Martin Committee cornet

mtm-austin · 03-10-2006, 12:34 PM

I picked up a Martin "Committee" cornet this past week on eBay; view photos here:

http://www.texassailor.com/horns/mar...n%20cornet.htm)

Based on the 203XXX serial number and what I could find on the internet, it appears to be a 1956 or 1957 model. It is the "Deluxe" model with additional engraving and nickel trim and sleeves.

I played the horn for the first time last night and I was very surprised it played as well as it did. I've learned first-hand that many vintage horns are not great players . . . even in good condition. I am a bit confused about this horn, though. The case is the condition you would expect for a horn of this vintage that was well used. But, this horn looks like it has never been touched; like it came off the factory floor yesterday. There is not a dent, ding, or scratch on it. The lacquer is in perfect condition, not a drip or blemish of any kind. Has it been relacquered? It doesn't appear to be. The engraving is super-sharp when you rub your fingers over it and there is absolutely no discoloration on the slides or inside the tubing to indicate is has been well-used. Also, the valves look new . . . not new like my DoctorValve rebuilt Conn 80A valves . . . but new, like on a brand new horn. The other suspicious thing is the 3rd slide ring . . . it is straight and not angled like the ones I see on similar Martin cornets. I was worried about the trigger, too. But, I've since seen a Martin Committee trumpet of similar vintage with a factory-original trigger that looks just like mine.

Is there any chance this is a fake? I cannot believe it would be because of the effort required to copy a vintage horn. It would cost more to produce it than it is worth. If it weren't such a good player, I'd be more concerned.

In the end, it doesn't matter. As long as I enjoy playing it. I'd appreciate any feedback from those of you who know more about Martins.

Robert Rowe · 03-30-2006, 09:23 AM

I have two Martin Cornets: a 1946 Committee, and a "Wurlitzer-era" Magna. The Magna is outstanding; has shepherd's crook rose-brass bell, 1st valve trigger. I have owned many Cornets; the Magna is easily the nicest, best-playing, best-sounding of all. I use a vintage Conn "cookie-cutter" mouthpiece.

Robert Rowe

Robert Rowe · 04-12-2006, 11:23 PM

Sorry; didn't mean to "slight" the Committe Cornet I have. It is essentially "original" -- never worked-on, repaired, "over-hauled" (thank Heaven!).

It "speaks" and plays ("floaty-valves", "slippery" upper-register slots) like the vintage Committee Trumpets, but with a "smaller voice".

I like it, but prefer the Magna (gotta have that 1st trigger!).

Robt Rowe

PatMurphy · 09-29-2009, 02:03 AM

Any comments on a 1956 Committee trumpet in SUPER condition?

I have an owner asking me what it is worth.
I have a friend I reccomended he try it since he does not care for his Bach Strad.
I played it for about 2 hours a month a go and thought it was a great instrument

Zafro · 09-29-2009, 04:17 PM

Oh wow yeah I have a Martin Committee cornet and I was curious about its value, I took it out of my closet just today in hopes of finding someone with some knowledge on the subject. Actually I wouldn't mind selling it. I'm a guitar player so I have no real use for it.

PatMurphy · 09-29-2009, 04:28 PM

What is the serial number and where are you?

Zafro · 09-29-2009, 04:30 PM

The serial is 706087 and I'm in Florida.

PatMurphy · 09-29-2009, 04:44 PM

The one I just bought at Dillons, was made the same year
It may not be one of the preferred years as I can surmise but I am enjoying it. It is very strong in the lower register.
Not as bright, or powerful (not supposed to be, it's a cornet) as my Selmer trumpet but brighter than my Olds crook.
I want it to play with small groups or just a guitar and/or singers.
Ask me if I still like it 2 months from now

Bay Area Brass · 09-29-2009, 04:48 PM

It looks authentic to me. The engraving and everything else looks spot on. Seems like you scored-congrats :)

03-10-2006, 12:34 PM	#1
mtm-austin New Friend Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 8	Martin Committee cornet I picked up a Martin "Committee" cornet this past week on eBay; view photos here: http://www.texassailor.com/horns/mar...n%20cornet.htm) Based on the 203XXX serial number and what I could find on the internet, it appears to be a 1956 or 1957 model. It is the "Deluxe" model with additional engraving and nickel trim and sleeves. I played the horn for the first time last night and I was very surprised it played as well as it did. I've learned first-hand that many vintage horns are not great players . . . even in good condition. I am a bit confused about this horn, though. The case is the condition you would expect for a horn of this vintage that was well used. But, this horn looks like it has never been touched; like it came off the factory floor yesterday. There is not a dent, ding, or scratch on it. The lacquer is in perfect condition, not a drip or blemish of any kind. Has it been relacquered? It doesn't appear to be. The engraving is super-sharp when you rub your fingers over it and there is absolutely no discoloration on the slides or inside the tubing to indicate is has been well-used. Also, the valves look new . . . not new like my DoctorValve rebuilt Conn 80A valves . . . but new, like on a brand new horn. The other suspicious thing is the 3rd slide ring . . . it is straight and not angled like the ones I see on similar Martin cornets. I was worried about the trigger, too. But, I've since seen a Martin Committee trumpet of similar vintage with a factory-original trigger that looks just like mine. Is there any chance this is a fake? I cannot believe it would be because of the effort required to copy a vintage horn. It would cost more to produce it than it is worth. If it weren't such a good player, I'd be more concerned. In the end, it doesn't matter. As long as I enjoy playing it. I'd appreciate any feedback from those of you who know more about Martins. __________________ Bb Trumpet - Yamaha 8345GS C Trumpet - Yamaha 8445GS Eb/D Trumpet - Yamaha 6610S Bb Cornet - '53 Conn Victor 80A Bb Cornet - '32 Paris Selmer Bb Cornet - '56 "Deluxe" Martin Committee Bb Cornet - '50 King Silversonic

03-30-2006, 09:23 AM	#2
Robert Rowe Mezzo Piano User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 500	I have two Martin Cornets: a 1946 Committee, and a "Wurlitzer-era" Magna. The Magna is outstanding; has shepherd's crook rose-brass bell, 1st valve trigger. I have owned many Cornets; the Magna is easily the nicest, best-playing, best-sounding of all. I use a vintage Conn "cookie-cutter" mouthpiece. Robert Rowe __________________ " ... Ya cain't polish a turd ...!" (old Southern expression) ~~ Love animals ... don't eat them. ~~

04-12-2006, 11:23 PM	#3
Robert Rowe Mezzo Piano User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 500	Sorry; didn't mean to "slight" the Committe Cornet I have. It is essentially "original" -- never worked-on, repaired, "over-hauled" (thank Heaven!). It "speaks" and plays ("floaty-valves", "slippery" upper-register slots) like the vintage Committee Trumpets, but with a "smaller voice". I like it, but prefer the Magna (gotta have that 1st trigger!). Robt Rowe __________________ " ... Ya cain't polish a turd ...!" (old Southern expression) ~~ Love animals ... don't eat them. ~~

09-29-2009, 02:03 AM	#4
PatMurphy New Friend Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Cherry Hill NJ Posts: 22	Re: Martin Committee cornet Any comments on a 1956 Committee trumpet in SUPER condition? I have an owner asking me what it is worth. I have a friend I reccomended he try it since he does not care for his Bach Strad. I played it for about 2 hours a month a go and thought it was a great instrument

09-29-2009, 04:17 PM	#5
Zafro New Friend Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3	Re: Martin Committee cornet Oh wow yeah I have a Martin Committee cornet and I was curious about its value, I took it out of my closet just today in hopes of finding someone with some knowledge on the subject. Actually I wouldn't mind selling it. I'm a guitar player so I have no real use for it.

09-29-2009, 04:28 PM	#6
PatMurphy New Friend Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Cherry Hill NJ Posts: 22	Re: Martin Committee cornet What is the serial number and where are you?

09-29-2009, 04:30 PM	#7
Zafro New Friend Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3	Re: Martin Committee cornet The serial is 706087 and I'm in Florida.

09-29-2009, 04:44 PM	#8
PatMurphy New Friend Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Cherry Hill NJ Posts: 22	Re: Martin Committee cornet The one I just bought at Dillons, was made the same year It may not be one of the preferred years as I can surmise but I am enjoying it. It is very strong in the lower register. Not as bright, or powerful (not supposed to be, it's a cornet) as my Selmer trumpet but brighter than my Olds crook. I want it to play with small groups or just a guitar and/or singers. Ask me if I still like it 2 months from now

09-29-2009, 04:48 PM	#9
Bay Area Brass Pianissimo User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Francisco Posts: 100	Re: Martin Committee cornet It looks authentic to me. The engraving and everything else looks spot on. Seems like you scored-congrats :) __________________ Bill Ortiz '56 Matin Committee Deluxe Trumpet/Schilke 15 mouthpiece '74 Getzen 3 Valve Flugelhorn billortiz.com myspace.com/billortizmusic

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