To defend myself, I was 16 and stupid. I had a beautiful (but in need of restoration) 1929 Conn 2b. I bought it at a local thrift store for $50 in the original case when I was 14. I had issues with the horn too. It was old, had minor air leakage, the valves and slides were well worn, the bell and leadpipe were drooping, and there was a wear spot on the bell that i was worried about forming into a hole. The silver plating was about 75% still there after 2 years of playing it in my high school jazz band and marching band. After I got my Yamaha Heavywall at age 16, I sold it because I thought, out of my own naivety, that the horn was beyond repair. I later realized, at around age 18 after making friends with a great repair specialist, that it wasn't that costly to restore the damn thing. 6 years later, I'm still kicking myself. I don't know if I'll truly ever get over it!
Anyone want to share some of their stories?
Matt