band in grade 7, my dad fished out my great-grandpa's trumpet out of the attic. Now ... A: No, it really doesn't. OK, consider this: Holton started making horns in 1901. He would have ... | |
| Antique Holton Trumpet | 5/12/2007 |
| Q: When I started band in grade 7, my dad fished out my great-grandpa's trumpet out of the attic. Now ... A: The Collegiate was Holton's version of a student model instrument, however, Holton didn't really ... | |
| lyon & healy cornet | 5/11/2007 |
| Q: I was recently handed down a Lyon and Healy cornet which I believe is to be silver plated. It comes ... A: Lyon and Healy was a major supplier of instruments about 100 years ago until about 1940. Most of ... | |
| cavalier sax | 5/6/2007 |
| Q: I was looking through some things in my grandmothers attick and came across her old saxophone. She ... A: Saxes aren't me area, I want to say that up front. Cavalier was a second line off of a second line ... | |
| Olds Superstar V20 | 5/5/2007 |
| Q: I have an Olds Superstar v20, and we think (we are not sure) that the serial Number is either 68 or ... A: Hmm. (now why did I think it was a trumpet??? Too early in the morning, I guess) A V20 should be ... | |
| Martin Trombone | 5/4/2007 |
| Q: I have a silver martin trombone with the serial #9031. I have not been able to find a Martin ... A: I know of no list that goes back that far, but it probably is close to 1906. The horn probably has ... | |
| Indiana Band Instrument co | 4/30/2007 |
| Q: Years ago read an obituary of a band director. Think he had been the director of the university of ... A: I have never heard that story. What I do know of the history of the Indiana Band Instrument Company ... | |
| WM. Frank trumpet | 4/30/2007 |
| Q: I have a silver trumpet, It is smaller than most other trumpets i have seen. can you tell what kind ... A: I'm not sure by the description whether you are talking about a cornet rather than a trumpet, or ... | |
| Lyon Healy American Professional cornet | 4/29/2007 |
| Q: I was given a silver Lyon Healy American Professional cornet by an elderly lady who played it in ... A: I'm relatively certain that it is all silverplated brass. The 2182 would be the serial number. ... | |
| Martin Trumpet S/N 13693 | 4/29/2007 |
| Q: "Silver" finish and "gold" inside of bell. Bell has "Indiana". "Indiana Band Inst." There is an ... A: The Martin Company started the Indiana Band Instrument company but allowed them to operate ... | |
| Noblet clarinet | 4/29/2007 |
| Q: I was recently given a clarinet, but as a violin player I am not entirely sure what to do with it. ... A: Woodwinds are not my area. Metal clarinets were an experiment that never really caught on. Most ... | |
| Coronet Lamoreaux Freres Artist's tru | 4/28/2007 |
| Q: I have a Silver Coronet which is marked Lamoreaux Freres Artist's Tru. In the case it says Lamoreaux ... A: Lamoreaux Freres is a tradename that was used for instruments sold by Sears. There are no serial ... | |
| Martin baritone | 4/23/2007 |
| Q: I was given an old Martin baritone (or euphonium?) that has been stored in an attic for many years. ... A: Wow, that's a early one. There are two serial number ranges for Martins, depending on which factory ... | |
| is my old cornet worth fixing ? | 4/20/2007 |
| Q: I have a 1920-ish Henri Gautier Virtuoso Bb/A cornet that I've inherited from my uncle. Its ... A: Well, the fact that the valves are slow would seem to indicate that either it is out of alignment, ... | |
| trumpet?? | 4/18/2007 |
| Q: Don Mayer A: The Martin Galaxy, isn't really a Martin in the sense that it was made by the original company. It ... | |
| unusual horn | 4/18/2007 |
| Q: I received a gift several years ago of an unusual horn that my husband bought at an auction. I have ... A: The name on the instrument tell you what it is. It is a signal horn. They had generally no musical ... | |
| Old Trombone | 4/17/2007 |
| Q: A friend has a Harry B. Jay valve trombone with oringinal document showing serial number 3575, sold ... A: Columbia was a trade name used by Jay. His company was in existence from 1910 to 1946. The two ... | |
| Marceau Silver Trumpet | 4/15/2007 |
| Q: I found a really old, hard black case in the attic of a house we purchased a few years ago. Inside ... A: Marceau was a trade name used by Sears for imported instruments. The horn would either be silver ... | |
| Bundy Paris ALL Silver or Nickel Clairnet | 4/11/2007 |
| Q: I just purchased a George M. Bundy - Paris, ALL Silver or Nickel Clarinet, no case. The body is much ... A: In 1918, George Bundy gained the rights to distribute Selmer products in the United States, and ... | |
| engraved clearbore alto horn 1862 and 1865 | 4/9/2007 |
| Q: Do you have any info. about this type of horn? Does it have any monetary value? My son wants to ... A: Clearbore is a model made by Joesph Higham, Manchester. I'm not certain what numbers you referenced ... | |
| Melville Clark soloist Trumpet (silver) | 4/7/2007 |
| Q: I inherited my grandfathers trumpet, and would like to know more about it. I cannot find anything on ... A: Melville Clark is better known for his pianos. The Clark Music Company was establilshed in 1859, in ... | |
| ALLEN AND HALL CORNET | 4/5/2007 |
| Q: I OWN A CORNET, WHICH BEARS A PLAQUE STATING THAT IT WAS MANUFACTURED BY ALLEN AND HALL, AND AN ... A: It sounds like you have an interesting instrument there. The date of the presentation is consistent ... | |
| euphonium | 3/30/2007 |
| Q: i discovered a ancient euphonium in my church basement and was just wondering how old it was. the ... A: Columbia was a trade name used by the Harry B. Jay company of Chicago. They were in business from ... | |
| Martin Indiana Alto Sax | 3/30/2007 |
| Q: what year was my Martin Indiana B flat Alto Sax made? The serial number is 74565, can you help me ... A: I may have mis-understood your question. I interpreted it as asking the date for a Martin ... | |
| Elkhart single french horn | 3/30/2007 |
| Q: I have a single french horn engraved on the bell with a diamond shape. Inside the diamond is "The ... A: I don't see why is should be a bad idea. You may want to get it serviced and cleaned so that it is ... | |
| couesnon & cie flute | 3/30/2007 |
| Q: I have a flute from the above listed maker. I believe the serial number is 70...I found the number ... A: Woodwinds are not my area, but Couesnon instruments usually have a little circle, sometimes referred ... | |
| Besson Euphonium | 3/29/2007 |
| Q: I have a besson euphonium that is at least 40 years old, the original owner tells me. I can't ... A: At one time there was a WEB site that posted more complete numbers but it has gone off line. The ... | |
| 1921 MARTIN BBb tuba,three piston front, in satin silver | 3/29/2007 |
| Q: I just recently purchased a 1921 MARTIN BBb tuba. It plays beautifully! Can you tell me anything ... A: The serial number lists for the early Martins are just estimates. Some lists would suggest that it ... | |
| Elkhart Trumpet | 3/28/2007 |
| Q: There is some kind of etching on the trumpet torward the horn on the outside. On the second valve it ... A: Probably the inner bell is not brass but rather a gold wash (a plating of gold). The name Elkhart ... | |
| Mahillon baritone | 3/28/2007 |
| Q: I've got a baritone with the following markers on the bell underneath a kind of weapon (2 belgian ... A: Charles Mahillon founded his business in Bruxelles in 1836, and continued in business until 1935. ... | |
| F.W. York & Sons antique coronet | 3/28/2007 |
| Q: My grandfather, born in 1880, had this coronet which he played in the Shriners band. It is ... A: I think getting it refurbished is a good idea. It doesn't sound like there is anything terribly ... | |
| Lyon and healy Coronet | 3/27/2007 |
| Q: I have a Lyon and Healy Coronet that I inherited from my grandfather. I know some say "Own Make" on ... A: That is Am'n Make = American Make. There is no existing serial number list for Lyon and Healy that ... | |
| 1910 or 1920 brass sousaphone tuba | 3/26/2007 |
| Q: I have found this brass sousaphone tuba in my grandmother's garage. It has the Wm. Frank Co. Chicago ... A: That's a cool grandmother! Mine just kept old furniture in her garage. It wouldn't be any older ... | |
| Cleveland Baritone Horn | 3/25/2007 |
| Q: I have a baritone horn with Ser # C-35045 stamped on the outside of the center valve. I know that ... A: The original Cleveland company, started in 1920, put a C on the beginning of their serial numbers, ... | |
| Antique Bari Sax | 3/25/2007 |
| Q: I recently bought a sax. The instrument is a Boosey baritone sax. I understand that Boosey & Hawkes ... A: Actually, Hawkes merged with Boosey in 1930. I have a Conn bari that has the "manual octave key" ... | |
| Silver VocoTone Alto Saxaphone | 3/24/2007 |
| Q: I have read some of your responses to previous questions about VocoTone horns. My question is ... A: I know that VocoTone was a trade name used by Bruno. The Bruno Company was established in New York ... | |
| Harwood Professional Cornet / Trumpet JW Jenkins | 3/21/2007 |
| Q: I have a Harwood Professional Cornet / Trumpet. Engraved on it is "The Perfected Harwood ... A: Tom, I don't attempt to do evaluations on this site. J.W.Jenkins Co. began in Kansas City, MO ... | |
| re: Buescher Trumpet | 3/20/2007 |
| Q: I have a Buescher Aristocrat trumpet with the serial number 312622. At least I think it is a ... A: That horn was made in 1948. The horns of the '20's, while Buescher himself was still involved, were ... | |
| saxophone | 3/20/2007 |
| Q: I have a saxophone I got from my Grandpa when I was a little boy. I have been trying to find out ... A: William John Dyer was a dealer and importer. He became the largest music house west of Chicago. He ... | |
| Pan American Cornpet | 3/19/2007 |
| Q: I have an old horn that was purchased used around 1960. I played it through my school years, and my ... A: Does it look like: ... | |
| silver valvetrombone | 3/12/2007 |
| Q: i am shore this is old.it is engraved henri on the bell with a lot of fancy engraving around ... A: Henri was a tradename used for instruments imported by Henry Grossman who was a dealer in Cleveland ... | |
| UNION TRUMPET | 3/12/2007 |
| Q: HOW CAN I DETERMINE THE MAKE OF THE HORN AND IN GENERAL WHO MADE HORNS IN 1913? THE HORN WAS ... A: There were lots of makers in 1913 (assuming that date is correct). If the maker was an established ... | |
| royal czechoslovakian trumpet | 3/7/2007 |
| Q: I just purchased a silver trumpet. It has a floral engraving on the bell with the word ROYAL ... A: Sears and Wards had instruments that they would put their own company brands on. And, they would ... | |
| royal czechoslovakian trumpet | 3/7/2007 |
| Q: I just purchased a silver trumpet. It has a floral engraving on the bell with the word ROYAL ... A: There were a lot of makers in Czech particularly Graslitz. The most prolific was probably Bohland ... | |
| royal czechoslovakian trumpet | 3/7/2007 |
| Q: I just purchased a silver trumpet. It has a floral engraving on the bell with the word ROYAL ... A: Actually,no. I've been looking for information on Royals. The images of them that I have collected ... | |
| Carl Fishers Trombone | 3/4/2007 |
| Q: Well I have seen some of the other questions about these trombones but I seem to have a slightly ... A: For most of their history in instruments sales, Fischer was a dealer and did not make the ... | |
| trumpet dating | 3/1/2007 |
| Q: I have a brushed silver 3 piston trumpet with a rotary valve coming off of the 3rd valve slide ... A: I apologize for not responding sooner. For some reason, I'm not getting notice from AllExperts. ... | |
| Old slide trumpet (small trombone) ? | 1/29/2007 |
| Q: I have a Lyon Healy instrument that I estimate to be from 1900 - 1920(?) It is silver with ornate ... A: If just the slide is 22 inches, I suspect you may have an alto trombone. If the whole instrument is ... | |
| Marceau Trombone | 1/28/2007 |
| Q: Do you know the approximate date of manufacture? There is no serial number and the word Czech is on ... A: If "Czech" is on the mouthpiece, then it doesn't give us much of a clue, as mouthpieces and ... | |
| supertone trumpet/cornet | 1/23/2007 |
| Q: I recently found a trumpet/cornet in my grandmothers attic. It appears to be a silver/silvertone ... A: Sorry for taking so long to get back to you, I'm having internet problems. Supertone was a name ... | |
| Indiana Saxaphone | 1/14/2007 |
| Q: I recently found an old,possibly student-grade saxophone in the garbage after a family moved from ... A: Keep the horn, throw out the plastic reed! In 1938, Martin established the Indiana Band Instrument ... | |
| Courtois cornet | 1/11/2007 |
| Q: I have a very tarnished cornet stamped with numerous award citations (latest 1878) and labeled ... A: Kurt, Courtois and Mille formed a partnership in 1856. The company existed until 1947. ... | |
| Buescher trumpet | 1/10/2007 |
| Q: Ik just bought a Buescher trumpet with a verry smal horn. The serial numner is 0146. It has the ... A: Although, this horn lists Buescher as president, it appears that the American Triumph was a ... | |
| Cavalier Tenor Sax | 1/8/2007 |
| Q: I have a Cavalier Tenor Sax that I bought used in 1971. It was old when I bought it and was ... A: I'm not sure about woodwinds, as they aren't really my area. My experience with Cavaliers is that ... | |
| question on i believe a antique tuba? | 1/7/2007 |
| Q: i recently purchased what i believe to be a tuba,it looks very old to me and i am having extreme ... A: I can only find a brief reference to Brisson & cie which states they were in business in the late ... | |
| Holton Cornet | 1/6/2007 |
| Q: I Have a Holton Cornet Ser#14245 (patent pending)New Proportion is inscribed on the bell. It is in ... A: The Holton company described this instrument as such: After a long series of experiments on the ... | |
| Vintage trumpet | 1/4/2007 |
| Q: I have a vintage trumpet serial #P49306 and is marked on the bell "Beaufort American, Chicago, USA. ... A: No, the case and the horn don't go together. I THINK, but don't have any data to confirm it, that ... | |
| Miraphone 6087 "recording" style tuba | 1/3/2007 |
| Q: I've been wanting to see if I still knew how to play for quite some time. However, tubas aren't the ... A: Hmm, looks like I did something wrong. I thought I had answered this question, but it must not have ... | |
| silver clarinet | 1/1/2007 |
| Q: I know the clarinet is not considered a brass instrument, but since it's metal, I thought you could ... A: I think a Metal clarinet is still a woodwind, so that lets me off the hook as far as knowing much ... | |
| Saxaphone | 12/31/2006 |
| Q: I have an old saxaphone that was my deceased Fathers- he played in the late 50s early 60s. It is an ... A: The Indiana company was established by Martin bought the company in 1938, but allowed it to continue ... | |
| Orpheus | 12/30/2006 |
| Q: Do you know who made an Orpheus Trumpet/Flugel it looks a very old instrument A: As far as old instruments are concerned records show that Orpheus was used by an unidentified ... | |
| old French horn | 12/26/2006 |
| Q: I have a Cortois Horn. With piston valves. On the backside of the Valves there is a #9 on valve 1, ... A: The 7, 8, 9 are simply assembly numbers so the workers can keep track of which valve goes with which ... | |
| antique trumpet | 12/26/2006 |
| Q: I have a Weymann Keystone State trumpet, serial 78873. Do you have any idea how old this is and if ... A: Henry Weymann was in business in Philadelphia from 1864-1942. He started selling instruments in ... | |
| Baritone for a student? | 12/17/2006 |
| Q: Conn, Selmer, King, Besson, Jupiter, Blessing, Yamaha, Holton... I just want a baritone for my kid ... A: I'm probably not the best person to ask, I play on an 1894 Distin baritone in community band! A lot ... | |
| FRANK holton cornet | 12/17/2006 |
| Q: I have a 1917 frank holton cornet that is two tone brass and silver complete with original case and ... A: Well, it would be speculation without actually seeing it, but I suspect you have a cornet that was ... | |
| keith, Prowse & Co. London Royal Patent Grand Euphonon | 12/16/2006 |
| Q: I inherited an odd, wooden-boxed, 12-string instrument I would like to restore and play but don't ... A: The term apparently is applied both to a keyboard type instrument and to a jumbo guitar. I would ... | |
| Ohio Band Instrument company | 12/14/2006 |
| Q: I learned to play on a trumpet which my grandmother also learned on. It was manufactured by the ... A: Ohio Band Instrument Company came into existence in the early 30's, it was based in Cleveland, and ... | |
| possible antique trumpet | 12/12/2006 |
| Q: I have a Harry Pedler & Sons trumpet my parents bought me when I joined the school band at about age ... A: I can tell you that is is no older than 1937, but I don't have a date as to when they quit making ... | |
| Harry Poddler & Sons Trumpet | 12/11/2006 |
| Q: I found a nice-looking and well-maintained, but clearly very old, trumpet in an antique store in ... A: The maker's name is Pedler. Harry Walter Pedler established his business in Elkhart in 1919, ... | |
| looking for info about old trumpet | 12/11/2006 |
| Q: The trumpet belonged to my late husband. He played it in high school, 1949-1953. He did not think ... A: The horn is almost certainly one that was made by an unnamed maker and then stenciled by Whitman. I ... | |
| Holton Sousaphone Serial#33950 (c. 1915) | 12/9/2006 |
| Q: I recently bought the 1915 4-valved Eb Holton sousaphone which is pictured on this page ... A: The original Eb's came with a smaller shank mouthpiece than what fits on a BBb horn. So, the first ... | |
| Cornet made at Standard Band Music Co, Sudbury | 12/8/2006 |
| Q: This is a kind of family item, reportedly made by my great-great granduncle Anthony. It says it was ... A: The Standard Band Instrument Company was started in 1884 by Thompson & Odell as the Brasswind branch ... | |
| Where to buy and value anitque instruments | 12/6/2006 |
| Q: I work for a company that performs appraisals for items lost due to fire, flood, etc.. We go onto ... A: Well a couple of places come to mind http://horncollector.com/, http://horncollector.com/, ... | |
| Weymann Keystone State horn | 12/6/2006 |
| Q: I've just purchased a Weymann mellophone (as in piston valves, shaped like a French Horn) on EBay ... A: I saw that mello on eBay. Congratulations. Henry Weymann was in business in Philadelphia from ... | |
| i have a question | 12/1/2006 |
| Q: I have a c.g conn ltd saxophone with the serial number m252-521 i also have the original black ivory ... A: Woodwinds are not my area, but I believe that your horn was made in 1932. Conn saxophones are well ... | |
| Frank Holton Saxaphone | 11/28/2006 |
| Q: Kenton, Another good point on Rudy playing the C melody sax. Yea, why a signiture bari horn? I ... A: > From what it sounds he can be credited with bringing the saxophone out of classical and into ... | |
| Frank Holton Saxaphone | 11/27/2006 |
| Q: That's a good point. I did, however, check for that. The answer is no. There are no missing ... A: Jim, You got me reading about Rudy. He was not someone I had run across previously. But, I find ... | |
| How old are these two trumpets? Holton, Reynolds | 11/26/2006 |
| Q: I have two old marching band trumpets: 1) Holton. model: T602R serial #: 030965 The #'s are ... A: The serial number charts I have for Holton would make that number pre 1920, but the model number of ... | |
| The Peerless M.J. Kalashen Trumpet | 11/20/2006 |
| Q: I have an old Kalashen trumpet numbered 7246. Could you give me some information on where to look ... A: Mark Kalashen was a Dealer and possibly a Maker in New York from 1895 to 1930. His address in 1901 ... | |
| Henri Gautier Cornet | 11/18/2006 |
| Q: Looking for the approximate date of Henri Gautier, B & F manufacturer, Austria, "L" on middle valve ... A: Larry, Does it look like any of these? ... | |
| King Cleveland Sax | 11/18/2006 |
| Q: I have an old Cleveland saxophone given to me by my mother who played it in high school. I am told ... A: "and my mother is now 44 years old" You better be careful how you phrase that, you might not get ... | |
| Getzen Cornet | 11/12/2006 |
| Q: We have my husband's old Getzen 'Super Deluxe' cornet, serial # 58781, which I just rescued from his ... A: Nope, can't tell you. The reason is that in 1964 the Getzen Company burned down, and records were ... | |
| Olds Trombone Information | 11/11/2006 |
| Q: Good afternoon, I have an Olds trombone with a bear playing a trombone as the slide weight. It has ... A: That is a rather famous model. I've never played one so I don't know whether its reputation comes ... | |
| Noblet Clarinet | 11/9/2006 |
| Q: Recently a clarinet was donated to my son who play in the Perryville High School Marching Band. The ... A: My area is not Woodwinds, but I think I can give you a bit of information, as a alternative to that ... | |
| conn ltd. sousaphone | 11/5/2006 |
| Q: i have aquired a conn ltd. sousaphone and trying to find out some kind of value, before i get rid of ... A: The easy part is that it was made in 1927. But, after that it is going to depend on condition, ... | |
| old alto sax body | 10/30/2006 |
| Q: We came across an old alto sax body (no mouth piece) at a music store that our friend was closing ... A: I'm not sure about the M before what I suspect to be the serial number. But, ignoring the M, the ... | |
| Sax | 10/28/2006 |
| Q: I am sorry Mr. Scott, I was unaware that you had answered this question...I haven't asked anything ... A: About thinking I had answered the question about the Fischer. I didn't mean that you had previous ... | |
| Holton Coronet | 10/26/2006 |
| Q: My father has a Holton Clark model Coronet he received new in 1925-28. He would like to know if the ... A: The company still exists - sort of. In 1964, it was made a subsidiary of Leblanc. They no longer ... | |
| Conn Director | 10/26/2006 |
| Q: I have a conn Director trumpet, SN# 636393. I would like to know if you might be able to date this ... A: A cornet has a different change in bore from mouthpiece to bell than the trumpet. The trumpet ... | |
| antique trumpet (or is it a coronet?) | 10/25/2006 |
| Q: Sixty years ago my parents bought a used horn for me which I learned to play and was a member of ... A: No, it wasn't new when you played it. In 1950, it was 28 years old. It might be a trumpet, but it ... | |
| Value of a vintage cornet | 10/23/2006 |
| Q: Have a Conn cornet purchased in 1940. It is unusual in that it has a bell with out a wire ring ie. ... A: I only talk about the value of horns in the most general of terms. But, you do have a professional ... | |
| Buescher clarinet | 10/21/2006 |
| Q: is it a plastic clarinet how did you find the year I have been looking for a while. Do you think ... A: I may have mis-read your serial number. There one more 1 in there than I recognized. Double check ... | |
| silver alto saxophone | 10/21/2006 |
| Q: I have a silver alto saxaphone with the following inscriptions on one side Eb 28165 LP and this on ... A: Eb - the pitch 28165 - the serial number which means that is was made in 1914 LP - means it plays ... | |
| old cornet | 10/19/2006 |
| Q: have you any info on A Hall Gisborne instrument maker ... A: The company started in 1839, by James Gisborne. Alfred Hall Gisborne took over the company in 1894 ... | |
| F.E. OLDS TRUMBET VALUE | 10/17/2006 |
| Q: E. & Bon Fulleton Ca Trumpet would cost (that is what is engraved on the trumpet). I think it was ... A: I don't do estimates or appraisals on here. This horn was made in approximately 1963. Its actual ... | |
| Clarinet | 10/16/2006 |
| Q: I am sorry, I know that your knowledge runs more towards brass instruments, but I was wondering if ... A: Other than a passing reference in Langwill index to Rene Duval, I have no other information on the ... | |
| Slingerland Trumpet? | 10/15/2006 |
| Q: We have an old silver colored trumpet type instrument. Not sure if it is sterling silver. It also ... A: I believe what you are describing is a bugle used in old style Drum and Bugle Corps. Slingerland ... | |
| Lyon Healy Coronet J. Neumann’s Valve | 10/13/2006 |
| Q: Kenton, I have the above coronet all restored and ready to list on e-bay. The serial number is ... A: Are you saying that it says: J Neuman on the bell? There was a J Neumann in Warsaw starting in the ... | |
| Getzen/Elkhorn Cornet - # 19144 age? | 10/9/2006 |
| Q: I own a Getzen/Elkhorn Wisconsin Cornet with the serial # 19144. It was my Grandmother's and I am ... A: Getzen started making cornets in 1947. They had a major fire in 1983. The serial number lists that ... | |
| fe olds trombone | 10/3/2006 |
| Q: my father passed away two years ago where cleaning out the attic he colleted everything i found ... A: Karen, Well it is a horn that was made in 1973. I suspect you may be describing a trigger ... | |
| Old Clarinet | 10/3/2006 |
| Q: When my mother died she had an old silver-looking clarinet with a beaten up old case in her ... A: Several companies used the tradename Windsor, but since yours also says Elkhart, then it is a horn ... | |
| high pitch conn bari sax | 10/3/2006 |
| Q: I have just acquired an old conn HP bari - serial number dates it around 1925 according to internet ... A: James, Unlike brass instruments where you can adjust (either by sliding them out, or by adding ... | |
| conn coronet | 10/2/2006 |
| Q: I am trying to date what I think is a Conn Coronet. The only etching is Conn USA,Director some stars ... A: The Conn Director is a student model horn. People today seem to prefer the trumpet to the cornet, ... | |
| LOCATION OF ANSWER TO QUESTION | 10/2/2006 |
| Q: 9-30-06 I E-MAILED A QUESTION ON AMERICAN TRUMPET MANUFACTURED BY HARRY PEDLER & SON. REC'ED AN ... A: I'm not following what you are saying. OK, I looked up your original question. IF it has a serial ... | |
| Wurlitzer Trumpet | 10/1/2006 |
| Q: I had bought a trumpet at a garage sale. I believe it is a C trumpet. I have no idea what the price ... A: I believe that it is Lyric. And Rudolph Wurlitzer. There seems to be several different designs ... | |
| IDENTIFICATION OF TRIUMPH | 9/30/2006 |
| Q: I JUST FOUND A HARRY PEDLER TRIUMPH AMERICAN TRIUMPH AT A YARD SALE, ITS IN GOOD SHAPE, EXCEPT THE ... A: Even if you could locate a serial number on it (and it is probably on the second valve casing) it ... | |
| Sax Education (pardon the pun) | 9/28/2006 |
| Q: My father left me two saxophones and a clarinet. One is a Conn Pan American, the other says ... A: The Pan American is a student level instrument but probably is a decent instrument. I have seen ... | |
| holten cornet | 9/26/2006 |
| Q: I need valves for a holten (has his signature and chicago on the bell. It's a cornet, about 50 yrs ... A: The replacement parts are only available to repair technicians, so you would have to take the horn ... | |
| MT Kalashen trumpet | 9/25/2006 |
| Q: I have a pre WWI Kalashen trumpet w/ case and was curious to it's ball park value. It's been in the ... A: Kalashen was a dealer and possibly maker in New York from 1895-1930. If you know it to be pre WWI ... | |
| trumpet | 9/24/2006 |
| Q: i have a trumpet that has been in the family for quite some time. it says american premier on it ... A: I've been trying to track down American Premier also. There several companies that used the naem ... | |
| holten cornet | 9/21/2006 |
| Q: I need valves for a holten (has his signature and chicago on the bell. It's a cornet, about 50 yrs ... A: If that serial number is correct, it is closer to 100 years old than 50. If the number is really ... | |
| Frank Holton Sousaphone | 9/20/2006 |
| Q: I have a quad-valve Frank Holton & Company sousaphone serial #33949. Can you tell me anything ... A: Your horn was made in 1916. I could tell you if it is an Eb or a BBb if I could see it. Usually, ... | |
| Eclipse Horn | 9/18/2006 |
| Q: i was wanting to find out some info about and eclipse horn that i found its pretty detailed with ... A: I believe the name on the instrument is actually SR Leland & Son. He was in business from 1883 to ... | |
| Old Saxophone | 9/17/2006 |
| Q: I purchased an old Continental saxophone at an auction. Other info on the sax: Pat. Sept 14, 1915. ... A: This is probably a student level instrument made by Conn. In all likelihood it is the same as their ... | |
| Benge cornet | 9/13/2006 |
| Q: I own a Benge cornet that was purchased in 1983. It has the number 41763 on the second valve. The ... A: I think you have a quality horn. But, check out this WEB site, it will help figure out the detail ... | |
| Conn Limited Tenor Trombone | 9/13/2006 |
| Q: I collect antique trombones. I have one from my Great Grandfather that will be 100 years old in 4 ... A: I'd like to see some pictures of it. That serial number would indicate that it is of 1929 ... | |
| FE Olds Trombone | 9/9/2006 |
| Q: Ebay is no help, I tried them first. The trombone is a Studio made prior to 1952 so it is an ... A: Try this: ... | |
| FE Olds Trombone | 9/9/2006 |
| Q: We purchased an FE Olds trombone today at a garage sale. My husband plays and our son plays his ... A: Olds made a number of models from student levels to professional. I wouldn't presume to estimate ... | |
| old coronet, W.J. Dyer & Bro | 9/8/2006 |
| Q: What can you tell me about an old silver coronet? It was my husband's grandfather's. He probably ... A: William John Dyer was a dealer and importer. He became the largest music house west of Chicago. He ... | |
| Lyon & Healy piston valve coronet | 9/7/2006 |
| Q: Can you tell me the approxiate value of a silver finished piston-valve coronet that is engraved in ... A: Nope, I can't tell you its value. It probably would not generate that much interest. Which is ... | |
| holton collegiate alto sax Eb | 9/6/2006 |
| Q: -Hi Kenton I received your reply, the serial numbers on the saxophone are as plain as day there is ... A: Hmm, I thought I answered this already. I wonder where it went. Anyway, (as I said before <g>) I ... | |
| pan american tuba | 9/5/2006 |
| Q: we have a brass tuba that has an emblem on it that says pan american elkhardt indiana on it can you ... A: Pan American is a Conn brand for their second line instruments. Though not of a professional level, ... | |
| Clarinet | 9/4/2006 |
| Q: Scott, I have a metal (looks like siler) clarinet. The only marking on it are "Continental Colonial ... A: Not very much. Continental was a store brand that Conn created and used for student quality ... | |
| old saxaphone | 9/1/2006 |
| Q: (n o_1.549.911 PATD 8-18-25 #112565 i will send u info on the little one as soon as he brings it to ... A: Well, this might be a interesting bit of sleuthing! with a serial of 112565 and a brand name of ... | |
| Holton Trumpet | 9/1/2006 |
| Q: ------------------------- Dear Mr. Kenton The last thing I wanted to accomplish was to offend ... A: Fred, Thanks for the response. I now understand the process better. I hadn't gotten a low ... | |
| Holton Trumpet | 8/31/2006 |
| Q: I have a T-303 Holton Trumpet and I can't find any info on the horn. The guy I bought it from said ... A: I'm afraid I'm not going to be any help. I find 302 306 listed as MF horns. You may want to post ... | |
| Actually about a saxaphone and flute | 8/29/2006 |
| Q: I am looking for information on two brands. A flute under the label Heiner (low serial #) and a ... A: I have seen reference to American Leader, but I don't know who actually made them. And/or who ... | |
| Getzen Super Deluxe Tone Balanced Trombone | 8/28/2006 |
| Q: I recently acquired this and I'm having a hard time trying to verify how old it is. Serial number ... A: Getzen started making trombones in 1946, and made about 1000. The company had a devasting fire in ... | |
| Clarinet | 8/28/2006 |
| Q: I have a clarinet that I'm told originally belonged to a member of the Cleveland Orchestra in its ... A: My area is not woodwinds, and I have not heard of The Virginian as a brand. I would suspect that ... | |
| Old Instruments | 8/27/2006 |
| Q: My friend is selling his home and I've been looking up some old instruments here to get an idea on ... A: I think the point that people are trying to make is that it is extremely unlikely that someone is ... | |
| Trumpet identification | 8/24/2006 |
| Q: I have a Conn Connstellation #C888XX and I'm not sure if it's a 36B or a 38B. Bell size is 4 5/8 ... A: You are at least close. It sounds to me like you probably have a 1963 36B. That serial number on ... | |
| Cornet question | 8/21/2006 |
| Q: I was hoping you could give me some info/ or maybe an approximate value on this cornet my husband's ... A: J. Howard Foote was an importer/manufacturere who claimed that his imports were nevertheless made to ... | |
| Noblet Trumpet | 8/19/2006 |
| Q: My husband and I have purchased an antique Noblet Trumpet and were wondering the approximate value ... A: My understanding is that Noblet trumpets were actually made by Courtois in the 50s. The bells were ... | |
| Vintage Martin Trumpet | 8/18/2006 |
| Q: I came a cross a vintage silver plated Martin trumpet at a local antique store and am trying to ... A: There is some disagreement on serial number lists for Martin, but most seem to put this horn in the ... | |
| cornet | 8/17/2006 |
| Q: I have a silver cornet with 3 extra valve slides and a lyre. The valve numbers are 16, 17, 18 and ... A: The 16,17,18 are just to keep track of which piston was custom fit to which casing. Extra slides ... | |
| value of 1923 olds trombone? | 8/15/2006 |
| Q: that is a very vague answer. It says olds by the mouthpeice and even if it is columbia what does ... A: Sorry if I was vague. I was clear to me <g> Guess I'm going to have to quit talking to myself. ... | |
| getzen trombone | 8/15/2006 |
| Q: i have a very old delux model getzen trombone , it was made in elkhorn,wisconsin with the nubers ... A: Is this one of the Getzen horns that has the scroll shaped reinforcing? If so, they are really cool ... | |
| etimated value of Conn cornet | 8/15/2006 |
| Q: I have been carrying around a Conn cornet for about for about 43 years. It has a patent date of ... A: The patent date only tells you that it is no older than that date. However, the serial number will ... | |
| Instrument | 8/11/2006 |
| Q: I am in posession of an Ambassador Bell Front Alto w/case. Maybe made in 1957? It is old. But I ... A: Unfortunately, the alto horn is not used much anymore, there is one pictured at: ... | |
| Boosey & Hawkes Trumpet | 8/9/2006 |
| Q: I have a Boosey and Hawkes silverplated "imperial" Trumpet. Serial number 181825 or 143251 (this ... A: You may want to try the Boosey site to run your serial numbers at ... | |
| Antique Holton Euphonium | 8/7/2006 |
| Q: The Richmond Concert Band collects donations of no-longer used musical instruments and re-donates ... A: Looks to me to be 1928-9. And easy way to fix worn valves is to simply not use modern valve oil but ... | |
| C.G. Conn Ltd. U.S.N. | 8/4/2006 |
| Q: My daughter was given this trombone as a gift and we would like to know if it is worth anything, ... A: That would appear to be one from 1917. It is probably more useful as a display item rather than one ... | |
| Ludwig and Ludwig Chicago drums | 7/31/2006 |
| Q: ... I recently listed on ebay an old Ludwig and Ludwig drum, item number 290008991799, please take a ... A: I can't say that I know much about drums. And, it isn't a rope tension drum that do seem to draw ... | |
| Trombone, Distin | 7/31/2006 |
| Q: I have aquired a Trombone. It is marked Henry Distin manufacturing company. The number marked is ... A: Made in 1901. The two tuning slides for High pitch and for low pitch. Distin was a famous ... | |
| frank holton flute | 7/31/2006 |
| Q: i reciently purchased and flute made by frank holton and co. but the guy didnt know the year it was ... A: The actual Holton company was purchased by Leblanc in 1964. Holton used a pure numerical serial ... | |
| Robinson Piano Co trumpet | 7/31/2006 |
| Q: We have found something else on Robinson at http://www.robinsons.com.sg/history.asp An interesting ... A: That is an interesting history. While I didn't see any reference to "Robinson Piano Co.", nor any ... | |
| Robinson Piano Co trumpet | 7/30/2006 |
| Q: We recently acquired a trumpet? by the Robinson Piano Company. This could be the same organisation ... A: Well there was a Robinson company in Dublin, but that was too early for this instrument. I have no ... | |
| old conn soprano | 7/29/2006 |
| Q: I have a very old Conn soprano sax that I am trying to identify and appraise, from what I understand ... A: Hal, I'm not a sax guy, but lets see where is here. OK, on the patent, it would tell that it was ... | |
| Holton Cornet | 7/25/2006 |
| Q: My father was in the musical instrument business in Newark, NJ (early 30's on)and I've kept a few of ... A: Well, it is becoming sort of a standard answer, and I apolgize for that, but it is the best I can ... | |
| Trumpet Value | 7/25/2006 |
| Q: I have an old trumpet from the early 1900's. It is a True Tone C 50229 15 from the Barscher Elkhart ... A: Can't tell you a specific value, but I can say that the old Buescher trumpets are good instruments, ... | |
| York Trombone | 7/25/2006 |
| Q: About 8 years ago i came upon a silver york trombone at a salvation army and paid about $25 for it. ... A: I wouldn't care to try to make an estimate, but I would suggest that a relatively accurate way to ... | |
| coronet | 7/24/2006 |
| Q: i have a coronetmade by the meredith band instrument co. purchased in 1914. on the bell it says the ... A: You have what is a potentially interesting bit of history. The Meredith company invented the ... | |
| Cavalier Coronet made in Elkhart Indiana | 7/24/2006 |
| Q: I have this silver Cavalier Coronet that my mom used to play in the band and I was wondering if you ... A: The Cavalier's were a second line of a second line. That is to say that the main company was Conn, ... | |
| Sherwood trumpet | 7/23/2006 |
| Q: Some time ago I aquired a Sherwood trumpet and I can't seem to find any info about this horn.I did ... A: So far, I haven't been able to track down any information on Sherwood instruments. EXCEPT the ... | |
| clarinet & trumpet | 7/22/2006 |
| Q: We recently inherited 2 instruments that we would like to sell. Obviously it selling potential would ... A: I don't think that the markings on only the mouthpiece are an indication of anything. Artly and ... | |
| Old Besson Trumpet | 7/22/2006 |
| Q: I have been asked to appraise an old Besson trumpet but can't find any information at all on it. The ... A: Bessons are such a confusing lot. There are French Bessons and English Bessons. One serial number ... | |
| Henri Gautier Virtuoso euphonium price | 7/22/2006 |
| Q: about how much would an old Henri Gautier Virtuoso euphonium sell for? It has a few small dents. I ... A: Gautier was one of the tradenames used by Lyon and Healy on horns they stencilled. Some of the L&H ... | |
| Trying to date my clarinet | 7/21/2006 |
| Q: I don't know if you can help me with this or not. But I have a Silvertone clarinet and it is pretty ... A: Actually, Silvertone was a brand name used by Montgomery Ward. Sears used Silver Tone for ... | |
| Brand name | 7/17/2006 |
| Q: Engraving on saxaphone is Lyon Hecker or Heclr, American Professional, Chicago, serial # 65714. ... A: Probably not. What you have is a Lyon and Healy, trade name American Professional. Around the turn ... | |
| old trombone | 7/17/2006 |
| Q: I just came across a very old trombone with scroll-type bracing between the bell section and also on ... A: The only one I can think of is a Getzen Model 60 that sounds like your description. You can see one ... | |
| Lyon & Healy Rotary Valve Cornet | 7/17/2006 |
| Q: I have a Lyon & Healy Rotary (chicago) Valve Cornet that was owned by my gradfather who was a ... A: It is rare in that most Lyon and Healy cornets you see are piston valved. Lyon and Healy was a ... | |
| Elkhart Trumpet | 7/15/2006 |
| Q: I have a Elkhart Trumpet with serial number 22646, silver in a leather case with red interior. Any ... A: Elkhart is a confusing name. a) There was an Elkhart Musical Instrument Company that made brass ... | |
| Older Instrument Maintenance | 7/14/2006 |
| Q: I am hoping to get a little advice on making sure I oil an older piccolo or flute properly. I have ... A: Well, woodwinds aren't really my area, but . . . You have good equipment, so assuming that they ... | |
| harwood professional trombome | 7/14/2006 |
| Q: First let me say, that I know nothing about the trombone, so I will try to provide as much ... A: Actually, Jenkins has put pretty much all the information on the horn! Jenkins was a dealer in ... | |
| Williams/WallaceTrombone | 7/10/2006 |
| Q: I own a Williams/Wallace trombone. It is in very good condition. It has an engraved figure and the ... A: Williams and Wallace started making trombones in 1936. They averaged about 1 per week. Their horns ... | |
| another holton couturier | 7/10/2006 |
| Q: I have purchased and old holton couturier new proportion. silver plated, engraved. has original ... A: Courturier was a turn of the century soloist who first worked with Holton to develop the Coururier ... | |
| valve trombone | 7/9/2006 |
| Q: I have an valve trombone marked lyon&Healy Beau ideal Chicago It came in what I have been told is ... A: Lyon and Healy was a very prolific instrument company starting in 1864. And, I don't have any ... | |
| Alto Saxophone | 7/8/2006 |
| Q: I just purchased at a garage sale a silver alto sax. Markings on it is Lyon Offcorly American, ... A: What I believe it really says is Lyon and Healy, American Professional. Low pitch means that is ... | |
| Beuscher Saxophone | 7/6/2006 |
| Q: I purchased a Beuscher 400 tenor saxophone 24 years ago, secondhand. I have in the last 2 years ... A: It sort of depends on how old it is. The 400 was introduced after WWII, and was their top of the ... | |
| Carl Fischer Clarinet | 7/3/2006 |
| Q: 2nd request for answer - your answer was that "this was out of my expertise", can you ask one of ... A: Carl Fischer is a music industry company since 1872. The instrument portion of their operation was ... | |
| Wurlitzer Alto Saxophone | 7/3/2006 |
| Q: I was given a alto saxophone in case. I would like to know what I have gotten. The horn bell says ... A: Well, you have a saxophone that is pitched so that it should play in tune with modern instruments. ... | |
| Wooden Hawkes & Son Flute - very old | 6/30/2006 |
| Q: I am trying to find some information on an antique Hawkes & Son Wooden flute that I have acquired. ... A: Can't help much. Hawkes and Son was the business's name from 1889 to 1930 when they merged with ... | |
| value of old cornet | 6/28/2006 |
| Q: do you know the value of a frank holton co cornet made in chicago. pat oct 17 11 and there is also ... A: Your horn was made in 1912. E.A.Courturier was a well known soloist at the turn of the century. He ... | |
| antique holton couturier. | 6/28/2006 |
| Q: I have a beautifull old holton that I play daily,and I would like to know more about its ... A: Interesting. I just had two requests on the same model instrument, made in the same year. It was ... | |
| Antique Trombone Slide replacement | 6/24/2006 |
| Q: I am currently bidding on an antique Holton TR-181 Bass Trombone. The problem is that it is only ... A: Well, that is going to be a problem, and expensive. Parts for that model are unlikely to be ... | |
| antique buscher clarinet | 6/15/2006 |
| Q: .i have an old wooden buescher clarinet that i got when i was in 5th grade ...that was 45 years ... A: Dana I know more about brass than woodwinds, but did look at a Buescher serial number chart. All ... | |
| Carl Fischer Cornet | 6/13/2006 |
| Q: I'm trying to get a handle on the date of manufacture of an old silver plated cornet that has been ... A: Well, I don't have any specific information on dating your instrument as no records have been found ... | |
| Antique Sax | 6/13/2006 |
| Q: I have a 1918 sterling silver Frank Holton C-Melody saxophone in good condition that still plays ... A: Hmm, I thought I answered this already. Anyway, the C melody is an interesting instument and ... | |
| Replacement valves for Holton trumpet | 6/7/2006 |
| Q: I have a Frank Holton model 49 trumpet with serial #164178. The first valve on this trumpet broke ... A: That serial number goes back to 1946, so without researching it I would suspect it is unlikely that ... | |
| King American Standard B flat clarinet | 6/6/2006 |
| Q: Serial number 235, made for the HN White Company, sterling silver, reconditioned, when was this ... A: American Standard was originally a tradename for the Cleveland Band Instrument Co. White (King) ... | |
| Holton 65 trombone | 6/6/2006 |
| Q: Kenton. My son, Philip, has acquired a Holton 65 trombone. A find in a musical instrument pawn shop! ... A: Unfortunately, I don't have any product catalogs for Holton of that era. (I do have a picture of a ... | |
| Elkhart Band instr. co | 6/6/2006 |
| Q: Its Elkhart not elkhorn ....and Elkhart was bought out long before 1946 ...I have come across an old ... A: Sorry Paul, I misread the name. I've been struggling with a rather severe headache and apparently ... | |
| idenifying maker an year of my piccolo | 6/5/2006 |
| Q: I have recently acquired a beautiful piccolo in its original wooden box it is in three sections and ... A: I don't know that much about woodwinds, but I do know that Haynes is a long time maker of the finest ... | |
| Elkhart Band instr. co | 6/5/2006 |
| Q: I have come across an old trombone on it its engraved Elkhart band instr co. Elkhart ind usa Its ... A: I'm not certain I have good informatin on Elkhorn instruments, but it is my understanding that they ... | |
| Old slide trombone from the 1800's... | 6/5/2006 |
| Q: I recently found an old Boston Musical Instrument Manufactory slide trombone in my grandmother's ... A: Well, let see. On the plus side, instruments from the Boston Manufactory are collectable. On ... | |
| Another Bohland & Fuchs Cornet | 6/3/2006 |
| Q: I have had, for several years, and old cornet sitting on my fireplace mantle. One of my many trades ... A: I think it was a typo when you said it was marked B&H rather than B&F? With the Austria marking, I ... | |
| Sansone French Horn | 6/2/2006 |
| Q: I have come across a Lorenzo Sansone double horn with the f and bflat slides reversed (bflat on ... A: I suspect that you may know as much about his instruments as I do. Sansone passed away in 1975, and ... | |
| Metal Clarinet | 6/2/2006 |
| Q: That is the name inscribed on it,maybe made by Mahillon. Probably made in europe somewhere. Probably ... A: Well, it does have a few strikes against it. Clarinetists generally don't like metal clarinets. ... | |
| antique instruments | 5/31/2006 |
| Q: I'm looking to get into buying and selling antique musical instruments. Any advice? Thanks A: Not really. I would think that your major competitor will be eBay. I believe that you will need to ... | |
| Buescher Alto Sax | 5/29/2006 |
| Q: I have a Buscher sax serial number 227769, my son has been playing it in band. I was wondering if ... A: Your horn was made in 1927. The TrueTone model was a very popular sax and one of the few of that age ... | |
| Re: 5-valve Holton-Sansone | 5/26/2006 |
| Q: Kenton, I think you are mistaken. The questioner said that the pinky valve lowered pitch by a ... A: >I think you are mistaken. Oh, I wouldn't find that surprising. Only problem is, that though I do ... | |
| The New Yorker | 5/23/2006 |
| Q: My husband has this trumpet that was given to him by his father. There are no other markings, ... A: I'm sorry I thought I already answered this. Maybe it didn't go through. I don't know of a New ... | |
| Antique Cornet? | 5/19/2006 |
| Q: I have acquired an old cornet named "The Indiana" Elkhart Ind. It needs some work and I was ... A: Indiana was an independent company for a brief period, but was then bought by Martin in 1928 and ... | |
| Violin | 5/18/2006 |
| Q: We have a violin that has been handed down through the family, but we are not sure of its value or ... A: Connie, Brass instruments are more my area. But, I've heard that there were less thatn 1000 true ... | |
| QUALITY | 5/18/2006 |
| Q: I JUST RETURNED FROM A COUNTRY MUSIC STORE IN UNIONVILLE, PA. I DROPPED OFF MY OLD TRUMPET & HE ... A: >HOW ABOUT YOU? Well, let's see. You've got about 10 years on me, I'm still playing, and I live ... | |
| C.G. Conn Sax | 5/17/2006 |
| Q: Mr. Scott, I have my mothers CG Conn saxophone in it's origional case with everything that ... A: James, I don't really follow the prices of woodwinds, so I'm not sure of the answer to your ... | |
| trumpet | 5/17/2006 |
| Q: i have a trumpet and it says made in elkhart ind usa with a serial no. 014331 i dont know the type ... A: Fred, American, Blessing, Buescher, Conn, Elkhart Band Inst. co, Elkhard Musical Inst. Co. Indiana, ... | |
| Grand Rapids instruments company shepards crook cornet est. made in 1906 | 5/17/2006 |
| Q: I have a Grand Rapids Instrument company Shepards crook Cornet that from my studies was made between ... A: Trent, How were you able to determine a manufacture date for this instrument? Grand Rapids was a ... | |
| Antique trombone | 5/16/2006 |
| Q: Scott, I really appreciate the prompt reply and info. Now, anyway for me to narrow the date and is ... A: No, I'm afraid that it is not going to be worth much. Old trombones typically don't command much ... | |
| Baritone | 5/15/2006 |
| Q: My mom has a Baritone that seems to be old. I have not been able to find any info about it. However ... A: John Dallas and Sons were dealers at Clifton St. in London, starting in 1875. I don't know who may ... | |
| Antique trombone | 5/15/2006 |
| Q: I have inherited an "American" trombone. Name on the bell "CLIMAIC" or "CLIMAC" (Engraved script). ... A: I suspect what it says is American Climax, which was a tradename for Lyon and Healy out of Chicago. ... | |
| Silver Clarinet | 5/15/2006 |
| Q: I recently came across a Three Star Metal Clarinet. The serial number is 583H. About how old do you ... A: Justine, Woodwinds aren't really my thing, and I haven't heard of a Three Star Brand, but I do know ... | |
| Martin alto sax | 5/14/2006 |
| Q: I bought an alto sax back in 1970 at a garage sale so I have no information. The sax on the bell ... A: Indiana was the name Martin used for their student line of instruments. If the horn was a mainline ... | |
| holton-clarke trumpet?or corinet? | 5/13/2006 |
| Q: I have an old Holton-Clarke trumpet...or maybe a corinet. I read that it was probably a corinet ... A: Herbert Clarke was a famous cornet soloist with the Sousa Band. He didn't like trumpets, and didn't ... | |
| ANTIQUE SAX | 5/9/2006 |
| Q: I have an old alto saxophone. On the bell there is a large engraving.It says, ... A: I would need the serial number to know how old it is. The Buescher instruments were good quality ... | |
| Carl Fischer Coronet | 5/7/2006 |
| Q: I have a Car Fischer coronet serial number 35344. It has engraved on it National (above) Carl ... A: Carl Fischer established his business in New York in 1872. With many of the instrument makers, we ... | |
| vintage Holton Trumpet | 5/3/2006 |
| Q: I bought what I believe is a vintage trumpet for a family member that wants to learn to play, and I ... A: Well, it isn't vintage by my sense of the term in that it is less than 25 years old. I believe that ... | |
| hohner trumpet c 1945 | 5/2/2006 |
| Q: My son is learning to play his grandfather's trumpet and I wondered if you could give me any ... A: There was a C.W.H Hohner in Hamburg. There are discrepancies on the dates of existance on the ... | |
| Question about Dabico trumpet | 5/1/2006 |
| Q: I bought a trumpet a few years ago engraved Dabico -- which I think is Dayton Band Instrument ... A: John, I would concur with your suspicions. Though obviously, I can't tell how old it may be since ... | |
| Saxaphone | 4/22/2006 |
| Q: I recently aquirred a saxaphone in a black case with purple velvet. It has incriptions on it which ... A: Mike, I thought I already answered this, but it appears that it never made it. Sorry. Anyway, ... | |
| Antique Violin | 4/16/2006 |
| Q: Contrary to what you believe, and you are obviously entitled to "your opinion", I "know" this ... A: Viriginia, Let me amend one thing. I see references to Hawkes and Son as being dealers in string ... | |
| Holton Trumpet Identification | 4/16/2006 |
| Q: I have a Holton Elkhorn Silver/Nickel Trumpet with the "Patent Oct. 21 1924" Ser# 94960 and has ... A: You may have a trumpet, but cornets were more common back in 1927 when your horn was made. The LP ... | |
| Antique Violin | 4/15/2006 |
| Q: Hi, I have a "very old antique violin" made in the UK by "Hawkes & Son Co.". I am trying to find a ... A: Let me start out by saying that more of my knowledge is in the area of brass instruments. But, by ... | |
| bundy clarinet | 4/13/2006 |
| Q: I saw a listing on ebay for a George M. Bundy Professional Bb clarinet. After doing research on the ... A: George Bundy worked for Selmer and became their manager in 1927. I find no record of Bundy ever ... | |
| Identifying My Holton trumpet And possibly a value | 4/11/2006 |
| Q: This Holton Trumpet was my daugther's Great Grand Dad. I talked to him concerning the trumpet and ... A: Well, I'm afraid that some of the information doesn't seem to match up. Mr Clarke, was one of the ... | |
| Holton Coronet | 4/8/2006 |
| Q: I have a Holton coronet that was given to me in the 1960's when I was a boy. The instrument is ... A: Usually, the patent date on an instrument doesn't mean much - only that the horn is no older than ... | |
| Holton Bb 5-valve french horn | 4/3/2006 |
| Q: I play an unusual french horn, it is by Holton, and it is a Bb horn. It has 5 valves, the pinky one ... A: I THINK you may have a Holton Bb horn that was copied off of a design originated by Lorenze Sansone, ... | |
| Hi! I recently purchased... | 4/3/2006 |
| Q: I recently purchased a fairly old Elkheart flute, and have been trying to find some information ... A: I don't believe there is an "E" in Elkhart. (Well, not counting the 1st one!) I don't know as much ... | |
| Pricing for a Coronet | 3/29/2006 |
| Q: I have a Boston Musical Instrument Company shepard's crook coronet. It is silver plated and comes ... A: It was made in about 1908. That model is a well known and respected model. The company is also ... | |
| 41 year old King Tempo | 3/27/2006 |
| Q: My friend has a forty-one year old King Tempo (I think that's what it is, I'm not sure) trumpet that ... A: Well, lets see . . . whats in between crap and valuable? The Tempo was introduced in 1964 ... | |
| Holton BB flat Sousaphone SN 90150 | 3/27/2006 |
| Q: I was loaned this instrument by our community band in 1976 to rekindle my tuba playing after 32 ... A: William, Let me see if I have this right, in 1976 you started playing again after a 32 year lay ... | |
| Frank Holton Trumpet | 3/21/2006 |
| Q: I recently purchased a Frank Holton Trumpet, serial #83020, Silver. The mouthpiece is gold ... A: (Chet was my Dad's nickname, real name was Chester. Not a name or nick name you hear much anymore.) ... | |
| Kalashen trumpet | 3/21/2006 |
| Q: I have a Kalashen trumpet that belonged to my father. I stumbled onto your site and saw that ... A: Mark Kalashen was a Dealer and possibly a Maker in New York from 1895 to 1930 who dealt in both ... | |
| TH. Mollenhauer Solist Flute | 3/20/2006 |
| Q: I have a wooden flute that was my great grandfather's who brought it from Italy in the 1890's. ... A: My knowledge base is in brass not woodwinds, so I don't know how much help I can be. The ... | |
| vintage trumpet | 3/19/2006 |
| Q: I have acquired a trumpet and the only marking on it is BUCKEYE. I can remember this trumpet from ... A: I have not run across any trumpets named Buckeye. The most likely possibilities would be that is ... | |
| Frank Holton, Co. Vintage Saxaphone | 3/18/2006 |
| Q: I was wondering the value of this Holton saxaphone I found in a recent cleaning of our shop. I know ... A: Well you have an old saxophone! It was made in 1912. And, it is made so that it will play in tune ... | |
| vintage saxaphone | 3/16/2006 |
| Q: My deceased Uncle played the saxaphone in High School. It is a CG Conn Ltd. It has the following ... A: I sounds to me like this an instrument made in the 1920's (1923). And, I believe the "L" stand for ... | |
| boosey and hawkes old drum | 3/16/2006 |
| Q: i have aquired an old snare type double sided drum, looks a little like marching band type, engraved ... A: I'm not really going to be of much help. I don't really know much about drums. Boosey and Hawkes ... | |
| Coronet Information & Value | 3/15/2006 |
| Q: My father recently died at the age of 88 and I have his coronet that he used in the Greek Army in ... A: The Bohland and Fuchs company was a very productive company making instruments both under their own ... | |
| music technology | 3/4/2006 |
| Q: I'm doing a school research project on how technology has influenced music. First I was wondering ... A: I don't know any specifics about virginals nor their construction, my area is brass instruments. ... | |
| antique?? coronets | 3/4/2006 |
| Q: I have recently "inherited" from my father's attic two coronets belonging to his father first one ... A: The first one translates to being manufactured in England by Besson, and was then imported into the ... | |
| Carl Fischer Trombone | 3/3/2006 |
| Q: I have an old Carl Fischer Inc. "Reliable" Trombone made in NY. The serial number is hard to read ... A: Well, in spite of the engraving that says it was made in New York, it wasn't. It is Czech made. If ... | |
| Antique Piccolo | 3/3/2006 |
| Q: I Know your expertise is brass instruments, but i was wondering if you could help me. I have ... A: Well, I don't know what you have, but I'll tell you what I can find. There was a woodwind maker ... | |
| alto saxaphone | 2/28/2006 |
| Q: Scott: I have a Martin Alto low pitch saxaphone. I have had this since about 1964. On the front ... A: Betty, You have more confidence in what I know than I do. Besides, my knowledge base is in brass ... | |
| Old Clarinet | 2/26/2006 |
| Q: My husband owns an older clarinet that has been in his family for a few generations. It belonged to ... A: My knowledge base is in Brass not woodwinds, but Rudall Carte and Co are the successors to Rudal ... | |
| Horn request | 2/25/2006 |
| Q: I wonder if you may help me answer a question regarding a horn in my posession. The subject horn is ... A: It is hard to conceptualize without being able to see it, but the first thing that comes to mind is ... | |
| Martin Freres Flute | 2/25/2006 |
| Q: I recently bought a flute and was trying to look up some information about it, but didn't find ... A: Is it an older flute? My knowledge base is more in historical brass instruments, but I tried ... | |
| ANTIQUE CORNET | 2/24/2006 |
| Q: I HAVE A BOHLAND & FUCH CORNET. MODEL COURTOIS. i THINK IT WAS MADE IN LATE 1800'S. CAN YOU ... A: That is interesting marking. Courtois is a maker and Bohland and Fuchs is a maker. That would be ... | |
| Antique Saxophone | 2/23/2006 |
| Q: I have a question concerning an instrument that was found inside the walls of an old slave house. My ... A: What an interesting mystery you have! I don't know of any maker named Vilo. I suspect that that ... | |
| Cleveland Greyhound | 2/19/2006 |
| Q: I recently acquired an old "pea shooter" type trumpet but can find very little information about it ... A: For a brief period of time Cleveland Musical Instr. Co. existed as its own independent company, ... | |
| Holton Coronet vintage 1940's or 50's | 2/17/2006 |
| Q: We are curious about the value of my son's Holton Coronet with serial number1700384. The horn also ... A: I think you may have one too many zeros in your serial number. If it is really 170384, then it was ... | |
| antique clarinet | 2/14/2006 |
| Q: I have a "Collegiate" Holton clarinet in good condition, made in Elkhorn, WI in the late 40's. I ... A: The Collegiate model was Holton's student model. The silver clarinets were an experiment in the ... | |
| Vintage Trumpet? | 2/12/2006 |
| Q: Seeking the value of a Rudy Muck Citation Trumpet with a Rudy Muck 13C cushion rim mouthpiece in a ... A: Muck was a trumpeter who made mouthpiece and then instruments. It is believed that he made his ... | |
| triebert brevete sax | 2/10/2006 |
| Q: My father gave me his "Triebert Brevete" C melody saxophone, serial no. 9878 and Paris engraved on ... A: With this additional inforamtion, I think I will revise my estimate to an earlier date. I've got ... | |
| triebert brevete sax | 2/10/2006 |
| Q: My father gave me his "Triebert Brevete" C melody saxophone, serial no. 9878 and Paris engraved on ... A: What an intriguing instrument! Let me first say that my information base is in brass not woodwinds. ... | |
| I have recently purchased... | 2/6/2006 |
| Q: I have recently purchased a pair of Buffet Vintage clarinets which appear to be in excellent ... A: Joe, I answered your inquiry once before, but apparently it got lost in netherland. Anyway, I ... | |
| Pedler Clarinet | 2/4/2006 |
| Q: I read a previous posting about a Pedler metal clarinet. I just purchased a Pedler Co. Wooden ... A: Unfortunately, as what frequently happens when a company goes out of business, the records aren't ... | |
| my 1913 frank holton and co. trumpet. | 2/4/2006 |
| Q: I have a 1913 trumpet of my great grandfather's and i would like to know it's value. It is 1913 ... A: There were companies named Schaeffer and Scheffer but neither were in France. As to the trumpet. ... | |
| J Gras soprano sax | 1/25/2006 |
| Q: Hey Kenton, I found an old soprano sax at a flea market and I am looking for info on it. It has J. ... A: You say it has a double (i.e. manual octave keys?) OK, well first of all I'm no expert on ... | |
| Sterling Silver Clarinet | 1/17/2006 |
| Q: We are wondering about the value/history of a recently acquired sterling silver clarinet which our ... A: My area is brass instruments not woodwinds, so I can't speak with any authority on clarinets. But, ... | |
| Jean Marbeau clarinet | 1/14/2006 |
| Q: I just got an old black wooden clarinet with brass keys and fittings. It is in its original case, I ... A: I am really here to respond to questions about brass instruments, but I did try to look up this ... | |
| Gold Plated Conn Trumpet | 1/14/2006 |
| Q: My father (born 1890) played with several name bands. I have his gold plated Conn trumpet which was ... A: What a wonderful piece of family history. Do you know when he was presented with this horn? It ... | |
| Bach Mt. Vernon | 12/16/2005 |
| Q: I cannot tell if this horn is a mount vernon or not. I havent seen any other horns with the square ... A: I'm don't know all the subtleties of Bach Strads, but it is my understanding that Mt Vernon ... | |
| saxophone history | 12/12/2005 |
| Q: Sir; I recently acquired an older saxophone for my son and was looking for some information on the ... A: Though I don't do so much with woodwinds, I did look up this name to see if there was anything on ... | |
| alexandre clarinet | 12/11/2005 |
| Q: Ever heard of a clarinet with the marking Alexandre Paris. Have any interest or value? Thanks for ... A: I'm sorry, I thought I already answered this question - I must have forgotten to hit the send ... | |
| Cousenon and Company Cornet | 12/4/2005 |
| Q: I am considering buying another old horn as I am going to start collecting old horns. There is ... A: You are welcome on the American Triumph. Glad to be of assistance. Regarding the Couesnon, a ... | |
| Antique Baritone | 12/3/2005 |
| Q: I recently found an old baritone in my friend's recently purchased home. He was nice enough to let ... A: Yes, I'd like to see pictures. You can send them to kenton@punxypa.com. I've seen Marceau cornets ... | |
| Harry Pedler American Trumpet | 12/3/2005 |
| Q: I acquired a Harry Pedler & Sons Inc. American Trumpet some years back. It is in very good condition ... A: Isn't it an American Triumph? I believe that was the model name that Pedler used for some of his ... | |
| Need help with a Buffet Crampon Piccolo | 12/2/2005 |
| Q: I'm hoping you can help me out. My dad gave me a piccolo that was given to him by his father. The ... A: Well, these would just be leads. I don't know that any of them would have the information you are ... | |
| Need help with a Buffet Crampon Piccolo | 12/2/2005 |
| Q: I'm hoping you can help me out. My dad gave me a piccolo that was given to him by his father. The ... A: I don't know much about Picc's, my knowledge is more in brass instruments, but Buffet Crampon is ... | |
| Bb trumpet | 11/30/2005 |
| Q: Hey, I have a question about my trumpet, actually a few I dont know how old my trumpet really is. my ... A: I'm not sure about what would appear to be a model number. 1050B. Conn generally labeled his ... | |
| saxophone | 11/12/2005 |
| Q: I have this really old saxophone that a family friend gave to me and I have been plaing it for a ... A: I can tell you that your sax was made in 1963-4. In terms of its value, there are so many things ... | |
| Value of Old Flute | 11/8/2005 |
| Q: In 1969, my father bought me a flute which I only played for about 6 months at the most. It's 36 ... A: It sort of depends on where you want to sell it. If you are going to put it on eBay, I'd suggest a ... | |
| vintage saxaphone appraisal | 10/31/2005 |
| Q: I have several vintage saxaphones ranging from alto, C-Melody, tenor, soprano and baritone. I live ... A: There is a list of Appraisers on this WEB site. http://www.usd.edu/smm/FAQ.html#worth Of course, ... | |
| Vintage Triomphe Charinet | 10/28/2005 |
| Q: I have a Old Clarinet. Triomphe. Case is long and looks a little like a small trumpet case. As ... A: Daniel, I think I have seen Triomphe, or something similar as a trade name for another company, but ... | |
| Antique Clarinet? | 10/19/2005 |
| Q: I purchased a wood Clarinet and am extremely curious what type it is. it is all wood, not like the ... A: Well, I don't know much about woodwinds, but. . . I hesitate to say, but the Lark brand in brass ... | |
| NOBLET CORONET | 10/13/2005 |
| Q: I HAVE A CORONET THAT WAS MADE IN THE LATE 18TH CENTURY. THE BRAND NAME IS NOBLET. I CANNOT FIND ANY ... A: Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, but I had been out of town. Noblet is a woodwind making ... | |
| Wooden Bundy-Selmer/ Selmer-Bundy Clairnet | 10/9/2005 |
| Q: I have a wooden clarinet that was given to me about 15 years ago by a woman who played it in school ... A: I really don't know much about woodwinds (I do brass instruments), but Selmer purchased Buescher in ... | |
| i have a mandolin made by... | 10/2/2005 |
| Q: i have a mandolin made by ozborn in leather case apears to be verry old .it has 8 strings multi ... A: Marty, I'm sorry, but I can't help you with your question, but maybe you can help me with one of ... | |
| value of antique french horn | 9/24/2005 |
| Q: I recently aquired an old french horn which has the inscription "Made by the BOSTON Musical ... A: I got your pictures, >My first question is, are you sure it is a french horn? Could it be a ... | |
| value of saxephone | 9/23/2005 |
| Q: I have a saxephone and the info I could get off the instrument reads as follows: concirloni low ... A: Concertone instruments were sold through the Montgomery Ward department/catalog stores. They were ... | |
| Hawks and son alto saxaphone | 9/11/2005 |
| Q: I have a Hawks and son Alto sax that i bought in 1986 in disrepair , but know very little about ... A: Ian, I can give you very general information, as I know more about brass than saxes. Hawkes and ... | |
| Harry Pedler Clarinet | 9/8/2005 |
| Q: I am glad to have the charinet, value or not. It is still a relic and will fit nicely in my decor ... A: I just looked around here. . . I have a metal clarinet that I made into a lamp. I can't remember ... | |
| Harry Pedler Clarinet | 9/8/2005 |
| Q: I was given a silver clarinet. On the bell, it says: The Student-Harry Pedler_Elkhart, Ind.-Royal ... A: Harry Walter Pedler established his business in Elkhart in 1919, after previously working for ... | |
| alto saxaphone | 8/15/2005 |
| Q: Mr. Scott I have a 1926 BUESCHER alto saxaphone, it is silver and nickel with mother of pearl keys ... A: Mr. Price, Buescher made a good horn, but for some reason the vintage Bueschers don't seem to be ... | |
| hello again! | 8/9/2005 |
| Q: DID YOU GET THE LAST E-MAIL REGARDING THE SERIAL #20587? I AM WONDERING,AND I REALIZE YOU HAVE NO ... A: Martin ran two serial number lists. So, unless we can determine which plant it was made, it is ... | |
| saxaphone | 8/6/2005 |
| Q: update:serial# 20587,located where the mouthpiece is?Its' the only# I can find. as well, it says ... A: hmm. . . The serial number should be on eht back of the horn, near where you right thumb is supposed ... | |
| Martin Trumpet | 8/5/2005 |
| Q: I came across a Martin Troubadour trumpet complete with case, oiler, and mouthpiece. The horn is ... A: Well, it sort of depends on whether you really want to sell it or whether you are trying to find its ... | |
| Martin Trumpet | 8/5/2005 |
| Q: I came across a Martin Troubadour trumpet complete with case, oiler, and mouthpiece. The horn is ... A: The Troubadour was a model of the 30's with a narrow bore and a long thin design. There is a ... | |
| saxaphone | 8/3/2005 |
| Q: I HAVE AN OLD SAX .IT LOOKS LIKE BRASS AND HAS MOTHER OF PEARL BUTTONS .AS WELL,IT HAS A NAME ... A: The Martin company was started in 1891. Unless it is one of the very early horns, it will have a ... | |
| Kalashen Trumpet | 7/12/2005 |
| Q: I have an old trumpet that is marked "Hand Made" "Kalashen" "Pat 1910". The engraving on the bell ... A: About all that I can add is that the Pat 1910 date gives you a starting point, you know it is no ... | |
| metal clarinet | 7/9/2005 |
| Q: I have a metal(silver looking)one piece clarinet. I would like more info please. The only thing on ... A: Clarinets made of silver plated brass were an idea that was tried - I believe - during the ... | |
| antique? or just beat up. | 7/8/2005 |
| Q: I had just bought an old silver trumpet from a thrift store in minnesota. I play violin, so I know ... A: Well, it sounds like you have a 1924 model. Conns from the '20's are good models intended for ... | |
| violin - antique, stratovaris? | 7/4/2005 |
| Q: My family has an antique violin with stratovaris written on the inside. Not sure on the spelling of ... A: I think this violin maker has been the subject of much fakery over the years. In his life time, he ... | |
| Jean Cartier professional clarinet | 7/1/2005 |
| Q: I have been given a Jean Cartier Bb 'professional' clarinet. It is 'good, polished and ready. Is ... A: I'm sorry, I'm not going to be much help. I'm more knowledgeable in brass than woodwinds. But, I ... | |
| Trombone slide repair | 6/20/2005 |
| Q: Kenton I received some helpful information from you last month about trumpet valves (I'm teaching ... A: You don't need to contact me through this Ask an Expert. You can contact me through my regular ... | |
| Simple System Piccolo | 6/17/2005 |
| Q: Me Scott. I recently purchased a wooden, German, six-key, simple system piccolo at an auction, and ... A: I'm not really all that knowledgeable on woodwinds, but I do believe that you probably have the era ... | |
| old coronet | 6/3/2005 |
| Q: I have an old coronet made by the Cleveland Musical Instrument Company of Cleveland Ohio. On the ... A: They do get confusing with those old names! Well here it goes. American Standard and Cleveland ... | |
| old trombone | 5/24/2005 |
| Q: It appears to be silver plated. How would I be able to tell whether it is German silver or satin ... A: ok, look at the first horns on these pages: This is a nickel silver instrument. ... | |
| Identification of old instrument | 5/23/2005 |
| Q: I received a silver clarinet (I am sorry it is not brass, I am hoping you can help me though) when I ... A: I will give you what my initial impression is, but I do not have any first hand knowledge, so take ... | |
| Trumpet repair | 5/20/2005 |
| Q: Do you work with modern instruments also? I'm learning to repair instruments on my own, have a ... A: >Do you work with modern instruments also? Yes. >I'm learning to repair instruments on my own ... | |
| old trombone | 5/16/2005 |
| Q: We recently cleaned out my grandmother's barn to find an old trombone. It has All-American Made ... A: I wonder if there was anything else on the bell. There was an "American", and an "American ... | |
| Tingle-airey | 5/6/2005 |
| Q: I have recollections from my childhood in England (1950s) of a wandering itinerant who played a ... A: I wonder if what you are describing is a hurdy gurdy, or vielle à roue, or organistrum. If so, ... | |
| swallow clarinet ? | 4/24/2005 |
| Q: would like to know bout this clarinet my father letf me 25 years ago.Its written the model name as ... A: Are there any more markings on the instrument? My area is supposed to be brass instruments, but I ... | |
| antique banjo-lin | 4/23/2005 |
| Q: I am hopeing you might be able to tell me the cost of instrument we found in my grandmothers attic. ... A: My area is supposed to be brass instruments, but it sounds to me that you may be describing an ... | |
| conn sax | 4/22/2005 |
| Q: the no. is 47904 made in Elkhart IND. and there is art work on the bell is this a rare one or not A: Rita, Sounds to me like you have an old sax from about 1918. And, yes that would make it pretty ... | |
| conn sax | 4/22/2005 |
| Q: I have a old sax the only info i can find on Conn sax show serial no. "M and 6 #s " it was made in ... A: If I understand you correctly, the serial number on your horn is like: #####. From the ... | |
| Selling antique harpsichord | 4/13/2005 |
| Q: I have an 18th century mahogany harpsichord by the makers Longman and Broderiv, London, with brass ... A: Peter, I just received this message. So, I will pass it on as requested. >In April you got the ... | |
| 1920's gold plate trumpet | 3/25/2005 |
| Q: Ok, If you know more about this than me then you're the most knowledgeable on these trumpets than ... A: When you say a peashooter, do you mean that is it more cylindrical than the modern trumpet? My ... | |
| Vintage Meyer clarinet | 3/18/2005 |
| Q: I own an old (1960s or earlier) Meyer (Bb?) clarinet. The Meyer logo is etched (not silkscreened) ... A: Sorry for not reponding sooner. I have more knowledge about brass instruments rather than wood ... | |
| dont know | 3/10/2005 |
| Q: Dont know i you can help me but would you know the name of an instrument that you do not have to be ... A: Well, I don't know that I would consider it an antique instrument, and I don't know its name. BUT, ... | |
Antique Musical Instruments
Answers by Expert:
Kenton Scott
Top Expert on this page
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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