AboutColin Murray Expertise I can answer about trombone equipment (instruments, mouthpieces, used horns, etc) and
trombone (especially bass trombone) playing. If I don't know right away, I have an extensive
network of experts to call on. I can't help you get a date.
Experience 25 years as professional bass trombonist (playing in big bands,orchestras, theatre, etc), 20 years as brass repair technician and retail and wholesale sales. Bass trombone instructor at Humber College, Toronto. Creator of website www.mrequipment.net - all about brass and woodwind gear and the people behind it.
Organizations National Association of Music Merchants, American Federation of Musicians, International Trombone Association
Education/Credentials B.Mus, L.Mus (Performance) McGill University, Montreal
Question I have a 1403-S(?) entirely Silver King Trombone purchased in 1975. It has been in storage since 1977. I have always believed the bell of this horn to be sterling silver, and the brochure that I have that came with the instrument verifies this for model 1403S. Recently, I decided to sell the trombone and a music shop owner told me the horn is a model 1403 and is all silver-plated and that the bell is NOT sterling, thus the horn is silver but not silversonic! I have the serial number (620265) and slide number, but cannot find information on the internet to confirm that my bell is sterling. I do not know how to price the horn due to this dilemma. It is in very good condition, maybe excellent, and the slide still works like a dream. It has beautiful tone. Any advice concerning this wonderful instrument would be welcomed. I know that someone, somewhere would love to be playing this fine horn. Thank you.
Answer Hi Kim,
I think it may be a question of a hyphen, unfortunately. The 1403S was the 3-B Silversonic, but I believe the 1403-S was the regular 1403 (with brass bell) in silver plate. Most of the Sterling bell King's were lacquered over the sterling bell, with a gold plate on the inside of the bell (also lacquered). That look was part of the appeal of the Silversonic. I would also think the world "Silversonic" would be engraved on the bell, even if it were silver plated, and certainly there would be a hallmark indicating the bell was Sterling silver. (The hallmark on a King silversonic I owned looked a bit like a "dal segno" mark, with the word "sterling" underneath. If you have neither of those markings, then I don't think you have a sterling bell.
Nevertheless, if the slide works well and the horn is in good condition, you shouldn't have any trouble selling it. Check on Ebay to see what the going rate is for used King 3-B's over a period of a couple of weeks (or more) to see what you can ask for it. If you have good local repair technician, they will be able to give you an idea as well.
