y-o-y

Not new to playing trumpet, but new to the exciting world of vintage trumpets.

I'd like to get something to compliment my Schilke X3 but I have no idea where to start. From what I have gathered, F.E. Olds, Conn and Martin seem to be the "Big Three".

The Olds horns are in line with where I want to be from a price perspective, but thats about all I know. I'd like something with some mass to it that puts out a nice warm tone. I'll mostly be doing small group jazz stuff (the X3 will cover any big band and rock duties).

Thanks!

Ursa

Why not give an Olds a try? The horns definitely have some mass--they feel delightfully hefty in the hands. The tone of an Olds can be warm depending on mouthpiece selection and, of course, your technique.

Not only are the Olds horns affordable, they are easy to resell. If you buy one and it just isn't for you, you should be able to recover your investment.

Cheers,
Ursa

__________________
Ursa's collection of fine brasswinds...
Besson BE709 Trumpet
Conn 20B Trumpet - small bore
E. K. Blessing XL-CR Short Cornet
Frank Holton Super Collegiate Trumpet, Copper/Nickel bell
Frank Holton Super Collegiate Cornet, Rose Brass/Nickel bell
Frank Holton Collegiate Cornet
Yamaha YEP-321S Euphonium
Frank Holton 6/4 EEb Tuba

Solar Bell

Olds Recording

King Super 20

King Flair from the 60s

Getzen Eterna Severinsen from the 60s

Selmer K-Modified (Paris)

Selmer Radial valve trumpet

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y-o-y

Good plan. I am definitely intrigued by the Olds. I have not done much research, but there doesn't seem to be too much variability in the prices between the various models (Recording, Ambassador, Studio, Special, Super, etc.). What are good years to look at?

I had one of these (not sure of the year) in HS that was beat to sh!t, but damn was it ever a great horn. I think my parents gave it way or sold it some time shortly after I left for college :( Didn't really care for the first valve trigger though.

Bruin

Seems I always read "pre-1970's" for the Olds line, while Zig Kanstul was still at Olds. And, for Conns, pre-1970's, before manufacturing moved to Texas.

Markie

I would check out a:
1970's Conn Connstellation
1950's Martin Committee
Early model Holton MF Horn

meauxhorn

Try Benge. Especially a Chicago ,Burbank or "real" L.A. model. I enjoy using them . Of course there's also Martin Committee and New York and Mount Vernon Bach. Jeff Martin

Dale Proctor

60's Conn 6B Victor. Has a more intimate, dense, different sound - similar to a Connstellation (but cheaper).

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meauxhorn

Benge's however are rather light horns. Still may want to give one a try though. Jeff.

ComeBackKid

Just to clarify the model hierarchy, the Olds models that you mentioned go, in order from highest to lowest:
Recording and Studio (these were built for different playing settings)
Super (this one has the nickel tone ring around the bell)
Special (some were solid nickel silver)
Ambassador
(there were other models as well but these are the most common ones)

Incidentally, I was at the Kanstul factory today and confirmed with Zig himself that he was there until 1972. I didn't discuss other issues with him but I have with others that worked at the Fulerton factory, specifically related to the valves. It is true that at one time they had a batch of horns returned due to sticking valves. This was due to the fact that the new owners reduced the lapping time to save money. So, the tolerances were too tight and in the field, saliva in the valves would cause them to bind. Olds fixed the returned trumpets and also the valve lapping process. Other than that, all surviving horns are pretty solid. I also confirmed that all models of Olds with the exception of the Opera model, were made on the same mandrel. There were differences in the valves and slides but the bells were all made the same. I have several late 70's trumpets, including one only 200 from the last one made and they all play fine.

As far as purchase price, there can be a significant difference. I have seen them sell from $50 to over $4000 depending on model and condition. Most Ambassadors will go for under $200 with a few really nice ones going for a bit higher. Most Specials will go for under $350 with a few up to $600. Most Supers will go in the $700 to $1000 range and Recordings or Studios will go well over $1000 (to the sky for the museum quality ones). So, there is a difference. Many say that the Super plays as well or better than the Recording. I have 2 Supers that play very nicely. But, I have not played a Recording so I can't comment on the comparison.

Good luck in your search.

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Come-Back Kid
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Selmer Invicta London (T)
Olds SuperStar (T)
Olds Super (2T)
Olds Special (2T+C)
Olds Ambassador (9T+7C)
Andreas Eastman (2T)
Conn Director (T+C)
King Cleveland Superior (T+C)
Holton (T602+C605 Shep Crk)
Holton Collegiate (T+C)
Blessing (T+C)
Yamaha (T+C)
Getzen 300
Amati ATR213
(+Revelle, Bundy, Alcazar, & ?)