mtm-austin

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

Robert Rowe

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. ~~

Robert Rowe

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. ~~