| The horns sound great! The Super is certainly a lead horn, it has that extra sparkle. I'm still astounded with the Ambassador. An Ambassador was the first horn I ever owned, back in 196X. This one has a great sound, great valves and I got it relatively cheap! Another Toronto Olds collector (starting out actually) came over and I had the complete 'family' out and he adored the '61 Recording, liked the '39 Super and '67 Ambassador, wasn't too impressed with the '65 Special and drooled over my '65 Mendez (his first Olds acqusition) and '62 Opera cornet.
The thing that impressed me about Borodi is their prep work, all the engraving is sharp and clear no over buffing. And excellent lacquer jobs. The valves on the Super had been redone and are perfect, and Olds valves last well anyway. I just cleaned 5 Ambassadors that my band had purchased in 59/early 60s and most had been 'sleeping' for a number of years. They all cleaned up internally and valve wise and play great, a standard for Olds.
None of the 'Alaska' horns have had the leadpipe changed, all orginal and in great condition.
BOTTOM LINE: yes, from the Ambassador to the Mendez they are all damn good horns. The top end horns, Recording, Opera and Mendez are certainly Pro Horns. I consider the others are too but that's just cuz I collect Olds. I got some 'cheaply' and after a refurb they look like new and didn't break the bank. I'd certainly recommend George Borodi, great work, quick turnaround and really realistic prices. With all this Olds selection I don't pick up my Schilke as much as I should, but still get it out every couple of weeks.
So I guess next I should look for a Custom BUT I had one and it wasn't really a great horn. Poor valves and horrible silver plating. I'd be very very careful of the '75+ Olds horns too.
Have a great holiday Ed, I imagine that you have lots of snow already. Not much yet in Toronto and it should be >0 for Xmas!
__________________ Bill
Olds Ambassador, Special, Super, Recording, Mendez Bb trumpets, Custom C trumpet/GR Butcher 65.6M
Olds Opera & Ambassador A6 Shepherds Crook cornets/Sparx 4B
Olds L-12 Flugelhorn/GR Butcher 65.6FL
Schilke MII Trumpet/GR Butcher 65.6M
If you have an Olds, go to http://www.theoldsregister.com/ and add data |