Totally Sad About Elkhart

misty.sj · 01-28-2008, 11:34 AM

I live in northern Indiana, not too far from Elkhart. Isn't it sad that all of the horn manufacturers like Holton, Conn, Blessing, Selmer, Getzen, and others, have closed their doors or been consolidated? Even the legendary Woodwind & Brasswind store got bought by another company a few years ago. It just seems like Elkhart has lost a huge musical legacy. Any thoughts?

Jude · 01-28-2008, 12:41 PM

Well, Conn was asking for it - they bought out a Massachusetts instrument maker (Fiske) and after just a few years - when they made the Worcester - Elkhart Wonder cornets - closed the plant and moved production back to Indiana. Not that we're holding a grudge, here in Mass., of course. But it was only a little over a hundred years ago. (As an IU grad, I'm less bitter about it than some.)

MrClean · 01-28-2008, 12:50 PM

Getzen? Something you're not telling us, Brett?

misty.sj · 01-28-2008, 02:01 PM

Maybe I was wrong about Getzen! :) I was on Wikipedia and also saw mention of a company called Buescher, where Mr. Blessing got his start I believe. I had not heard of that one. But I do recall a 'Besser' or 'Bessert' .. am I smoking crack?

tatakata · 01-28-2008, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrClean

Getzen? Something you're not telling us, Brett?

tatakata · 01-28-2008, 02:56 PM

good question misty. hard to tell over the web

I am with you. I think it is a very sad state of affairs/ Bach used to be king and now its a joke.

Quote:

Originally Posted by misty.sj

am I smoking crack?

misty.sj · 01-28-2008, 03:06 PM

If I am smoking crack it's sure as hell not any fun ! LOL

rowuk · 01-28-2008, 03:35 PM

One day the bean counters will have rationalized ALL of their customers into unemployment, thereby sealing their own fate. The problem is "shareholder value". If the shareholders only want to multiply their money, there is no limit how low this can go. This is basic economics and I am amazed how stupid and short sighted these idiots are!
I don't think there is much of a chance of getting the chinese to buy their own instruments.....................

Set an example, support local businesses until the wall street experts wake up! You are potentially saving your own job!

Brett Getzen · 01-28-2008, 07:59 PM

Quick clarification here. We (Getzen) and Holton aren't located in Elkhart. We're in Elkhorn, WI. Easy confusion. And, not all of us have been bought out. Blessing and us are still independant... as far as I know.

Oh, and WWBW didn't have much choice. It's hard to not be bought out when you file bancruptcy.

Brett Getzen

tatakata · 01-28-2008, 08:02 PM

I had no idea blessing was still independant. interesting

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brett Getzen

Blessing and us are still independant...

01-28-2008, 11:34 AM	#1 (permalink)
misty.sj Mezzo Piano User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 599	Totally Sad About Elkhart I live in northern Indiana, not too far from Elkhart. Isn't it sad that all of the horn manufacturers like Holton, Conn, Blessing, Selmer, Getzen, and others, have closed their doors or been consolidated? Even the legendary Woodwind & Brasswind store got bought by another company a few years ago. It just seems like Elkhart has lost a huge musical legacy. Any thoughts?

01-28-2008, 12:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jude Piano User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 318	Re: Totally Sad About Elkhart Well, Conn was asking for it - they bought out a Massachusetts instrument maker (Fiske) and after just a few years - when they made the Worcester - Elkhart Wonder cornets - closed the plant and moved production back to Indiana. Not that we're holding a grudge, here in Mass., of course. But it was only a little over a hundred years ago. (As an IU grad, I'm less bitter about it than some.)
Jude Piano User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 318

01-28-2008, 12:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
MrClean Pianissimo User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: SoCal Posts: 237	Re: Totally Sad About Elkhart Getzen? Something you're not telling us, Brett?

01-28-2008, 02:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
misty.sj Mezzo Piano User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 599	Re: Totally Sad About Elkhart Maybe I was wrong about Getzen! :) I was on Wikipedia and also saw mention of a company called Buescher, where Mr. Blessing got his start I believe. I had not heard of that one. But I do recall a 'Besser' or 'Bessert' .. am I smoking crack?

01-28-2008, 03:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
misty.sj Mezzo Piano User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 599	Re: Totally Sad About Elkhart If I am smoking crack it's sure as hell not any fun ! LOL

01-28-2008, 03:35 PM	#8 (permalink)
rowuk Moderator Fortissimo User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Germany Brand: Nat, Piston, Rotary Posts: 3,923	Re: Totally Sad About Elkhart One day the bean counters will have rationalized ALL of their customers into unemployment, thereby sealing their own fate. The problem is "shareholder value". If the shareholders only want to multiply their money, there is no limit how low this can go. This is basic economics and I am amazed how stupid and short sighted these idiots are! I don't think there is much of a chance of getting the chinese to buy their own instruments..................... Set an example, support local businesses until the wall street experts wake up! You are potentially saving your own job!
	__________________ Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

01-28-2008, 07:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
Brett Getzen Pianissimo User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Elkhorn, WI Brand: I'm fourth generation in the instrument industry with almost 18 years experience. Posts: 119	Re: Totally Sad About Elkhart Quick clarification here. We (Getzen) and Holton aren't located in Elkhart. We're in Elkhorn, WI. Easy confusion. And, not all of us have been bought out. Blessing and us are still independant... as far as I know. Oh, and WWBW didn't have much choice. It's hard to not be bought out when you file bancruptcy. Brett Getzen

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