Hey everybody!

In the local online classifieds, there is a posting for a Holton trumpet. The pictures look like it's in pretty good shape, from what I can tell the lacquer is all in good shape. The poster says it's about 20 years old, and the only defect with it I can see from her pictures is that the third valve cap is missing, which isn't such a terribly big deal.

What do you guys think this thing is worth?

You need to know the model name or model number
to determine if it is a student trumpet or a professional trumpet.

Ask what is engraved on the bell and what is stamped on the mouthpiece receiver.

Then compare to the list at
Brass Review.com - Holton
and at
Brass Review.com - Holton

If that is the original case, then I would guess that it is a student trumpet.
Which would make it worth $100 to $200 on eBay if everything on it works OK.

Once you get the model and also the serial, if possible, you can look up the age on Kirmser's list and go to ebay current and sold Holton listings and find many to compare with, especially if it is a student model, which is likely the case.

I see dents on the bell at the braces. Fix may require unsoldering/resoldering the braces.

v

Originally Posted by veery715

I see dents on the bell at the braces. Fix may require unsoldering/resoldering the braces.

v

Sharp eyes, Veery. After the bell is removed and the dents pushed out, the cross braces will have to be rebent to properly fit the straightened bell tube to resolve a severe improper tension problem. The noted damage was probably caused by either dropping the horn,( impact on the bell tube ), or, by too much pressure on that tube from additional junk in the case and the cover being forced closed. Many new students elect to put music folders and instruction manuals on top of the horn in the case, causing just this sort of damage. I have seen it often. The repair is not overly difficult, but it is time consumptive to do properly, thus, costly. This might be the very reason that the horn is now for sale.


OLDLOU>>

The horn in question is a entry-level T602. In addition to the bell-brace dents, I also see a ding in the leadpipe, located between the first and second valve casings.

What's it worth? Not worth the trouble and expense of fixing up. This model is plentiful on the used market--you can easily find a problem-free Holton Collegiate or T602 for $100-$200 on eBay. If it were my money, I would look for an older model with the underslung water keys, like those found on an Olds Ambassador.

Originally Posted by Ursa

The horn in question is a entry-level T602. In addition to the bell-brace dents, I also see a ding in the leadpipe, located between the first and second valve casings.

What's it worth? Not worth the trouble and expense of fixing up. This model is plentiful on the used market--you can easily find a problem-free Holton Collegiate or T602 for $100-$200 on eBay. If it were my money, I would look for an older model with the underslung water keys, like those found on an Olds Ambassador.

Hi Ursa, Can you explain this, why is a model with under slung water keys more desirable? I have a Collegiate T602, my first horn, bought new in 1967, which has that water key arrangement.