maynardwix

I really don't know a lot about old horns, well new ones really for that matter, I played in high school and now have the urge to play again. I was on e bay looking at getting a horn, and found a Conn that will suit me fine till I get into practice again. I also ran across a old Holton from the late 1930's, I decided to pick it up, thought it had to be worth more that what the bids were on it, now I just don't know if I made a mistake or not.

It said on the discription that the seller thought it was from 1939 after doing a little looking around. It needs new springs, has a little wear on the finish, and has a couple small dings, other than that it looks like it is in good shape. I was just looking for some people with knowledge to let me know what something like this may go for.

Cotton

I've got a Collegiate from 1949 that's in mint condition, no dents,dings and about 90% perfect finish. It plays as well as anything I've ever played. Definitely a "keeper". Paid less than $100 on the Bay.

MFfan

I have a nice 53 Holton Collegiate cornet that plays very well. Got it for $50 on ebay. Good quality instruments, I think, but not worth a lot of money. I have seen opinions recentlly that the earlier ones of your era were top horns, as Holton didn't make student horns. Go to the new HoltonLoyalist web site for a lot of useful info and check ebay for what is there to compare with yours.

maynardwix

Thanks for the info, I got it for $50 and with a little work (to the springs) it will be a great horn.

maynardwix

Thanks for your responce, I got it for $50 also, it is a beautiful horn, and with new springs will be great. I planned on reselling it, but I am becoming attached to it and may end up keeping it.

MFfan

They do grow on you sometimes. Are they bottom sprung valves? Mine is. OLDLOU's is of a little later vintage and has the springs on top.

maynardwix

The springs are on the bottom, do you know if the springs would be available at a music store?

MFfan

Go to the site TheBandroom.biz They sell all sorts of parts there. They have some Universal Trumpet Valve Springs 9/16 x2. Says they are like those commonly found under valves. $3.99 for the set. I bought a set of generic upper springs that fit my old Besson trumpet. You could check with a tech at a music store for leads, or if possible, take the horn in and they can check to see if they have any in stock that would work. Googling for trumpet valve springs brings up a number on on-line music stores you can check with. You could also contact the present Holton company and see if any parts are available. Good luck!

maynardwix

Thanks so much for the info, I will check out the site. I think I will also take the trumpet in to a music store and see if they have anything. Thanks again for the advise though, I have not had a trumpet in over 10 years and have forgotten everything I knew back in the day, hopefully with some practice I can get it back again.