| Wscott,
Thanks for the info. I received a reply from a fellow named Nick DeCarlis. He told me this horn was probably made around 1913. He also confirms that this is a Low Pitch horn with Bb/A set-up, thus explaining the slide configuration! Apparently Buescher made good horns, but not many of them are "collectibles". So the good news is, I can fix the horn so it works, instead of having the responsibility of preserving a rare collectible.
He also told me I did well for $35.00, and I should enjoy the horn. I had an estimate done for dents and solder work, and my friend the brass tech said I should definitely have a chem-clean. All in all, this will bring the cost of the horn up to about $175-$200 when all is said and done. she said the valves were in remarkably good shape, needed to be regulated, and maybe replated down the line. Not bad for a horn that is 91 years old!!
This horn is not heavy or clunky, though it does seem short! My eyes are very close to my fingers when I play! But no, I really like the way it feels in my hands, and the sound is real purty. It does seem a bit stuffy, but it is much different instrument than my trumpet, and does need some work. We shall see....
Have fun!
Patrick Nearing |