Robert Rowe

I am fortuitious in having obtained, (not off eBay), some many years ago, a wonderful J W Pepper "Maker" Cornet, serial-number 8254, which appears on the bell and 2nd valve casing.

While not doing an "exhaustive research", I have determined the horn was made between 1894 and 1910 (after 1910, the "& Son" designation appeared on the horns, and many/most were imported).

It is a short, shepherd's crook horn in silver-plate (no gold-wash), with modest engraving on the bell, and nice engraving on all the slide ferrules. Aside from an obvious "tuning-bit" mouthpipe/receiver replacement (original missing), the horn appears to be in remarkably original condition, with little wear. There are signs of very little repair, and what has been done, was apparently done by an excellent technician a long time ago. The valves have very good (not excellent) compression; possibly replated long ago.

From what I gathered from the seller, the horn had been in the same family for its' entire life, and was used professionally by at least two generations.

I did not play it much after acquiring it; my interest had shifted towards vintage Martin Committees and Blesssing Super Artists.

Recently, noticing some interest in the early Boston "3-star" Cornets, and others; ... I began to play the J W Pepper (with the obligatory "cookie-cutter" deep-V mouthpiece, which is a Cornet-playing staple with me, anyhow). Very rich, sonorous tone. "Slotting" is becoming more fascile as I play regularly, but has been a little awkward at the beginning.

Not having another similar horn (Boston, York, Distin, Keefer, etc.) to compare, I don't know exactly what I should be expecting. The horn plays well-enough without further shop-work or major adjustment. The absence of lightning-quick valves does not concern me -- I do not get called-upon to play Rimsky-Korsokof's "Flight Of The Bumblebee" while circular-breathing.

Any comments ?

I would appreciated any tips or information.

Robt Rowe

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Dale Proctor

Everyone, excuse me for dragging old posts to the top again. I'm new to this site and still exploring.

Anyway, I had a silver J.W. Pepper "Standard" shepherds crook cornet ca. 1908 and it was a pile even after an Anderson's valve job. Seems these were imported from Europe and marked "J.W. Pepper" (no "& Son"), but were stencil horns not actually made by JWP. It was very bright sounding and was out of tune with itself.

I've been told that the ones marked "Maker" are the real deal - made by J.W. Pepper (probably designed by Distin) - and are very nice playing vintage horns. Enjoy!

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