- Couesnon Flugelhorn For Sale
- Vintage Couesnon Flugelhorn
- Couesnon Flugelhorn Serial Numbers
- Couesnon Trumpet Serial Numbers
Monopole Conservatoire. C/Bb trumpet serial nr: 12032. Bb tarv trumpet. Serial number: 137. The Monopole is a great trumpet for students wanting to get their hands on their own horn, or experienced players looking for a good vintage horn to add to their collection! The serial number on this one reads, ”X0875”. It features a warm mellow sound, a gold lacquer finish, and slick valves! The condition of this trumpet is good.
Last updated on 11-Feb-2009 10:30 PMThis page is donated courtesy of Joyce Maley's Cornet Connection, Hurricane Chinooks, and Hurricane Alpacas, in hopes that it can help recover lost and stolen instruments.
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Horns
Alexander nr 90.
It, along with a Walter Monig messing (brass) horn listed below, was taken between September 11, and September 13, 2002, in Rotterdam Zuid the Netherlands. Contact Ans Dansen a.dansen@wxs.nl if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
Conn (Elkhart) 8D., SN H27597
Stolen in Charlotte, NC, July, 2002 while on Beauty and the Beast tour. Contact Glen Swarts iamsolocor@msn.com or call 925-957-9628 if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
Conn (Elkhart) 8D., SN L37047
It, along with the Holton H77 below, was taken from an apartment in Skokie on Monday, July 08, 2002. A computer was also stolen. Contact Peter Piorkowski Peter_Piorkowski@yahoo.com if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
Conn 8D, SN L82628.
Stolen from my room in the barracks at Ft. Dix, NJ, bacdk in the late 70s. The horn was in pretty good shape, in a standard Conn hard case. Always wondered where it ended up. Contact Tim Ross Timatollah@aol.com or call (717) 993-3748 if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
Conn 8D, M904X (the last digit is not legible)
Stolen from my house in Sunnyside (Queens) New York, (suburb of NYC), on August 22, 205. Also stolen was a King 2259 listed below. Contact Jess Harrison at 718-715-0428 or cell 347-387-8168 if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
Conn 8D., SN M56642
It was stolen in Charlottesville, Virginia, on the weekend of 1-2 November, 2003. Because Charlottesville is a small town, the thieves might try to sell the instrument in Richmond, Virginia, or Washington, DC. Contact Dwight Purvis dcp7s@virginia.edu or call the office phone at (434) 924-6881 or 924-3052, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
Conn 8D., SN N21221
It was stolen in 1989 while the owner was student teaching in Mineola, NY. Contact Eli Kronenberg SaabB49@aol.com or call at 917-670-8294 if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
Conn 8D., SN 623430
Stolen out of the trunk of the owner's Toyota Camry on 13th Street near 5th Avenue in New York City, in February 2008. Contact J. Trovillion at Silverhoss@aol.com or call 631-698-3824 if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
Conn (Elkhart) 8D., SN 711063
It was stolen from a student locker Sunday night, January 19, 2003, at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK. Contact Dr. Eldon Matlick soonercor@yahoo.com if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
Conn 10D, SN 475771 (or possibly 475776)
It was taken from a house north of Seattle, WA (Bellingham, WA) sometime between May and July 2005. Contact Chrissy Blank at nova45@hotmail.com or leave a message at 360-224-0065 if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
Holton H77 (circa 1965), SN 402216
It, along with the Conn 8d above, was taken from an apartment in Skokie on Monday, July 08, 2002. A computer was also stolen. Contact Peter Piorkowski harlan@feinsteins.net if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
King 2259
Stolen from my house in Sunnyside (Queens) New York, (suburb of NYC), on August 22, 205. Also stolen was a Conn 8D listed above. Contact Jess Harrison at 718-715-0428 or cell 347-387-8168 if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
Lawson Classical model custom double French horn, SN 1149
Stolen from vehicle in San Francisco Mission district on 2/22/04. Contact Michael Henry at maestromh@comcast.net if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. | REWARD offered for safe return |
Mirafone descant horn, SN 13732
Stolen February 2000, in the Boston, MA, area (North Washington Street bridge to be precise). Contact Harlan Feinstein harlan@feinsteins.net if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
Paxman Model 80., SN 118619
It was stolen on July 18, 2005. Contact Alan Grant agrant@san.rr.com or call (858) 487-7746 (USA)if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
Paxman Triple Horn, SN 117812XL
Stolen 10/29/99, in the NYC area. Contact Louis Denaro at 516-678-4776 or at LSDenaro@Netzero.com if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
Walter Monig messing (brass), serial number 9-145.
It, along with an Alexander nr 90 horn listed above, was taken between September 11, and September 13, 2002, in Rotterdam Zuid the Netherlands. Contact Ans Dansen a.dansen@wxs.nl if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
Yamaha 868.
Taken the weekend of 14-15 June 2003, from a studio in Auburn, AL. Contact Bill Schaffer schafwr@auburn.edu if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this horn. |
Besson Sovereign Eb Tenor Horn, S/N 851927
This instrument was misappropriated form Corus Brass Band rehearsal room in Port Talbot, South Wales, U.K. Contact Alan Johns at aceflugel@aol.com if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of this instrument. |
Boosey & Hawkes Sovereign Cornet, SN 663078
Stolen on Wednesday, 7th November 2001, near London, UK at the Thurrock Services on the M25. Contact Katrina Austin at cheenie75@hotmail.com or call +44 1842 860158 if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this cornet. |
King Cornet, SN 234046
Stolen during a party, where the owner was playing, in the Meervaart in Amsterdam, January 2005. Contact Jahan M Hooijman at Johanmhooijman@tiscali.nl if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this cornet. |
Yamaha Maestro Bb cornet, S/N 301485
This instrument was misappropriated from Corus Brass Band rehearsal room in Port Talbot, South Wales, U.K. Contact Alan Johns at aceflugel@aol.com if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of this instrument. |
Yamaha Maestro Bb cornet, S/N 301538
This instrument was misappropriated from Corus Brass Band rehearsal room in Port Talbot, South Wales, U.K. Contact Alan Johns at aceflugel@aol.com if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of this instrument. |
Yamaha Cornet Lost at CSU Ft Collins CO in student center during Rocky Mountain Summer Music Camp 14 July 06. 13 year old lost back pack music case, soft sided, with a Jupiter flugelhorn and Yamaha student cornet w/shepards crook inside. The flugelhorn is a rose brass color model 846RL with the 3rd valve trigger, the cornet is lacquer. Also 2 mouthpieces, both 3c one burgundy plastic. Child heartbroken. Any help greatly appreciated. Contact 719-527-9601/719-499-9017 if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of this instrument. |
Bach Stradivarius Mt. Vernon Bb Trumpet, S/N 21038
Stolen in San Francisco. Stolen on 11-10-2001 in San Francisco with a keyboard, 2 speakers, a foot pedal and various cables. The San Francisco Police Department case number is 011358567. It was in a brown hard case with two handles. Two mouthpieces, cleaning materials and two mutes painted black were inside of case. Contact Joani Ratliff (on behalf of Steve Krchniak) at MissSally1313@aol.com if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. |
Bach Stradivarius Bb trumpet Model 37, S/N 59382
Stolen out of a 1987 Honda CRX in Philadelphia PA near University of Pennsylvania in 1987 Contact Steve at smh_pmp@att.net or (908) 310-8038, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. | REWARD offered for safe return |
Bach Stradivarius Bb trumpet, S/N 106699
The horn was left outside of High Line music in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, on Tuesday, June 14th, 2005. Contact Brian at Ledbeuk1@aol.com or (909) 518-0347, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. |
Bach Stradivarius Bb trumpet, SN 345776
Stolen from the owner's vehicle Friday night or Saturday, June 20 or 21, 2008 in Spring Valley, California (San Diego) Contact Kathleen at kathleenbw@gmail.com, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. |
Bach Stradivarius Bb trumpet, SN 456354
Stolen in Auto Theft case #02-16163 July 22, 2002, South Bend Police Dept, IN. Also stolen with this instrument was a gold laquered Courtois Flugelhorn and a reunion blues triple trumpet black leather gig bag, and a Peavey 4-channel mixer/amp serial # - 10583462. Contact Ted Pethick at Navitor69@comcast.net or (574) 514-3281 cell, (574) 246-1561 home or 1337 Woodfield Ave. #201, South Bend, IN 46615, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. |
Bach Stradivarius Bb trumpet
Stolen while the owner was moving July 31, 2007 in New York City-upper west side. Flugelhorn and black pocket trumpet also in gigbag. Contact Holly Hanson at hollyhanson1@mac.com or (917) 587-9854, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. |
Bach Stradivarius Model 43 Bb Trumpet, S/N 538280
Was stolen in an auto theft June 25, 2007 in Austin TX. Police case number 075032340. It was in a black single-trumpet gigbag and also had a 3C Megatone mouthpiece and 3-leg trumpet stand inside. Contact Tyler Dube at 512-496-8694 if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. |
Bach Stradivarius 43
Stolen October 15, 2007 from Ghent Area in Norfolk Virginia. Contact Beverley Losick at blosick@VANBLK.COM if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. |
Bach Stradivarius 37B Bb Trumpet w/Blackburn leadpipe
The trumpet was stolen sometime between 2:00 pm, October 24th and 10:30 am, October 25th, 2007, from a 1990 Honda Accord parked at my residence in Athens, Tennessee. Contact Tim Hughes at 865-680-0939 or tim@thramb.com if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. |
Bach Stradivarius silver C trumpet with Malone MC1 leadpipe, S/N 405012
The trumpet was stolen on March 21, 2001 at 7:30am from the Lakeview neighborhood in Chicago, IL. The Chicago Police Department case number is G-162829. Contact William Dick, Jr. at bdtrumpet@juno.com or (773)505-5477 if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. |
Bach Stradivarius C Trumpet, SN 498745
Stolen in Toronto Ontario in November of 2001 at Roy Thomson Hall parking garage. Contact Andrew McCandless at amtrpt@hotmail.com or at 905-681-7654 if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. |
Bach Stradivarius silver Eb/D trumpet, S/N 324712
The trumpet was stolen on March 21, 2001 at 7:30am from the Lakeview neighborhood in Chicago, IL. The Chicago Police Department case number is G-162829. Contact William Dick, Jr. at bdtrumpet@juno.com or (773)505-5477 if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. |
Blackburn Bb Trumpet, S/N 649
The trumpet belonged to Orbert Davis, from whom it was stolen in Chicago on the afternoon of June 12th, 2008. Contact Blackburn Trumpet at trumpet@dedac.com or (423)745-7337 if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. Blackburn Trumpet will contact Orbert Davis. |
Conn Vintage One trumpet.
Stolen October 30, 2004, Casa Del Mar Hotel, Santa Monica, CA. Also stolen with this instrument were Bach and Marcinkiewicz mouthpieces. Contact Bill Churchville at bc@billchurchville.com or (818) 652-0839, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. |
French Besson Classic, Bb trumpet, SN 21237
Contact John Miller at tpin@n4vu.com, 770-964-7047 or 404-983-7085, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of these instruments. |
French Besson Classic, C trumpet, SN 16688
Contact John Miller at tpin@n4vu.com, 770-964-7047 or 404-983-7085, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of these instruments. |
Besson 'Najoom' model C trumpet, SN 16683
Stolen in Detroit on June 22, 2001. Several instruments were stolen and reported to the Detroit Police Department on June 22, 2001. All together, the following were stolen: Contact Paul Roache at mroache1590@comcast.net, or (313) 886-1590, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of these instruments. |
Conn 60-B Bb trumpet, SN K55566
Stolen in Manhattan , New York, many years ago. Contact Jeff Miller at jefrodad@hotmail.com, or (206)655-3653, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of these instruments. |
Getzen Eterna, Doc Severinson Model Bb Trumpet, SN SK5747
Stolen from Central Florida in 1992. The trail is cold as this horn was stolen in 1992; however, good instruments never disappear and I know that someone out there is playing it. This trumpet is not particularly valuable and it has long since been replaced, but it's 20 year history is priceless to me. Contact Tommy at trosegger@aol.com if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. |
King Super 20 by H. N. White Bb Trumpet, SN 330XXX Stolen from Drury College, Springfield, Missouri in 1981. At the time it had just been refurbished, silver plated, and had a then new black King case with blue interior. At the time the case had a Bach 3C mouthpiece in it and a convertible straight/cup mute with a thumbscrew removable aluminum cup. This was my father's trumpet. Reward offered. No questions asked. Contact Scott Pope at wethreepopes@suddenlink.net or cell phone 417 773 5127 if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. | REWARD offered for safe return |
Lawler
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Monette Custom MB-111/MB-199 Bb Trumpet, SN 771
Stolen in 1992 in Athens, Ohio (filed with police) Contact Dave Miller at dtmiller@columbus.rr.com , or call 740-654-4647, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. |
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Monette STC-1 PRANA Bb Trumpet, SN 1944
Stolen on 5/4/05 in Traverse City, Michigan. Contact Scott Sorenson at scottysps@chartermi.net , or call 231.947.1700 or 231.883.2793, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of these trumpets. |
Monette STC-1 C Trumpet, SN 860
Stolen on May 10, 2007 in Newcastle, Washington, USA. Contact Matt Dalton at 425-277-6585 or mattdalton@comcast.net, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. |
Monette STC-1 PRANA C Trumpet, SN 1836
Stolen on 5/4/05 in Traverse City, Michigan. Contact Scott Sorenson at scottysps@chartermi.net , or call 231.947.1700 or 231.883.2793, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of these trumpets. |
Schilke Trumpet, SN 38579
Stolen on October 26, 2008 near Jazzbones, which is off 6th Ave. in Tacoma WA. Contact Nathan Chollar at nathanchollar@yahoo.com, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this instrument. |
Schilke Trumpet, SN 53003
Lost July 22, 2008 in shipping via Canada Post to North Carolina, USA. Last trace location was Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Reward offered, amount to be determined based on condition. Contact Larry Woods at LDWoods60@yahoo.com or call 780-720-8214 , if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this instrument. |
Schilke E3L Eb/D Trumpet, SN 16572
Stolen in Detroit on June 22, 2001. Several instruments were stolen and reported to the Detroit Police Department on June 22, 2001. All together, the following were stolen: Contact Paul Roache at mroache1590@comcast.net, or (313) 886-1590, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of these instruments. |
TR232 Trumpet, SN 491567
Stolen on October 20, 2006 in Houston, TX. Contact Chuck Taylor at elsalvadorian503@yahoo.com, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this instrument. |
Yamaha YTR6335HSV Mike Vax Bb Trumpet, SN 401868
Stolen in Detroit on June 22, 2001. Several instruments were stolen and reported to the Detroit Police Department on June 22, 2001. All together, the following were stolen: Contact Paul Roache at mroache1590@comcast.net, or (313) 886-1590, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of these instruments. |
Yamaha YRT9830 Bb/A Piccolo Trumpet, SN 401159
Stolen in Detroit on June 22, 2001. Several instruments were stolen and reported to the Detroit Police Department on June 22, 2001. All together, the following were stolen: Contact Paul Roache at mroache1590@comcast.net, or (313) 886-1590, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of these instruments. |
Couesnon Paris 'Star' flugelhorn SN 74782
Stolen October 30, 2004, Casa Del Mar Hotel, Santa Monica, CA. Also stolen with this instrument were Warburton Mouthpieces and a Protec 'Vax' combo case. Contact Bill Churchville at bc@billchurchville.com or (818) 652-0839, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this flugelhorn. |
Courtois flugelhorn.
Stolen in Auto Theft case #02-16163 July 22, 2002, South Bend Police Dept, IN. Also stolen with this instrument was a gold laquered Bach Stradivarious Bb trumpet and a reunion blues triple trumpet black leather gig bag, and a Peavey 4-channel mixer/amp serial # - 10583462. Contact Ted Pethick at Navitor69@comcast.net or (574) 514-3281 cell, (574) 246-1561 home or 1337 Woodfield Ave. #201, South Bend, IN 46615, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this flugelhorn. |
Courtois Flugal horn, SN 22763
Stolen on 4/21/04. Contact Nick McDonald at nickmcdonald@charter.net , in Ozark, AL, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this flugelhorn. |
Cousenon 'Monopole Star' Flugelhorn, SN 41414
Stolen in Detroit on June 22, 2001. Several instruments were stolen and reported to the Detroit Police Department on June 22, 2001. All together, the following were stolen: Contact Paul Roache at mroache1590@comcast.net, or (313) 886-1590, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of these instruments. |
Flip Oakes Wild Thing Flugel Horn SN 26711.
Stolen in Tampa, Florida September 30, 2008 Contact Dan McMillion at (574) 514-3281 cell, 813-831-1616 office; 813-240-6743 cell, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this flugelhorn. |
Couesnon Flugelhorn For Sale
Jupiter Flugelhorn Lost at CSU Ft Collins CO in student center during Rocky Mountain Summer Music Camp 14 July 06. 13 year old lost back pack music case, soft sided, with a Jupiter flugelhorn and Yamaha student cornet w/shepards crook inside. The flugelhorn is a rose brass color model 846RL with the 3rd valve trigger, the cornet is lacquer. Also 2 mouthpieces, both 3c one burgundy plastic. Child heartbroken. Any help greatly appreciated. Contact 719-527-9601/719-499-9017 if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of this instrument. |
Vincent Bach Stradivarius Flugelhorn, S/N 212677 This instrument was misappropriated form Corus Brass Band rehearsal room in Port Talbot, South Wales, U.K. Contact Alan Johns at aceflugel@aol.com if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of this instrument. |
Yamaha 731 flugelhorn with a trigger, S/N no known
Stolen out of a 1987 Honda CRX in Philadelphia PA near University of Pennsylvania in 1987 Contact Steve at smh_pmp@att.net or (908) 310-8038, if you have any information that can help in the recovery of this trumpet. | REWARD offered for safe return |
C. G. Conn Euphonium
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Yamaha YEP-321 Euphonium, S/N 4025 This instrument is missing from the Duke University Music Department. Contact John R. Guptill, Conductor, Duke University Wind Symphony at guptiljr@duke.edu or call (919) 660-3306, if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of this instrument. |
Conn 88HCLO
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Yamaha Xeno YSL-4456, S/N 387555 This, and another trombone, were stolen out of a car on February 3, 2007. Stolen in front of the Santa Clarita Bowling lanes in Santa Clarita, California. Contact Spencer Solomon at shasdude@ca.rr.com if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of this instrument. |
Yamaha Xeno YSL-882GO, S/N 441400 This, and another trombone, were stolen out of a car on February 3, 2007. Stolen in front of the Santa Clarita Bowling lanes in Santa Clarita, California. Contact Spencer Solomon at shasdude@ca.rr.com if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of this instrument. |
Besson 3v compensating BBb Tuba, S/N 437365; Duke Asset #17319 This instrument is missing from the Duke University Music Department. Contact John R. Guptill, Conductor, Duke University Wind Symphony at guptiljr@duke.edu or call (919) 660-3306, if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of this instrument. |
HOW TO GET A LOST INSTRUMENT POSTED ON THIS LIST |
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WHAT TO DO TO PROTECT YOUR INSTRUMENT FROM THEFT |
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WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR INSTRUMENT IS STOLEN |
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For more information on this page's design, contact Joyce Maley.
copyright Joyce Maley, 2002 - 2009
Answers from the Trumpet Girl: New Again Custom-Classics
A Custom Classic?
I want a pro horn & can't afford it.
A custom Classic is a vintage, quality horn modified and rebuilt, with custom improvements which bring it into the 21st century, and raise it to a professional horn standard.
A vintage or student horn can have all the features of a pro model - be just as easy to play, for a much lower price.
A custom leadpipe, first & third slide reversals/rings and bracing conversions can make an old favorite into a new comeback player that you just can't put down!
Precision adjustment for the stock mouthpiece-receiver-leadpipe gap for your chosen mouthpiece can make a difference for anyone.
The most affordable / playable horn is a custom classic.
Why try a Hybrid?
It’s not really a new idea...
1930s-40s Hybrid trumpets were built by York, Acme, Grand Rapids, Rudy Muck & others.
Vintage Couesnon Flugelhorn
No one makes a trumpet with the sound I want! So, how do I choose?
My Bb & C trumpets play so differently, what can I do?
Don’t chose! By using Bb parts to build a C conversion, your C trumpet will feel very close to the Bb version.
The prettiest of the old trumpets will never function well enough to play & enjoy forever. Not always:
My well-loved horn is just worn out – Put that antique bell onto a more recent body and keep playing the vintage sound, but with modern intonation and new parts!
I prefer most the valve action of my OLDS, but the sound of a copper or nickel bell is for me – Not a problem to change it to your specs.
My Yamaha or Schilke valves are the Yamalloys but the overall sound is good – Put that bell & slides onto a better valve assembly unit!
My small-bore Conn trumpet has me too much backpressure & I tire easily - Keep up that sound & make it easier to play with a variable/dual bore design! (Copper Director, or Connstellation bells)
I want a more decorative bell design - mixed metals, custom bend. Find your favorite bell design and put it onto a great playing body! Customized bells are not a problem to install.
My old large bore trumpet sounds so stuffy! old 485 bore Conn Pan Am, Director / 470-4 bore German built stencils - Install a new leadpipe with a modern taper, it will improve playability immensely!
The bell flare is too small? I cannot play loud enough with out cracking the notes - Change it to a Yamaha bell, which has a large 5' flare, (easily affordable)
Why not try a hybrid now?
Why buy custom?
Performing is always a special occasion … Make it easy!
Many manufacturers have called their factory-produced horns 'Custom, Professional or Artist' models, but are they? – Not really, not any more! UMI has united too many of the major US companies that had been fierce competitors in the past. The result was no better than the venture of American Motors Corp. (remember the Pacer & Gremlin cars?)
Most recently, parts design & brand names have been interchanged between models. That blurs lines of quality & expectation…did you know that the newest Conn Vintage One and Benge 90 models are actually on a King valveset? And, now the King Silver Flair is not a King at all!
Players, including comeback players, who are shopping for a vintage horn by brand or model name will be left disappointed. No longer are student horns made with hand fitted quality, or at a good price. If you want an inexpensive, new student trumpet? Bach does market one, it comes from China now, but with their American name on it. It is not US quality!
Many players buy the so-called professional horns only to have them corrected & modified to play properly by someone else, who is more sensitive to a player's needs. The Bach Stradivarius is a prime example. Professors teach to the horn - not the player. These factory, built-in defects consume time to overcome. That time could be spent developing/perfecting your style.
Why have these issues at all? A Strad bell mounted onto your favorite trumpet body gives the same sound, without added playing hassles.
Do you have difficulty finding a certain horn without sticker shock? A used, less than gorgeous trumpet may meet your needs more readily and affordably
“I want a horn with lasting 'sizzle”. It’s hard to play for long hours on my Schilke or CG Benge because they are so light in weight that, most of the air energy is gone before it exits the bell flare! The use of a heavier, larger bore body (with a lightweight bell or shaved flare) helps with most endurance problems and keeps the sizzle going!
I think I am playing loudly, but still cannot be heard. Projection is your problem. Adding some weight to the bell/leadpipe braces or valveset greatly improves the projection & volume, so you work less & sound better!
Many articulation problems are largely due to the mouthpiece-to-receiver-to-taper gap. This is a minor problem and makes players go on an equipment safari & waste their money!
I adjust a given horn to sound its best, fitted to the mouthpiece of your choice. It is play tested until I am satisfied!
A reversed leadpipe & slides will always improve airflow & pitch quality –These are solid facts!
A custom trumpet is built for you the player, for ease of playing, not for any high profit margin!
Why spend on vintage or classic & not buy new?
Why not? American horns built between 1940 & 1970 are of the best quality ever made!
The phrase ‘Buy American’ meant something when there was still real competition & pride in the manufacture of instruments. Student horns of yesteryear are of much better quality than new pro horns offered today, which is why I use them often to build upon.
If you need an affordable horn, but with quality/durability to learn on, Think about a refurbished American Classic trumpet or cornet. For example: Conn Director, Holton Collegiate, Getzen 300 series, Selmer-Bundy, Olds Ambassador. All are very well made instruments.
Classic trumpets were built for the time's most popular players and many had custom features. In the sales arena, a player's great sound was often attributed to their choice of trumpet.
Old timers like, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, Louis Prima, and Roy Hargrove all played on the (student) OLDS Ambassador!
Bix Beiderbecke's and Wild Bill Davison's original 30s jazz sound came from their Conn Victor 80A (cornets).
Generations of players have pursued the sound quality of: Miles Davis' or Chet Baker's Martin Committee, Dizzy's Silver Flair, Harry James' & Satchmo's French Selmers.
Nat Adderly & Cat Anderson played Connstellation
Maynard Fergusen designed for Holton (as did Al Hirt)
Doc Severinsen endorsed Getzen, Conn & BelCanto.
Herbert Clarke's earliest Holtons (although several were built with differing bore sizes, he dubbed it 'the perfect cornet'),
A vintage or classic trumpet will always retain & increase in value - they don't make them like that anymore! Current (unionized) assemblers keep up their production numbers now, and the price is a sacrifice of quality.
What is a Stencil?
Catalog & store sales driven by price & availability
Many companies achieving large production output often sell some of their horns without labeling them, so a dealer or store can ‘stencil’ their own name to it. Early on, many small US companies were importing & relabeling inexpensive Austrian, Belgian, or West German made horns (Baxter-Northrup, JW Pepper, York, Lyon-Healy, etc). Europe was our 1950's 'China' for cheap horns!
Larger American builders always stood behind the quality of their parts, assembled or not.... Perhaps the largest builder of stencil trumpets was Blessing. Commanding a wide & early market with their high quality valve sections, they were able to sell everything they could make, often taking up the shortfalls of their competition's shipping commitments!
The first New York Bach trumpets were made with Blessing valves. I have Blessing stencils that were built for DEG, Donald E. Getzen (in .464 bore), and Conn’s Pan-American model, Commander by Gretsch (468). At the stores, - Rockwell-Nappe, Silvertone at Sears were big private stencil labels.
Stencils from Getzen - Boston Beacon & many others, are found, notable by the early 'deluxe' model type distinctive two piece bell (may be joined by the heavy, single piece brace (which is the hex mouthpiece receiver) & the simple pressed/hammered brackets elsewhere. These were very well made horns!
Blessing is still an independent company in Elkhart. And Getzen still exists in Elkhorn. Both of these companies, I consider truly ALL AMERICAN, since they both still build & market their own line of student instruments, as well an excellent professional line of instruments.
Not all stencils with the same name are the same trumpet. Not at all - there were several Sears Silvertones (Austrian, German, French, or American) The name Silvertone was allowed on the imported instruments only after Sears was sued by HN White / King who claimed the Silvertone name for its Sterling-belled models...(The lawsuit affected only US companies, like Blessing)
It was easier for Sears to change builders than rename ‘their’ horns or reprint catalogs.
You could examine three Gretsch Commanders, side by side; they may well be made by different builders or nations (Gretsch is mainly a percussion/Bugle company)
Buying a stenciled instrument is a sometimes-cautious venture, but it can be rewarding!
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Nearly all parts I use are used or refurbished from American vintage instruments. Rarely will a part be newly produced or shipped from overseas, - except for minor expendables (cork, felt, oil, grease, etc.)
I often find ‘take-off’ parts removed from newer horns by high end builders, like Harrelson.
All cleaning, soldering, polishing operations used are non-toxic to me, the player & our environment. Elbow grease is a rarely known commodity today & I use it often!
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I am a very safe builder, with a dangerous horn, offering a great and unique playing experience.
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