Robert Rowe

Some of these stories bring-to-mind the realization that one must have a few "skills"; e.g., the ability to determine the nature of a horn's faults (& whether-or-not it may be easily / "cheaply" corrected), and the classic art of "dealin'" (with the seller) to arrive at a price worthy of "a bargain".

Some people think anything "old" is "valuable".

Robert Rowe

study888

Since I am a come back player. Iwent looking in some of my local very old est. pawn shops. I was mostly looking for cornets. I found a very well preserved 1958 OLDS Special Trumpet. Which I sold to Jason Bloome. He likes a lot. In another shop. I found a nice except for m. p. dents on bell. A 1961 37A/B Conn Connstellation short model cornet with the .485 bore and possible coprion bell. Gave $75.00. It can really sound off. Also two 1960's H.N. White Cleveland Superior cornets in great shape. One a .460 bore and other a little smaller with .433 bore. $40.00 each with nice cases and original m. p.'s.Was in a music shop. They had two 1960's Ambassador cornets in a Halloween display. Manager gave them to me later on. One had a like new valves in it. And plays very well. Plan to spread out to other small towns and look. As the younger pawn shop owners have little knowlege of a Olds or late model Conns etc. Lots of fun finding them. Just hard to keep heart rate down and a poker face.

Robert Rowe

As a post note to this topic, I have had a modicum of success in "dealin'" with pawn-shop / music store operators with the "My son / daughter /, etc., needs a "decent / cheap horn" to take a few lessons, as I used to play in school..." line.

Always ask, "How are the valves?" Either the shop operator will know, or just shrug his shoulders ... and you take it from there. Always check the valves -- if the caps are stuck, you have much more "negotiating leverage", but, on the other hand, there may be serious problems with the horn, which probably entails professional repair ($$).

Robert Rowe

Soarlips

About six weeks ago, I wandered into a nearby pawn shop and saw a nice brown Martin case on the floor, with a price tag of $95.00. Inside I found a Committee Deluxe with two stuck valves, stuck slides and a crease in the bell. After playing a little hardball, I got it for $70.00 out the door. It has since got a $55.00 chem clean and de"ding", and it is way cool.
Probably a better deal than the Olds Recording I got for a hundred bucks five years ago.

dcstep

Darn, that was only and hour away from me. How'd I miss it?

Jeff Stewart

I agree that if you look good things can happen. I found an Olds Mendez in a thrift store for $47. I found a Bach Apollo at a flea market for $60 (not a great player but I sold it for $900). I found a 1936 Bach Strad in the newpaper for $360 (his daughter had been using it for marching band). I got an Olds Recording that has a nickle silver bell (factory done for a navy band) for $400 on Ebay. Last but not least I found aN Olds Super Recording that I got for $200 and a trade in Bundy. You never know what be in that next shop.

Robert Rowe

Yo, Jeff Stewart --

Alright !!

That's the kinda "stuff" I love to hear about.

Thanx for the great "testimonial". (From the Greek word, testicle)).

Robert Rowe

Rondawg

I wish I could find some of these old great horns that you all are talking about.

Robert Rowe

Hello, Rondawg ... and, by-the-way, Welcome to TrumpetMaster.

The horns we're always discussing here are "out there". You sorta have to have a "method-to-the-madness" way of going about it. "Network" yourself at area music stores -- let them know you're an interested party. They dig it when you help them determine a value for horns they get (ones you don't have an interest in), so they can price them (hint: be conservative with the figures). Most music stores move a lot of guitars, and you may want to have a decent guitar of modest value on-hand to trade when a good horn comes along. Also, peruse the classified ads in your area newspapers and publications. "Bone-up" on specs and values for desireable horns, by monitoring eBay offerings. Be prepared to travel a bit to check-out an instrument where the seller has little-or-no idea of what they have (and be prepared to be disappointed, too). Don't work too hard at it -- it won't be as much fun.

Robert Rowe

Jeff Stewart

To follow up my earlier post, you really have to look and there is going to be alot of "chafe" before you find any "wheat". Fortunately most people don't know anything about musical instruments so outward condition will guide their pricing. A dinged up NY Strad may not look like much to a pawn shop owner and will probably price it below that 3 year old Jupiter. Bone up on what good trumpets are going for and then get out there and look. As for me I always imagine finding that Chicago Benge or early Committe when I walk into those places but I'm an optimist.