GaryW

I have an older King Symphony trumpet circa 1975. I am looking for information on this horn and can't seem to find any information on this particluar type. I have had it since I was a teenager. Does anybody have any information on this? I don't think think it is a White King, wrong era.

I have had 2 professional players offer to buy it so I am curious what I have. I have no interest in selling as I still play for fun.

Don Christensen

Gary,

King came out with the Symphony model trumpet around 1949 and produced them through 1968 or so until they were bought out by UMI. The symphony Trumpets are all Dual Bore instruments with optional Sterling Sliver Bells and leadpipes. Harry James played on a customized version of this horn.

The Symphony model was a Super 20 model trumpet with a Dual Bore. It came with a brass bell and and sometimes the optional sterling silver leadpipe.

The Silver Sonic Symphony was a Dual Bore Super 20 with Sterling Silver leadpipe and silver bell.

They're all generally great playing horns with a very open blow and big sound.

There's a picture of my Silver Sonic Super 20 Symphony here: http://www.trumpetmaster.com/vb/140/...tml#post310450 (VINTAGE HORN EYE CANDY)

Check out H N White Company Makers of King Band Instruments 1893-1965 for more information.

GaryW

The serial # says it is a mid-70s model. The only identification is the name "Symphony" on the bell. There are letters DB under the serial # on the 2nd valve. The horn is mostly brass with some silver accents.

Don Christensen

It sounds like you have a standard model Symphony. DB means Dual Bore. If it's a 70's era horn, it was probably manufactured in East Lake, OH. Horns of this era are no longer stamped H.N. White, but King Musical Instruments instead. The company was bought out sometime in the mid 70's.

MFfan

Thanks Don, you have a beautiful horn. Thanks also for the info on the Symphony models and variations. I hadn't been able to find out anything on that model for Gary. I enjoy doing investigations on vintage instruments. Everyone's contributions of this nature are very useful.

Jeroen

Hi Gary,

Nice to hear that you have a King Symphony. I live in the Netherlands and a I bought a King Symphony a few months ago with serial number 537018 DB so I think it is the same period (1975).
My trumpet plays well but the outside is not in a real good shape; a few little dents and completely mat.
I am also interested in more information about this trumpet. Like; is it worth to lacquer it again.

Landkalex

The H.N. White family sold the company in 1965, it became King Musical Instruments until 1982, when United Musical Instruments bought the company. A good source for King information is from King Trumpet Guy at
hnwhitekings.com.