TrumpetMaster - View Single Post - '26 Model 9 True Tone or Mid-Late '60s Reynolds Emperor?

oldlou · 03-31-2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by selmer53

Anyone have preferences, opinions, war stories, tall tales or otherwise between these two horns? The Buescher is on it's way, but I was outbid on the Emperor, unfortunately. Buescher has been "well played" but well cared for...not neglected at all....(an actual pro player must have owned it, considering how exact the plating is completely worn away in all of the right places but the bell is sharp, shiny & intact!). The Emperor, however, looked like it had never been played at all...practically new. This leads to an interesting question. Can one pretty much trust in an instrument that has been obviously used consistently for so many decades, and so well maintained at the same time? Can you judge the worthiness of a horn by this? Wouldn't used so well for so long indicate pro-grade quality & consistency, as opposed to the multitude of simply old, neglected, "vintage...WOW!" horns we've all seen strewn about on bid sites?
Looking forward to some chat on this.

I have a 1915 vintage York Perfec-tone long cornet that has most of the silver rubbed off. The valves have been replaced with new-old stock York valves. The little horn shows MUCH use, but, because the former owner/owners loved it, it survises to this day as a superlative cornet. I use it often as my prime horn. Yes, the horn was definately at or very near the top in Yorks lineup and that surely went far to enhance its long life. It was well made, just like your elderly Buescher. Congratulations, you picked a good one.

OLDLOU>>