infiniteposse

Hi all-

I'm a guitarist who's wanted to learn trumpet for some time now. I've been keeping my eyes peeled when I go to antique stores and thrift stores and today I happened upon what seemed like a promising horn at Goodwill for $40.

It's an old York "National" trumpet. I know next to nothing about horns, so that's almost all I know so far. I did some Googling on York and it seems like they're a reputable brand name, and it seems this horn was made between 1913 and 1938.

Condition-wise, this horn isn't going to win any awards to cleanlieness, but I'm assuming that doesn't mean it couldn't sound good. 2 of the valves work ok but are a little sticky/sluggish. The third is currently stuck. The mouthpiece is an old Bach 10 1/2 cw.

I contacted a local music store and they said they could do a chemical cleaning on the horn for $68 and that if the valve needed to be straightened to get the plunger out, that'd cost another $24 or so. Would you guys recommend doing this sort of deep cleaning on a horn of this vintage? Again, this horn is for me to learn on and also to have around my studio for the odd horn part here and there. It doesn't need to look world-class, just hopefully be good to learn on and sound ok.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Lee

Pics---> http://www.pbase.com/infiniteposse/york_trumpet

Robert Rowe

I am a guitar-player. Also, mando, banjo, "zook" (Irish Bouzouki), bass.

I have two York horns; Master Trumpet and Master Cornet. These are the top-of-the-line ... very well built, extraordinary detail.

I had another York ... looked like the horn you have pictured. Traded it, a while back.

I am not too keen on your taking a "plunge" on a vintage horn like this. Could be nice; or, could be a "turkey".

Suggest you look into other horns, as a "starter" horn.

Robt