sky123

I am considering buying a Getzen Super Deluxe trumpet, but I noticed the first and third slides do not have rings on them. Isn't this odd and how would you kick out for some notes without the ring?

There is very little information about this model on the internet so I was wondering how it plays, what is a good price for it in good condition, is it considered a professional model, and if it would be much better than the Bach TR300 that I have now, which seems stuffy on the high notes.
Thank You!

MFfan

Welcome! Do have the serial number? Getzen had a bad fire in 63 and earlier records were destroyed. Ebay completed sales show a couple of representative trumpets, one at $187.50 and the other at $350. Here is the copy written by the $350 seller: The horn was manufactured in or around 1952 and that's is close as I could find as far as the age of this horn. The serial# is 31878. It has a 460 bore with a 4 1/2 " bell, This horn is in very good condition and comes with the original case which is also in very good condition. This horn is a Pro. Horn with ultra thin bell with a copper tone ring around the outside rim of the bell. It's absolutely beautfiul. The entire horn is inundated with copper and neckel trim to accent it's characteristics and beauty. The horn plays very well and very forgiving on the to and pretty fat on the bottom. I was really surprised when I played this horn for the first time"
No doubt is is much better than the TR300. The one I just referenced was in great condition. The thing you have to watch out for is any damage to the thin bell and that it will dent VERY easily. OLDLOU of this forum may weigh in . He has a couple of these horns.

You can go to Horn-u-copia to the Getzen Manufacturers line for more info on the company and photos and commentary on the listed trumpets and other instruments.

As far as the lack of slide ring goes, those horns, like many others were designed with longer than average 3rd slides so that most of the tuning issues are take care of that way, or you can 'Lip" the difference. I have horns like that and that works out pretty well.

There may be some archived threads on these horns you can search for.

Hope this info helps!

__________________
Dave Rafferty
Lemar Trumpet (peashooter-Conn?)
Lyrical Trumpet (Tokan)

Besson 609 Trumpet
1955-60 Besson 8-10 Trumpet
1948 Besson cornet
1946 King Master Cornet
www.kalamazooconcertband.org

oldlou

As my buddy Dave has mentioned, I do have some Super Deluxe Getzens. I love and use them often. Dave has hit the nail on the head about the third valve slide being a bit longer than what is normally seen today. Remember, these were made and were very popular in the early 1950's, so, they are a rather bright sounding horn, like most of the top of the line horns were in that era. Mouthpiece selection is critical. Personally, I play the OEM goofy looking, no number Getzen mouthpiece with mine. If you are contemplating the purchase of one of these fine old horns, be SURE that the bell has not been crumpled. Most of them have been. As Dave stated, the bells are VERY thin and fragile and the 'tone ring' only exacerbates this. Very cautious use is an imperitive. The slightest little bump, that most student horns would simply shrug off with zero damage can totally crumple the bell of a Super Deluxe. Good luck and if you do get a Super Deluxe play it often. The valves are as good as any that have ever been made. On the later version, which has top sprung valve, the valve guide is unique and spectacular. It is a roller bearing.


One other word of caution; NEVER loan it to ANYONE. A crumpled bell will surely be the result. Most trumpeters areaccustomed to horns that were designed for the entry level student. Getzen made this model for artists.


OLDLOU>>

__________________
Couturier trumpet
York Master Model trumpet
York Elite trumpet
York Airflow cornet
King super 20 Master Model cornet
King Liberty trumpet
Reynolds Professional cornet
Bohm & Meinl professional trumpet
Besson 10-10 trumpet with Holton M.F. bell
Olds Special cornet Los Angeles
B&H Sovereign cornet
G.R.Band Instr. cornet
Getzen Super Deluxe trumpet and cornet
Getzen Deluxe trumpet and cornet
Many others no room to list

oldlou

In addition to the above, Brett Getzen has publicloy stated here in print that of all of the trumpets his company builds, his favorite trumpet to play was his Super Deluxe.


Brett, I hope that I have quoted you correctly.


OLDLOU>>

__________________
Couturier trumpet
York Master Model trumpet
York Elite trumpet
York Airflow cornet
King super 20 Master Model cornet
King Liberty trumpet
Reynolds Professional cornet
Bohm & Meinl professional trumpet
Besson 10-10 trumpet with Holton M.F. bell
Olds Special cornet Los Angeles
B&H Sovereign cornet
G.R.Band Instr. cornet
Getzen Super Deluxe trumpet and cornet
Getzen Deluxe trumpet and cornet
Many others no room to list

sky123

Thank you for the replies!
One more question if you don't mind, would a newer mouthpiece, bach for example, fit this instrument or would it not fit since it is an older trumpet?

MFfan

Shouldn't be any problem with a modern mouthpiece. About every one will give a bit different sound. Old Olds cornets and Conn , pre 55 or so had different receiver sizes from the later ones. My ancient Getzen 80 cornet plays with current mp sizes fine. My 30's Czech trumpet has a smaller diameter receiver, not small enough for a cornet mp, and a modern trumpet lacks 1/4" or so of going all the way in. I just pull out the tuning slide more and it plays in tune. I may get a modern receiver put in some day. If I am wrong, please correct me.

__________________
Dave Rafferty
Lemar Trumpet (peashooter-Conn?)
Lyrical Trumpet (Tokan)

Besson 609 Trumpet
1955-60 Besson 8-10 Trumpet
1948 Besson cornet
1946 King Master Cornet
www.kalamazooconcertband.org

sky123

Sorry, yet another question, how does the Super Deluxe compare in weight to instruments like the Bach TR300 or the Olds Ambassador? Is it similar in weight or is it much heavier?
Thank You

A.N.A. Mendez

They have a heavy, more solid feel. All that extra gingerbread does add some weight, but I would not say it is a negative thing.

__________________
(Above) Alexanders ragtime band-circa 1960

"Baby, I'm already the coolest, and the hippist, now you want me to be on time too?" Buddy Love

"We appointed all our worst generals to command our armies, and our best generals to edit our newspapers." Robert E. Lee