miguelradio

Hi Everyone!,
I'm a newbie here and hope it is ok for me to post this kind of thread right off the bat. I have not picked up a horn for almost 7 years, but am now ready to play again..
I have here a 1974 or 75 ( i think) Getzen Eterna cornet that I picked up at a flea market. I don't think this will be the horn I will begin playing again with, as I would prefer to stick with a trumpet. So I plan to sell this.
As you can see in the pics, the horn has some wear to the silver plate. It also has some smalish dings. The valves look good to me, but I am no expert. Obviously it needs oiling and cleaning etc, but over all not in too bad of shape. My question is: Would it make sense to have it re-plated, overhauled, or what not before I attempt to sell it? Or would it not really make sense money wise to invest what it would cost to do so. I paid $180 for it in its current condition. Everything is original and all parts are there (its partially disasembled in the pics as i was in the middle of cleaning it.....). Also does anyone know how this horn would compare as far as quality goes, to one of the newer getzen eternas like say the 800.
Best Wishes-Michael

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VetPsychWars

Why not play it?

It certainly doesn't suck.

Tom

veery715

I'm with Tom. Play it. It is a good horn, pro quality, and doesn't look like it needs much. Give it a good trial before you decide to sell it.

If you do decide to resell, then just clean it up, put a shine on it, and sell it. Do not refinish it; you won't recover the cost. You should be able to make a decent profit anyway.

Or leave it as is and PM me with a price (no selling in forums, but is buying OK?) I might have a trumpet to swap you.

veery

MFfan

I think you paid a fair price for it in it's present condition. I agree with VPW , why not play it for awhile. Here is a completed ebay sale for an 88-89 one that sold for $375.Getzen Bb Eterna Silver Cornet Vintage - eBay (item 280313290978 end time Feb-14-09 18:49:48 PST)
Veery has some good advice too. You could probably get your investment back by selling it as is.

__________________
Dave Rafferty
1953 Olds Ambassador (LA)
1966 Besson 2-20 (Silver)
Lemar Trumpet (peashooter-Conn?)
55-56 York Artist Trumpet
Besson 609 trumpet
1955-60 Besson 8-10 Trumpet
1948 Besson cornet
1946 King Master Cornet
www.kalamazooconcertband.org

miguelradio

well I will actually play with it for awhile, and in fact did last night for a few hours...however I'm looking for a trumpet, and I'm just none too found of Getzens. Yes a guy that hasn't played in 7 years, and I being this picky...kind of silly huh? I looking to buy a nice vintage horn like a Martin Committe or Olds Super.....just gonna poke around someplaces for sometime here in Florida and keep looking til I find something I love.

miguelradio

And thank-you all for your kind advise.

veery715

Getzens are among the best. Don't kid yourself, the valves are famous for their quality. It is a geeky name - in HS 47 years ago I didn't want any Getzen because I thought the name was dorky. Dumb on me!

Committees are hard to find, expensive, thanks to your idol Miles, but with $4k you can probably get a good one. Olds vintage horns are easier to find, and some are wonderful. But in my opinion you need to just play something - anything to get your comeback started, get a lesson or two on a rented or borrowed horn, or even your new old cornet. Your sense of what you want and what you really need are not in sync yet, and you'll be happier if you start re-establishing the fundamentals before you make the plunge and spend your savings.
I do not think at this point you will really be able to tell the fine differences between one good horn and another. Begin relearning and don't be in a hurry to buy a horn which you may play for years.
veery

miguelradio

Thank-You for your input everything you say makes good sense. I think I'll take a trip to the dealer you mentioned and go from there. I am in no rush...just gonna play around with a few horns before I purchase. I have a decent Olds Ambassador to get me by till I find the horn I really want. I know getzens are suppose to be great horns, but they're just not for me.
In regards to the eterna I have, I took everyones advise. Polished it a bit and it will be going on ebay tonight.
Best Wishes-Mike

Kevin Cameron

I have a Getzen Eterna flugelhorn I purchased new in 1975 for $1500.00..

Sounds like you got a good price on your horn.