| Hi,
My other music store "find" happened in a music store alright . . . just after the store personnel told someone trying to sell a used Strad that they didn't need any more used instruments. The year was 1976.
I overheard this conversation . . . and noticed the Mt. Vernon case, and struck up a conversation with the seller after making sure that the store didn't want to buy the horn.
IT WAS AN EARLY (pre-1956, pre-taller wrap) SILVER MT. VERNON IN PRISTINE CONDITION . . . AND THE GUY ONLY WANTED $200 FOR IT. I bought it on the spot!
It was a Model 43 in ML bore with the rare factory 1st valve trigger.
That horn was a gorgeous piece of work! I bought it as a backup horn to my wonderful '72 Benge . . . sold it a few years later . . . and doubled my investment.
I wonder what it would bring today!
In any event, it had a wonderful tone . . . but that sucker got reeeeeeal sharp as one ascended past the top of the staff. This is why is was so pristine I imagine!!! Typical Mt. Vernon inconsistency.
Still . . . what a gorgeous horn with many extra steps in manufacturing execution you can't get today.
Tom |