asc1969

Well I went to the seller's home today and ended up coming home with the horn. It was in excellent condition and I belive well worth the $150 I paid. I couldn't find a scratch on it. My wife, however, pointed out that there is a small, minor scrape about 1/4" in length on the inside of the bell. Other than that, it looked brand new. The case was also in prestine condition. I did have to give the valves a bit of oil but they seem to work well now. The seller explained that he bought the horn for his daughter, who has changed her mind several times since the year and a half ago purchase, about what instrument she wants to play. He's purchased this as well as a sax and she played this for about six months before returning it to its case, never to be touched again.

Believe it or not I actually like the tone on the Boosey & Hawkes student trumpet (that's missing a third valve slide ring) that my father-in-law gave me a little more than this King. But I'm waaaaay too new at this to even worry about that right now. I'm just happy to have a decent beginner horn to use for the next couple of years while I'm learning this frustrating art.

Thanks again everyone for the input.