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 Hi Colin, I have a Buescher trombone, in good/playable condition, which has the serial number #269798. It is called "Aristocrat, Custom Built" and appears to be largely hand crafted. Can you advise me more about this trombones' pedigree, history and age please?
Answer Hi Alan,
According to serial number lists, your trombone was made in 1935. Ferdinand A. Buescher had worked for the Conn company and started his business in 1894. While the saxophones and some trumpets may be sought after, the trombones, unfortunately, don't have the same cachet. They're well crafted instruments (I own a Buescher Tru-Tone from the late 1920's) and some models (like the 400 from the 1930's) have some very interesting innovations and aesthetics (like the Conn 44H "Art Deco" trombone). You can see some patents at Google patents like this one: http://www.google.com/patents?id=kuNVAAAAEBAJ&pg=PP2&dq=buescher+trombone&source...
I hope that helps. Let me know if you have further questions.
Colin Murray
www.mrequipment.net
It's not HOW you play, it's WHAT you play!
