Robert Rowe

Something has been bothering me, for quite a while ....

I have been playing and procuring musical instruments for a long time (over 40 years; actually began doing so, as a "hobby", when I was a kid).

The bulk of my buying / trading / selling / playing, has been with vintage guitars and amplifiers.

There is an amazing quantity of published information on almost every make and model of guitar ever manufactured. There are "Vintage Guitar Shows", which are amazing events (I attend many). One can learn almost "everything" that one might need to know. I have a fairly extensive "library" of these guitar-related publications, and they are invaluable to me.

There is not very much published material for horns. I realize the internet provides a great deal of information, but it is necessary to access a specific web-site (and there is generally, one for a particular brand &/or model).

Is / are there any publications that provide comprehensive information on horns? A "compendium", for example.

Am I ill-informed (poor pun, ... sorry) ?
Comments / suggestions are welcomed.

Robt Rowe

__________________
" ... Ya cain't polish a turd ...!" (old Southern expression)

~~ Love animals ... don't eat them. ~~

oldlou

Have you looked at WWW.Horn-U- Copia .com ?


OLDLOU>>

__________________
Couturier trumpet
York Master Model trumpet
York Elite trumpet
York Airflow cornet
King super 20 Master Model cornet
King Liberty trumpet
Reynolds Professional cornet
Bohm & Meinl professional trumpet
Besson 10-10 trumpet with Holton M.F. bell
Olds Special cornet Los Angeles
B&H Sovereign cornet
G.R.Band Instr. cornet
Getzen Super Deluxe trumpet and cornet
Getzen Deluxe trumpet and cornet
Many others no room to list

Robert Rowe

Yes, I have Lou; and, as a matter-of-fact, I am an early registrant to the web-site. I have noticed your involvement and contributions. Thank you.

Here again, we are talking about internet-based information. www.horn-u-copia.com is an invaluable "tool" for referencing horn information. Sadly, this web-site is just one of very few that are broad-based enough to glean information such as history and specifications.

Some members of this forum are benevolent and share their information (you know who you are ... Thank You!). However, I find it tedious and oft-times "superficial". Usually requires the "search"-function, which is not always reliable (the "other trumpet website" has its' share of problems). The information is generally based upon a respondent's personal experience with a horn. I do this myself; ... being fortunate in having many various-and-asundry brands and models of horns in my possession. I have to pull out the subject-instrument, usually with calipers in-hand, and record my observations and objective experience(s).

I would regard myself as a "procurer" and "accumulator" of instruments; not a "collector". In the world of guitars and amplifiers, a "collector" is generally regarded as an "eccentric"; with more assets and resourses than playing skill and ability. They tend to drive-up the values of instruments, taking the said instruments out of the reach of mainstream players and afficianados. In the world of "capitalism", these people are using instruments as "investments", or "commodity futures". These "collectors" generally hoard the instruments, rarely taking them out, other than to offer to
other "collectors". A POX on "collectors", I say.

I'm getting carried away (again) ... sorry, just a "personal rant".

Still ... waiting for someone here to offer or suggest a known published resource ....

Robt Rowe

__________________
" ... Ya cain't polish a turd ...!" (old Southern expression)

~~ Love animals ... don't eat them. ~~

oldlou

I don't know if I am a "procuror, an accumilator, a collector", or, just an old man who enjoys the fantastic quality of 'some' vintage brass instruments. For those of us who devote our time, experience, and money to this malady, we have a great advantage in our purchasing. We 'normally' buy those horns that have proven over time to be exceptional in their quality of construction, musicality, and long term duability. An example of this is my rather recent acquisition of a nearly mint York Master Model trumpet. This model,BTW, was the trumpet issued to players in The U.S. Marine Corps. Band for many years following the second world war. Mine is a shear delight to play. It's cosmetics make me drool every time I look at it. The rose brass bell and nickel trim, including a one inch Krantz ring on the bell give it an appearance of VERY fine quality. I have only one more York trumpet on my short list. I would be over the moon if I could find a York Airflow that I could afford or could trade into. I let one that my dad bought for me a long time ago. Like dad's King Silvertone trumpet, my Airflow was stolen many years ago. The Airflow had the most brilliant tone and secure slotting that I have ever found. Mine was silver plated and I preferred it over the Silvertone. That is HIGH praise.

__________________
Couturier trumpet
York Master Model trumpet
York Elite trumpet
York Airflow cornet
King super 20 Master Model cornet
King Liberty trumpet
Reynolds Professional cornet
Bohm & Meinl professional trumpet
Besson 10-10 trumpet with Holton M.F. bell
Olds Special cornet Los Angeles
B&H Sovereign cornet
G.R.Band Instr. cornet
Getzen Super Deluxe trumpet and cornet
Getzen Deluxe trumpet and cornet
Many others no room to list

Robert Rowe

Hi, Lou.

You don't sound like one of those dreaded "collectors".

You have some nice horns. I share your enthusiasm for the York-branded horns. I have one - a 1942-or-1943 (?) Trumpet - no specific model designation; has very vintage Blessing Super Artist resemblance, but seems to be Med-Large bore, rather than the huge (but doesn't feel like it) .468" of the Blessing. Similar "micro-adjust" ferrule on tuning-slide; similar "under-slung" 3rd slide throw-ring (ala Fr Besson); "French-bead" at bell-rim; glorious tone (slightly brighter than the Super Artist); ... and what pleases me -- "slippery-slots" in upper-register -- like vintage Martin Committee (my playing-style is of that ilk).

Anyhow ... this is what I am talking about. Very tough to find information about the old York brand of horns. Was able to access some internet information; would be nicer to have a book with a dedicated "York" chapter, including nice photographs and specs. Alas.

Thanks, Lou. Nice to know someone with York affinity.

Robt Rowe

__________________
" ... Ya cain't polish a turd ...!" (old Southern expression)

~~ Love animals ... don't eat them. ~~

wiseone2

Like this?
http://www.angelfire.com/music2/thecornetcompendium/

Wilmer

__________________
Be sure Brain is engaged before putting Mouthpiece in gear.
S.Suark 1951

Robert Rowe

BINGO ! (any 'mo / others ??)

Thanx, Wilmer.

Robt Rowe

__________________
" ... Ya cain't polish a turd ...!" (old Southern expression)

~~ Love animals ... don't eat them. ~~

oldlou

As usual, you hit the nail squarly on it's head, Wilmer. The subject publication is a treasure trove of information, BUT, it doesn't go quite far enough. What I personally have a great interest in is trumpets and cornets made from 1920-now. I want their specs, materials, any evaluations of them ,etc. Not bad for an old guy that still wants,huh?
One of the subjects that plagues me is the question of who made the first true valved trumpet,( not a long shaped cornet which has conicality except for the tuning slides.) I am talking about a TRUE trumpet, a very brilliant toned instrument that all of the tubing other than the belltube is step-cylindrical. There are a gazillion questions that are ratteling about in my ancient skull that I want to find answers to before I am gone.

__________________
Couturier trumpet
York Master Model trumpet
York Elite trumpet
York Airflow cornet
King super 20 Master Model cornet
King Liberty trumpet
Reynolds Professional cornet
Bohm & Meinl professional trumpet
Besson 10-10 trumpet with Holton M.F. bell
Olds Special cornet Los Angeles
B&H Sovereign cornet
G.R.Band Instr. cornet
Getzen Super Deluxe trumpet and cornet
Getzen Deluxe trumpet and cornet
Many others no room to list