selmer53

Anyone have preferences, opinions, war stories, tall tales or otherwise between these two horns? The Buescher is on it's way, but I was outbid on the Emperor, unfortunately. Buescher has been "well played" but well cared for...not neglected at all....(an actual pro player must have owned it, considering how exact the plating is completely worn away in all of the right places but the bell is sharp, shiny & intact!). The Emperor, however, looked like it had never been played at all...practically new. This leads to an interesting question. Can one pretty much trust in an instrument that has been obviously used consistently for so many decades, and so well maintained at the same time? Can you judge the worthiness of a horn by this? Wouldn't used so well for so long indicate pro-grade quality & consistency, as opposed to the multitude of simply old, neglected, "vintage...WOW!" horns we've all seen strewn about on bid sites?
Looking forward to some chat on this.

mike ansberry

Are we talking cornet or trumpet here? I'm not sure.

I own a 1915 model 15 Buescher True Tone cornet. I love the horn. I personally think they sound better with a vintage mouthpiece. When I play with a modern cupped mouthpiece the high range is easier and the pitch is better. But when I play with the vintage Conn 18 (V cup) it sounds dark and rich. Kind of between a flugel and a trumpet, which is exactly what it is, I guess.

oldlou

I have a 1915 vintage York Perfec-tone long cornet that has most of the silver rubbed off. The valves have been replaced with new-old stock York valves. The little horn shows MUCH use, but, because the former owner/owners loved it, it survises to this day as a superlative cornet. I use it often as my prime horn. Yes, the horn was definately at or very near the top in Yorks lineup and that surely went far to enhance its long life. It was well made, just like your elderly Buescher. Congratulations, you picked a good one.


OLDLOU>>

selmer53

Hiya Mike & OldLou!
The Buescher I'm refering to is a trumpet, although I do own a beautiful '57 Reynolds Emperor cornet that sounds very warm and rich. As far as the Buescher is concerned, I'm not in any rush to replate it (silver), but it's been suggested that I might want to send it in for the valves to get a replating and have the corks, springs, etc. replaced to original factory specs. Is this a worthwhile endeavor? I haven't received it as of yet (any day now!) so I have no idea what the condition of the valves will be or if they need to be re-aligned. The seller said it still plays great and the slides still "pop", so that's probably a good sign.
My question is...if I do decide to have the valves looked at, do I send it to Conn-Selmer (who bought out Buescher in the 60's) or could a local tech do this just as thoroughly? I'm in NYC, so any suggestions would help. I know exactly who to go to for clarinet work, but not a clue for great trumpet/cornet workmanship.
Thanks for your thoughts & comments guys!

VetPsychWars

Your local tech will be fine. I wouldn't send it to Conn-Selmer as they would have no clue what to do with it. There are no original parts left any more.

Ask your clarinet guy who he recommends for trumpets. Corks, felts, and springs should be no problem.

Tom