Walter

I am going to be 60 in 2009 and would like to get a large bore 1949 Martin Committee for my birthday. It would probably not be my main horn but an addition to a small collection of older horns that I have.

I thought I would start the hunt early but I need advise....I realise that I am not the only one looking!!! I would want it to play well and be in very good condition.

What are the things I should look out and where do I start to look? I always watch ebay.......I once saw what I though was the ideal horn but it was withdrawn early!! It looked like it had been owned by one person and lovingly cared for.

Anyway hope you TM's can help.

Walter

Solar Bell

Walter,

Can you give us an idea as to what the serial number range would be?

Then we can keep an eye out for you.

-cw-

Walter

Hi Chuck

The serial numbers for 1949 seem to be 170395 - 172215 .....

Thanks for keeping an eye out.....

Regards

Walter

Walter

Still hoping to hear about the joys and pitfalls of aquiring a Martin Committee.. or has this been "done to death" and I have missed it?

thanks....... Walter

Robert Rowe

I have several vintage Martin Committee horns, including a 1946 large-bore DeLuxe.

They are not "all they're cranked-up to be" .... The medium-bore horns play and sound better, in my opinion. Some of my research indicates the large-bore horns were developed for greater projection (not better tone) for outdoor and large-indoor venues.

Also, I have learned that the medium-bore horns were preferred for recording purposes.

Robt

Walter

Hi Robert

Most of my horns are large bore because I like the free flow feeling when I play....that was why I was thinking large bore...... Do the medium horns plays with an open feel? Was the quality control on these horns even? Are the medium bore horns easier to find?

Thanks

Walter

dcstep

Well, I happen to agree that generally the medium is the "preferred" sound; however, I HAVE played a very good large bore. The large bores command way more than the mediums in price, making the non-deluxe mediums relatively good bargains.

The main things to watch for a the same as all vintage horns, mainly good, tight valves and evidence of TLC. Plan to have the valves expertly aligned and the horn checked for leaks. (Those two things will help all old horns, but particularly large bores).

Dave

Robert Rowe

Walter --

The medium-bore horns do not play "stuffy", at all. I also agree with Dave (dcstep) that any vintage Martin (or any brand vintage horn, for that matter) should have the valves "looked-at" by someone that knows these horns. I don't know what the cost might be (I do most work, myself), but I consider it worthwhile.

The quality-control was excellent through the 1940s. I do not have any horns from the 1950s, so I cannot comment.

I have a very nice "C" Martin Trumpet from the early 1960s -- the "RMC"-era -- as played by Armando Ghitalla, of the Boston Symphony. The quality is superb.

I have several Magnas ("successor to the Committee") ... (?) from the later 1960s -- the "Wurlitzer"-era -- and the quality is less than superb (but not bad).

In brief -- "go for" a nice medium-bore 1940s "regular" (not actual designation) plain-brass horn. You'll probably be very pleased. If not, you'll surely get your investment back ... (and then some, probably). You won't want for a large-bore ... and Dave is correct -- they are priced very high (for some strange reason, probably rarity).

My 1946 DeLuxe large-bore cost me $750, BITD ("Back In The Day"). Probably worth three-times that today, if not more. NFS.

Robt
__________________________________________________ ______
"I do not suffer from insanity ... I enjoy every moment of it!"

Walter

Dave and Robert

Thanks for your insight....

I will keep an open mind and see what comes up.....I have the large bore area covered with other horns so a medium could balance my small collection.

I am prepared to have work done if the basic horn is good. I have had valves overhauled by Dr. Valve and they are great now. It is a bit of a performance to send the horn from the UK but it works. If I find a US horn... I may have it sent direct to him first.

If you guys come across a horn that you think is great and needs a good home please pm me... I am hoping for a 49 as it is my birthday year but it is not hard and fast if a great horn becomes available.

Walter

dcstep

I would guess that Leigh McKinney of Eclipse would do a fine restoration job. I forget the name of his restoration shop, but if you go to the Eclipse site you'll find it. However, you should feel free to support the US economy if ever in doubt.

My experience has been excellent with 1940s Martins, requiring no more than an alignment to make ready for action. The nickel plated valves lasts forever unless some hamfisted repairman "lapped" them with his power drill sometime in their history. A non-deluxe medium bore will generally command $1200 to $1600 in good playing condition, with only minor cosmetic blemishes.

Happy hunting,

Dave