crowmadic

I just picked up a Gretsch New Yorker Czechoslovakia trumpet in a pawn shop. It's in great condition for an old horn. I can't find a serial number on it, and the tuning slide funcion has me baffled. Is anyone familiar with this oldie, and if so, can you tell what you know about it?

MFfan

I wish I could help. I know a lot of Concertone horns were made in Czechloslovia, from what ads I see, etc. I have an old Gretsch Pathfinder trumpet evidently made in Brooklyn , NY, ser 57944. Can't find anything out about it. The tubing is kind of weird, the ist and 3rd valve slides are configured so you can't put anything on it to help tune the usual notes. the main tuning slide has to be pushed in most of the way to get in serviceable tune. Otherwise, it is in good shape, plays well, with nice tone. I know Gretsch gave up their horn business at some point and are now mostly known for guitars. My serial is on the lower part of the 2nd valve. Dave

MFfan

I learned more about Gretsch trumpets from the trumpet guy on allexperts.com Evidently most were imported, like your New Yorker. My Pathfinder is also a likely candidate, due to the tubing config, etc. I find the leadpipe diameter is a factor, being smaller than domestic ones, so I find you need a matched european mouthpiece to tune it properly, which was my problem. I need to find a correct mouthpiece somewhere. I am using a stopgap cornet mouthpiece with tape to increase the size, so it will fit, and that seems to take care of the tuning problem. There doesn't seem to be any records available.

MFfan

Actually , I have learned that all Gretsch trumpets were jobbed out to many manufacters. Mine isn't foreign made, as the country of origin is not stamped on it, like yours. Vary similar design to a european, though. The only clue, not much of one, is that the stencil on the bell says Chicago/Brooklyn, NY. Lots of info on NY string operation, but nothing on Chicago operation I can find.

crowmadic

Thanks for all the information MFfan. It's not ready to be played yet, but I'll remember your mouthpiece experience when I try to play in tune............