justintime12000

Hello TrumpetMaster community,

Glad to have found the site. I am a former trumpet player and just got my old trumpet down from the rafters in the garage. I know its an old trumpet so I began doing some research to hopefully learn more about it.

Its a Getzen 90 Deluxe. But I wasnt able to match it's serial number to those listed online. I read on the Getzen website that other than the known list of serial #s that they dont have record of others due to a factory fire.

Does anyone know how I might go about researching more about my trumpet (exactly how old it really is, how much its worth, etc)?

Thanks so much,
Justin

ComeBackKid

Justintime, Welcome to TM. We have a great group of returning players here and you should fit right in. It is true that information on some of the older Getzens is sketchy so the best place to start is with whatever you have.
First, how long was it in the rafters? Second, how long did you own and/or play it before that? Third, was it new or used when you acquired it and if used, was there any representation made about how old it was at the time you bought it? Fourth, do you have the original case? (If you do and can post a photo, that is sometimes a clue because cases tended to change styles over the years).

As far as the value goes, that is much more subjective. When I dragged my 50-year old Selmer Invicta out of the rafters, I could not find any information on it, either. I figured with it being so old, it could not be worth much. Besides, it sounded terrible (although, to its credit, it still looked very good - no corrosion at all). So, I started buying other horns in order to find one that sounded better. I now have over 30 and so far I have not found any that I like better. When I first pulled it out, I would have been surprised if someone had told me it was worth more than $100. Now that I have been playing it for awhile, it has begun to sound much, much better. In fact, it actually has a very pleasant tone quality (hmmm, now I am thinking it was me all along). Several players much better than me have played it and have praised both the sound and appearance very highly. Suddenly, it is worth well over $1000. It's amazing how the value increased so much in a few short months. I also found my original 1953 Olds Ambassador cornet that I had given away to my brother when I got my Selmer. Others like it can be bought for under $150 but, again, it is worth much more than that to me and I still like to play it.

So, the only way that you will really be able to find the monetary value of it is if you try to sell it - such as by listing it on ebay. But, after taking the time to drag it down from the rafters and cleaning it up, and making it presentable and playable, I bet you will find much more value in it by making some music with it and joining with other like-minded people in an ensemble, group or community band.

We hope that you find as much joy in this reunion as many of us here have found.

Good luck and keep us posted on how it is going.

__________________
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, & ?)

justintime12000

Thanks for the reply. I've had the trumpet probably 25 years now. It was handed down to me by a relative who I assume had it for several years as well. Unfortunately I am no longer in contact with anyone who might know hold old it is. I think I have the original case but am not sure. I will post a photo of it and the trumpet soon.

Thanks,
Justin

justintime12000

Here is a photo of my trumpet. Any other input is appreciated.

RAK

Trumpet looks good but if you really want to find out, try posting your picture in trumpet questions sections. On TM we have people who know a lot about vintage and older trumpets.

__________________
-RAK-
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet - Psalms 150


“Give, and it shall be given to you. For whatever measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt to you in return.” Luke 6:38

1962 Holton C602 B♭ cornet
Selman B♭ trumpet
Yamaha B ♭ trumpet

ComeBackKid

The trumpet looks very playable. You should be able to use it to regain your chops and related trumpet skills. We're all hoping that is what you are doing. If so, keep us posted on how things are going - what sorts of successes you are having and where the hurdles are popping up.

__________________
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, & ?)