Trumpet/Holton Trumpet

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Expert: Mike Pawul - 5/5/2009


Question
I have what appears to be a very early Holton trumpet.  The serial number is 008878 (second valve) and has "Japan" stamped on the opposite side.  Is is actually in excellent condition, barring a few chips in the brass.  It has "Horton Elkorn Wis" stamped on the bell.  No dents and great valve movement.  Slides are fairly smooth.  Plackard has a blue dot in it. Best as I can tell, it looks like a model from 1909 based on the serial number.  Any idea what year this is from and how much it might be worth?  Any idea what key this is in (Bb)?  What model might this be?  Is it a trumpet or cornet?  It is just over 19" in length.

Answer
Steven, The horn is a trumpet and was made for Holton by Yamaha. The student 602 line was made there for many years and is designated by the letter R after the number on the leadpipe. The serials from Yamaha do not have a logical progression and jump around over the years. The horn is from between 1975 and 2000. It is a Bb pitched horn. They are worth around $200 if in good shape.

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Mike Pawul

Expertise

I am familiar with most trumpets, cornets, and flugelhorns. I can answer most questions about playing and musicality. Best of all, if I can't answer it directly I play regularly in several bands and have many "old timers" that are familiar with most things that I am not. I collect, repair, and refinish old horns and have sold over 600 with more than 400 on ebay

Experience

I have played since 1965 and studied with many directors and trumpeters. I have been collecting since 2002 and have over 150 horns in my personal collection. I have done repair and refinsh since 2003 and have done work on over 900 horns.

Organizations
Kosair Shrine Brass Band and Dance Band, The Notables, The Mello Tones, Bourbon City Brass Band, River Cities Concert Band, Derby City Brass Band, University of Louisville Community Band, Member of Trumpet Players International Network (TPIN), Bugles Across America (BAA), Member of the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT)

Education/Credentials
I played at Brunswick High School. I played through college and have a BS in Business Administration from Trinity College. Of course, I am still learning from all my friends that play and work on trumpets around the world.

Awards and Honors
Without being vain, numerous awards and have played in several honor bands.

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