Expert: Kenton Scott - 6/20/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have my fathers old Cleveland tenor. The serial # is c123353. How old is this horn? is it a pro or student model and, is it worth overhauling as a back up to my conn?
Thanks
Chad

ANSWER: The Cleveland Musical Instrument Co., of Euclid Ohio opened for business in 1920.  The company was purchased by HN White in 1925 and was made into their student line.

Hnwhite.com states that White made horns for Cleveland for a couple of years to help out with backlog before buying them out in 1925.

The original company used the letter c in front of the serial numbers.  If the engraving reads Made By Cleveland Musical Instr. Co. with no mention of H.N. White it was made prior to 1925.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My horn has H.N White on it. Also the low b pad is on the left side of the stack...do you think this is worth the effort of an overhaul or should I make it a wall hanging??

Answer
I suppose that would depend on what it needs. I think rather than me making a guess at that one, that you would be better off taking it to a repair service and get their estimate.  

If it is going to be a playing horn it may make sense.  Student horns meant something different then that the term does in today's market.  On the other hand, it probably won't do well as an investment.