| Hi, Lou --
(BTW -- I'm almost done moving; PTL!)
I share your passion for fine vintage horns, and my old York Trumpet is a wonderful "keeper"; I use it often.
It's a great pleasure to own and play horns that have a fine pedigree and legendary past.
Usually, they have common "play-wear"; and usually, they have been lovingly cared for.
I strongly advocate the "sensible" acquisition of fine, vintage horns. "Sensible" -- meaning buying them below market-value, whenever possible. There is almost always a strong return on the investment; however, it is not necessary to wait a long time to "flip" the instrument, should some other horn come along, which piques greater interest.
You can have a lot of fun for $500-to-$1000, and not get "burned"; provided you do your research here, on this, and other horn forums.
Contrary to some people's views (including one TM moderator), the Richard Dundas book is not a fine reference (the book is primarily a topical, historical "overview").
Why spend $3000 on a new "Super-Horn", that loses value in a manner similar to the "beating" you take the minute you drive a new car off the dealer's lot? (As a "side-note" of some importance, I was in the automobile business for many years; and I buy and drive nothing but used cars).
Just for instance, I recently acquired a 1940 Martin Handcraft Custom Committee trumpet, with a few minor "issues" (mostly cosmetic) that do not affect the playability or tone ... waaay under current market prices. What a great instrument! Chris Botti is onto something. I'm having a lot of fun with this horn; plays nicer than my "near-mint" 1946 large-bore Custom Committee (the "Holy Grail" of Committees).
"Buy those funky old horns, White Boy!"
Robt
__________________
" ... Ya cain't polish a turd ...!" (old Southern expression)
~~ Love animals ... don't eat them. ~~ |