French
Horns
Trumpets
Cornets
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Lower
Brass
Percussion
Instruments
This page updated 7/3/09.
FRENCH HORNS, used and vintage
Alexander model 90MA single B-flat horn, four rotors, unlacquered yellow brass, detachable bell section. Original rotors are perfect, the horn now with dents and dings burnished out in our shop. We believe the horn to have been built before 1965. Price includes new case. Extensive history is available on this particular instrument. Bell section is of stitched or “gusseted” construction. Very good example, small nickel-silver patch above the left thumb. Still in production at Alexander’s shop in Mainz, now with a retail price in Germany of 4550 Euros (about $6250). Original Alexander flat case is newer, in perfect condition. Please add $250, if new lacquer finish is required. Some history is available on the horn, professionally owned and played. This one’s $3450.
Alexander model 97MAL single B-flat horn, five rotors, yellow brass, detachable bell section. Serial number 2319x. Original rotors are perfect, the horn now with dents and dings burnished out at Alexander’s workshop in Mainz. The first owner of the horn tells us the horn was recently damaged in an automobile collision. We inspected the horn, found it to be in good condition except for the bell and mouthpipe, so we returned the horn to Alexander for a full factory re-build plus new mouthpipe and bell. We sold the horn new in 2008. Retail price in Germany is now 5790 Euros (about $7900). This one’s $5150.
Alexander model 103MA, unlacquered yellow brass, detachable bell section. Original rotors are very good, the horn now with dents and dings burnished out in our shop. Acquired by us with badly discolored lacquer, we’ve carefully polished the entire instrument, have installed a new Alexander goldbrass mouthpipe. The original owner bought it new in 1962. Price includes new case. Extensive history is available on this particular instrument. Very good example, clean and strong. $4950. Please add $250, if new lacquer finish is required.
Alexander Wagner Tuba, model 111ML, key of F, about 10 years old and in excellent condition, formerly a privately owned instrument. Please email for more info.
Alexander Vienna horn, previously professionally owned, please email for more info and price...
Paxman full double horn, model 20MGD, gold-brass, medium, detachable bell. 100% new lacquer finish, no dents or dings and in very good original condition. Serial number is 384x, the horn made in 1984 and sold by us new. Original fiberglass Paxman case comes with it. Never damaged, the rotors nickel-plated in 1993. Top recommendation from us. $6250.
Rare antique natural horn (no valves) by Beauboeuf brothers, made between 1849 and 1857. The bell is stamped “ FB / Beauboeuf Freres / Paris”, is of brass with brass bell garland. The horn is totally original, without breaks or patches. Bell diameter is 10 1/4 inches (260 mm). The horn has come to us with nine crooks plus a B-flat coupler. Six of the crooks and the coupler match, two others have different fittings but appear to be from the same period. Dents and dings have been burnished out in our shop, but the horn has not been machine buffed in any way. The original painting inside the bell is still about 25 - 30 % intact. As reported in the “New Langwill Index”, Oscar and Auguste Beauboeuf’s brass manufacturing workshop was established in 1849, ceased business operations eight years later. Top recommendation on this one! $8500.
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Rare single horn in F, ascending third valve system, by Buffet-Crampon, made in France about 1900. Engraved on the bell garland "Evette & Schaeffer, (Buffet Crampon & Cie a Paris) C.G.Conn 6D double horn #GL74006x (December, 1977). Conn’s basic double horn with 95% original lacquer finish, new mouthpipe, new case, dings burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Original rotors are still tight, original lacquer finish is actually very good. Suggested retail price is now $3855. This one’s a best buy at $1395. SOLD
C.G.Conn (Elkhart) 8D double horn, #L4683x (1968). It’s an original Elkhart 8D with good original rotors, dents and dings removed in our shop in Wichita. Original lacquer finish is worn maybe 10%. The instrument has been converted recently to a detachable bell horn. Sold with TWO bell flare, the original (small patch to the throat) and a new 8D flare from Conn. Good player, should be ready to ship about May 20. New flat case, two bell flares. $3125. SOLD
Rare single horn in F by Couesnon, made in France about 1950. is a rare Couesnon single F horn that has come to us in good original condition, has three piston valves, 99% of the original bright silver finish and good original wood case.
The original nickel silver pistons show minor wear, not enough to require rebuilding.
Some dings to the detachable F-crook have been removed in our shop. Minor bell dings and one wrinkle to the bell flare have also been burnished out in our shop.
The horn is engraved on the bell U.I.G./179/2994/ Kaspar Wicky/ Geneve/the Couesnon logo/COUESNON/ET CIE./Paris/Monopole Conservatoire.
The original French case is good, solid as a rock.
The design of the horn is such that the moutpipe the F-crook, we call it… is detachable as was typical of all French horns until about 1900. The F crook has had some restoration work done to it and there are a couple of well-done repair patches to the tubing. The horn is also supplied with one E-flat crook that’s original and in fine condition.
Keep in mind that this is a rare historical instrument that’s not suitable for school use. It’s a typical French single horn that’s absolutely perfect for Daphnis et Chloe, for Gilbert & Sullivan, for French band music of the late 19th. and early 20th. century.
With one removable F crook :$1200; With additional removable E-flat crook :$1375.
Holton H-378, a good brass double horn, #606,2xx made about 1992. 95% original lacquer finish, dents and dings to the spout have been burnished out in our shop in Wichita. New mouthpipe, good original case. The rotors show no wear. New suggested retail price is now $3940. It’s virtually the same as their “H-178 Phil Farkas” horn, but without his name on the bell. This one’s $1395.00.
Holton H-105, the successor to the top-of-the-line “Tuckwell H-104” model. It’s Holton’s best double horn, has rose-brass bell and spout, nickel slides and valve casings. Two mouthpipes, the original case is almost perfect. Serial #665,261. We’ve removed a few very minor dings to the bell flare and spout, but the original lacquer is still very good, worn less than 1%. New suggested retail price is now $9425, with street price about $6750. This one’s a good “9.9 on a scale of ten” is a best buy at $4250.00 PROBABLY SOLD.
Holton H-378, a good brass double horn, #599,4xx made about 1985. 95% original lacquer finish, never any large dents, but minor dings have been burnished out in our shop in Wichita. New American case. New suggested retail price is now $3940. It’s virtually the same as their “H-178 Phil Farkas” horn, but without his name on the bell. This one’s $1395.00. SOLD
Holton B-76, a medium bell model double horn that’s yellow brass, #445,00X made in 1967. 75 - 80% original lacquer finish, some dings to the spout have been burnished out in our shop in Wichita. The rotors are very good, show minimal wear. This particular model was in production at Holton until the mid 1970’s. The B-flat slides are on the outside, the F slides inside, in the same manner as double horns from the Lorenzo Sansone workshop. Sansone (and Holton) maintained that this design gave a freer blowing high range to the instrument. The B-76 was replaced by Holton’s H-378 in the 1970’s, with a similar design to their H-178 / H-179 series. With new case, this one’s $1195. SOLD
Vintage German double horn by Albert Kley, the bell engraved “Albert Kley / Instrumentenmachesr / Berlin C54 / D.R.G.M. 768917”. Kley worked for C.F. Schmidt from 1895 to 1906, set up his own workshop in 1914, specializing in double horns. The company stayed in business until about 1935. Our horn is a compensating double, unlacquered brass and totally original, except for a recent re-build to the rotors. Small patch to the edge of the bell flare, another on the first slide, B-flat side. The horn shows evidence of high-quality workmanship, plays very well with the “old German sound”. Bore size measures 11.86 mm at the second slide. Superb, rare, not for everyone. $2150.
Rare single horn in F, three pistons, the bell engraved “C. Mahillon / Succ. J. Smits / Fournisseur / Brevete / de L’armee / et des conservatorires / Bruxelles (star logo / u / (cartouche with Belgian flags, lion rampant and ‘Lunion fait la force’ / Modele adopte / Mr. G. LeBrun”. The entire instrument is nickel plated over brass, one detachable crook. The original plating is worn maybe 2%, dents and dings have been burnished out in our shop in Wichita. The original pistons are tight, the instrument in good original condition. Probably made about 1925. Rare single horn by a quality Belgian workshop. This one’s $850.
NEW DOUBLE HORN, CERVENY PROTOTYPE PAXMAN SERIES III,
Rare antique piston-valved horn by Charles Roth of Strassbourg, made about 1860 - 1870. The horn is totally original, without damage of any kind and with normal modern (not ascending third valve) configuration. Bell diameter is 11 3/8 inches (290 mm). Evidence that the horn has been played very little, the original brass pistons are still tight, do not need plating. There are no patches and the bell wears a wide garland on the flare. The body of the horn is stamped “Ch. Roth / a Strassbourg / brevete / S.G.D.G.” Germany gained control of Strassbourg / Strassburg in 1870 and it became illegal to use the French language in business and financial dealings. The French spelling is evidence, we believe, that the horn was built before 1870. The original wood box is in good condition and the horn comes with two original deep cup and small shank nickel-silver mouthpieces, one slightly wider than the other.
F.A. Reynolds full double horn, model FE-03, #215,653, made in Texas before Reynolds was absorbed by the Norlin Group and manufacturing moved to California. Brass body and slides, original brass rotors are very tight, showing no wear at all. Dents and dings to the spout have been burnished out, the horn now clean and ready to play. Originally designed by Chicago Symphony hornist Max Pottag, still used by a number of professional players, the Reynolds horns were of very high quality. Final price will depend on repair hours. Should be ready to show in early June. $1650
Yahama model YHR-664 double horn, #00606x. It’s Yamaha’s “mid-range” double in good original condition with about 90% original lacquer finish, dings to the bell-spout burnished out in our shop. New mouthpipe, the original rotors are still tight. The case is new, the horn clean and very playable. It’s a good Yamaha double horn for $1395.
Yahama model YHR-313 single horn in F, #20042X. It’s Yamaha’s basic F-single in good original condition with better than 95% original lacquer finish, some dings to the bell-spout burnished out in our shop. The case is original, still very good, the horn clean and very playable. This one’s a mere $695.
TRUMPETS, vintage & used
Rare German trumpet from the workshop of Ferdinand Julius Hermann Altrichter the bell garland engraved “J. Altrichter / Frankfurt a - O / Hoflieferant Groesste / Instrumentenfabrik Deutschlands” no serial number, number 100 stamped on each of the rotary valve arms. . Three rotary valves plus one quick-change to A. Bore size, at the second slide, is .460, bell is 5 inches in diameter. Based on information in the Langwill Index, we believe this instrument to date from about 1910. High quality workmanship, no patches or thin spots, original valves still tight. The wrap and the shape of the bell would indicate it’s a cornet, but it takes a trumpet mouthpiece, the receiver far too wide for a cornet mouthpiece. This one’s a bit rare, unlike anything now being made anywhere. $1350.
used BACH “Stradivarius” Bb trumpets are almost always available, please email for the most current info.
BACH LT180S-72, silver plated “Stradivarius” B-flat trumpet, #135,11x, made in Elkhart in 1976. It’s a clean example that we give a “9.0” rating. Original silver plate is 95%. Original monel pistons are still tight-as-new. Some light wear to the plating in the hand contact areas is evident, but the trumpet has never been seriously dented or damaged. Price includes Bach mouthpiece and good used Bach case. Suggested retail price for a new lightweight Bach Strad LT180S-72 is $3300. This one’s $1345.00
SUPERB BACH STRAD TRUMPET, 180S-37, #156,47x, made in Elkhart, Indiana, about 1979. 100% perfect new silver plate, with very good original valves that are almost like new and with no evidence anywhere of rough handling or damage. New Bach case. Suggested retail price is $3250.00. WBIC price: $1250.00. Some people say the 1970’s Bach trumpets play better than the new ones!
SUPERB BACH STRAD TRUMPET, 180S-37, #470,65x, made in Elkhart, Indiana, about 1997. This trumpet comes to us with 100% original silver plate finish intact, with very good valves that are almost like new and with no evidence anywhere of rough handling or dents. Price includes a new Bach Strad case. It’s close to being a “closet” trumpet that doesn’t appear to have been played in the last 12 years. New list price is $3220.00. WBIC price: $1295.00 with original case; $1335 with a new one.
C.G. Conn (Elkhart) rare vintage C trumpet, “18B” model, #253,6xx (1928), with 99% good original satin silver plate finish, good original valves, original mouthpiece, original lyre, original case. gold plating inside the bell. Pearl inlay to the bottom valve caps. Also has a full set of additional slides, with quick-change main tuning slide, B-flat or A rotor. Never any big dents, minor dings removed in our shop. Bore size is .443. Rare, good player! This one’s $995. SOLD 06/08
VINTAGE COUESNON COMBINATION C & B-flat TRUMPET, MADE IN FRANCE BEFORE 1960. In business for more than half a century, our small music shop in Wichita sold quite a number of Couesnon brasses back in the early sixties. They were imported to the States by the Fred Gretsch Company and distributed to music shops all over the US. We had a good relationship with the Gretsch firm, still sell Gretsch guitars. Our trumpet is one of their Topof-the-Line “Monopole Conservatories” model and is absolutely like new. No idea of the age, but we think it must be from the mid fifties, perhaps even earlier. Hard to tell about the age of this model, since it was in production for several decades. Their 1934 catalog does show an identical instrument, model 111, on page 16. Bell is stamped “328x / (Couesnon logo) / COUESNON / ET CIE / PARIS / MONOPOLE / CONSERVATORIE”. The instrument has come to us in very good, nearly pristine, original condition. There are no worn areas to the original plate and it’s never had any major dents. A couple of minor dings to the bell spout have been burnished out by us. We measure the bore size, at the second slide, as .440 inches. Bell diameter is 4 5/8 inches. Pistons are bottom-sprung, but came to us in original unplated brass. We’ve sent the instrument to Anderson Plating (Elkhart) and they’ve done a full re-build and nickel plate to the pistons. The valves are now “better than new”. This one comes a new-ish French case. As with all C / B-flat trumpets, it’s the smaller side of the instrument that responds better. And with the .440 bore size and the slim taper to the bell spout, it’s best recommended for a player who wants the 1940’s / 1950’s French sound. Think “Maurice Andre”, only a bit earlier, even. Perfect for somebody wanting an inexpensive pro-quality trumpet or for a serious jazz player who likes a bright tone-color. Or for the symphony trumpet player who’s got to have “original French” to play Ravel, Debussy or Faure. $895.
VINTAGE COUESNON FRENCH C & B-FLAT TRUMPET.
In business for more than half a century, our small music shop in Wichita sold quite a number of Couesnon brasses back in the early sixties. They were imported to the States by the Fred Gretsch Company and distributed to brass shops all over America. We had a good relationship with Gretsch and still sell their guitars, even to this day.
Our trumpet is one of Couesnon's model 2207 C-trumpets. It has no serial number, so it's pretty hard to determine the exact age. And all of their company records were destroyed in a factory fire, more than a decade ago. But based on our experience and their 1965 catalog, we believe our trumpet dates from the early to mid fifties.
It's a C trumpet with an extension to the main slide to put it in the key of B-flat. The instrument has come to us in very good, nearly pristine, original condition. There are no worn areas to the original bright silver finish and minor dings to the bell spout have been burnished out in our shop. We measure the bore size, at the second slide, to be .456 inches. Bell diameter is 4 1/2 inches.
Pistons are bottom-sprung nickel plate and there's NO wear to the plating. Tolerances are typical French, which means pretty good, but not as good as a new Bach or Schilke. Yep, we also sell Bach and Schilke instruments, have done since the sixties and before.
Bell is engraved COUESNON / 105 Rue Lafayette / PARIS / made in France, but there's no Monopole engraving. That means the trumpet probably dates from before the sixties.
This one comes with an original fifties Couesnon mouthpiece and a new Pro-Tech case.
Perfect for somebody wanting an inexpensive C trumpet or for a serioius jazz player who likes a bright tone-color. Or for the symphony trumpet player who's got to have "original French" to play Ravel, DeBussy or Faure.
No hesitation in recommending this one. And it's not even expensive. $795.
Rare professional B-flat trumpet by A. Courtois (Paris) #9000, made in Paris about 1955. Good original condition with 95% original bright silver plate finish, bell dings to the flair & spout recently burnished out in our shop. Medium bore size with “M” stamped just above the serial number. Original chrome-plated pistons are absolutely perfect. Engraved on the bell“Antoine Courtois / brevete / facteur conservatoire / national / 8 rue de Nancy / PARIS”. Courtois is France’s oldest brass instrument maker, renowned for fine professional quality, but never imported to the USA in large numbers because of the high price. This particular instrument was their “Balanced Model”, based on Selmer’s “BA” model trumpet used by Harry James and Louis Armstrong. There’s evidence of burnishing to the bell, the spout and the mouthpipe. And the bell to mouthpipe brace has had some resoldering that we’ve cleaned up a bit. All in all, it’s a totally original and rare Courtois that’s come to us with a few nicks and dings, but with almost perfect pistons. This one’s $1195.
VINTAGE TRUMPET IN D, MADE ABOUT 1950 FROM THE KRUSPE WORKSHOP IN ERFURT, GERMANY.
Although we’ve sold more than a hundred Kruspe French horns over the years, it’s not often we get one of their trumpets. Judging by the engraving on the bell, we believe this one to date from about 1950, perhaps as late as 1955 or even 1960.
The bell is engraved with Kruspe’s modern logo (an eagle with a French horn in its beak…), no DRGM number (which means it’s almost certainly post WW II) and serial number 4363 stamped on the rail that holds the valve levers.
Workmanship is very good, in our opinion, ranking somewhat above the craftsmanship we’ve seen on Kruspe brasses made in the sixties and seventies.
The bell is gold-brass, original and without patches, thin spots or damage of any kind. There have been some dings to the bow and spout of the bell, but they’re now nearly invisible. The bell does not appear to have been sanded or filed and there’s still plenty of metal left.
Bell diameter is 4 5/8 inches (117 mm.); bore size is .430 inches (11 mm). For comparison, Josef Monke’s “model M” D-trumpet also has 11 mm bore size. Monke’s D trumpet bell is wider, at 125 mm., than our Kruspe.
Slides are also gold-brass, without damage, thin spots or repairs. Slide legs are solid nickel-silver.
Mouthpipe is solid nickel-silver as well, without damage and totally original.
Rotary valves are very good, tight and without damage. Plugs are bronze, bearing plates are brass and valve casings are solid nickel-silver.
The instrument has never been lacquered and is not so today.
The instrument came to us with an original “GEWA” case that also wears the logo of a Stuttgart dealer.
Mouthpiece is stamped “7C”, but we believe it to be German.
Keep in mind that this is a trumpet in D, perfect for Beethoven’s Symphony number seven, for Mussorgsky’s “Pictures”, even for use in Haendel’s “Messiah”. It’s not an “everyday” trumpet, but one that’s for specialized use.
Price is low on this one, a mere $1250. Just for comparison purposes, Josef Monke’s superb new D-trumpets are priced in Germany at 3453 Euros. Add case, mouthpiece, water key on the tuning slide and you’re up to about 3600. With US import duty, shipping costs and conversion of Euros to Dollars, that makes Monke’s D-trumpet more than $4800. SOLD 06/07
Rare ALTO trumpet in E-flat from Josef Lidl, the bell garland engraved “Josef Lidl Brno“, the bell spout engraved “Zbrujovka Brno / Zavodni Hudba” and “ 561”,probably made before 1950. Three rotary valves are in very good original condition. Bore size, at the second slide, is .440 (11.2 cm.) bell is 5 ¼ inches in diameter. The instrument has not been played much, has no dents, no damage. Small repair patch to the first slide bow. The instrument shows high-quality workmanship, unlacquered brass with nickel-silver trim. $875.
Rare Professional-quality Vintage French C / B-flat trumpet, H. Selmer (Paris).
It’s a C / B-flat combination trumpet from Selmer, made in France about 1960.
The bell is stamped: “Henri / SELMER / Paris (inside logo) / depose / brevete France & etranger / SELMER / fabrique en France / par H. Selmer & Cie / Place Dancourt Paris / made in France / R (inside circle)”
Serial number on the second valve casing is 1903x. Valve casings, top & bottom caps plus valve stems are stamped “1 / 2 / 3”.
The bright silver finish is about 98% original, the plating shows some minor wear on the second crook and the first & third valve casings. The instrument shows evidence of having had a few (not many...) dings balled out and burnished.
No thin spots to the metal, tiny silver patch to the tuning slide.
There are now no dents to the instrument.
The instrument has original underslung third slide ring.
Acquired by us wearing original worn pistons, we’ve sent the trumpet to Anderson for a full rebuild. Valves are now “better than new”.
Bore size (measured at the second slide) is .440 inches (11.16 mm). Bell diameter is 4 3/8 inches (112 mm).
The original case is solid, made in France.
Original Selmer (Paris) Sabarich #5 mouthpiece.
Selmer-Paris still produces superb trumpets, widely used in Europe and throughout the world.
The “Sabarich” model trumpets were listed in Selmer’s French catalog of 1961. Designed by “R. Sabarich, Professeur de Trompette au Conservatoire National de Musique de Paris, Soliste des Grands Concerts”.
We see these from time to time, have had a number of them pass through our shop in recent years.
Keep in mind that they’re combo trumpets…made in the key of C, with B-flat tuning slide. And that means that the instrument plays best with the C slide in place.
The Sabarich models were popular in France years ago, but they’re not for everybody. The bore size is smaller than on most modern trumpets, so they’re pretty much today recommended for amateur players who want a low-resistance C trumpet, for church use or perhaps simply for a musician who wants a pro-quality C trumpet that’s not expensive. $1045.00
Rare "Radial" Selmer-Paris model 75 C trumpet.
Bore size is .462 inches.
Rather than have us repeat reports sent us by some very fine players, we recommend you do an internet search for "Selmer Radial C trumpet". There's quite a bit of info out there.
Serial number indicates this one's from 1975 or 1976. It's not a "closet queen", has been played a bit. But it's an honest and inexpensive example and we've no problem recommending it.
The original French lacquer shows discoloration here and there, especially on the bell spout. There's been some wear to the lacquer as well and we've done a light hand-polish and an overspray of a thin coat of Nikolas 2105 acyrlic lacquer, similar to the original, to protect the brass.
If you wish, add $250 to the final price and we'll strip off the old finish, do a light machine-polish and respray it. That would, of course, make it look like a new one.
Mouthpiece is solid nickel, not brass. No damage or dezincification "red rot" anywhere. Everything's quite original.
Valves are good, fast and tight with no side-to-side play, but show some minor peck marks to the monel finish. We do not recommend a valve re-build, 'cause it's not yet needed, won't be for another decade or more.
Keep in mind that this is a C TRUMPET, with additional B-flat tuning slide. As with all combo trumpets, the smaller instrument, in C, plays better than the B-flat. With C slide in position, this is a superb playing pro-quality instrument. Not a second-quality or utility C at all. Top of the line from Selmer, three decades back. $989.00
CORNETS, vintage and used
Rare German trumpet from the workshop of Ferdinand Julius Hermann Altrichter the bell garland engraved “J. Altrichter / Frankfurt a - O / Hoflieferant Groesste / Instrumentenfabrik Deutschlands” no serial number, number 100 stamped on each of the rotary valve arms. . Three rotary valves plus one quick-change to A. Bore size, at the second slide, is .460, bell is 5 inches in diameter. Based on information in the Langwill Index, we believe this instrument to date from about 1910. High quality workmanship, no patches or thin spots, original valves still tight. The wrap and the shape of the bell would indicate it’s a cornet, but it takes a trumpet mouthpiece, the receiver far too wide for a cornet mouthpiece. This one’s a bit rare, unlike anything now being made anywhere. $955.
French B-flat cornet by F. Besson, the bell stamped “Systeme prototype (on ribbon) / (FB logo) / F. BESSON / brevetee / 92 Rue D’Angouleme / Paris”. Valve casings are stamped “ 28 / 29 / 30” and the second valve casing is stamped “F. Besson / (crown) / 13401”. (Made in 1872). Bore size, measured at the second slide, is .467 inches. Bell diameter is 4 1/2 inches. The instrument came to us in unplated brass, has been lightly polished and sprayed with a coat of Nikolas 2105 acrylic lacquer. The original detachable mouthpipe is stamped “493”. Typical 19th century French design, with valve cluster to the left, mouthpipe to the right and bell down the middle. The original brass pistons have been rebuilt and nickel-plated by Anderson and are now “better than new”. $1250.
French B-flat cornet by F. Besson, the bell stamped “Systeme prototype (on ribbon) / (FB logo) / F. BESSON / brevetee / 92 Rue D’Angouleme / Paris”. Valve casings are stamped “ 10 / 11 / 12 ” and the second valve casing is stamped “F. Besson / (crown) / 23107 ”. (Made in 1879). Bore size, measured at the second slide, is .467 inches. Bell diameter is 4 1/2 inches. The instrument came to us in unplated brass, has been lightly polished and sprayed with a coat of Nikolas 2105 acrylic lacquer. The original detachable mouthpipe is stamped “107”. Rare 19th century French design, with valve cluster to the left, mouthpipe to the right and bell down the middle. The original brass pistons have been rebuilt and nickel-plated by Anderson and are now “better than new”. $1250.
French B-flat cornet by F. Besson, the bell stamped “Systeme prototype (on ribbon) / (FB logo) / F. BESSON / brevetee / 92 Rue D’Angouleme / Paris”. Valve casings are stamped “ 13 / 14 / 15 ” and the second valve casing is stamped “F. Besson / (crown) / 28156 ”. (Made in 1882). Bore size, measured at the second slide, is .467 inches. Bell diameter is 4 1/2 inches. The instrument came to us in unplated brass, has been lightly polished and sprayed with a coat of Nikolas 2105 acrylic lacquer. Rare 19th century French design, with valve cluster to the left, mouthpipe to the right and bell down the middle. The original brass pistons have been rebuilt and nickel-plated by Anderson and are now “better than new”. $1250.
French B-flat cornet by F. Besson, the bell stamped “Systeme prototype (on ribbon) / (FB logo) / F. BESSON / brevetee / 92 Rue D’Angouleme / Paris”. Valve casings are stamped “ 16 / 17 / 18” and the second valve casing is stamped “F. Besson / (crown) / 32043”. (Made in 1885). Bore size, measured at the second slide, is .470 inches. Bell diameter is 4 1/2 inches. The instrument came to us in unplated brass, has been lightly polished and sprayed with a coat of Nikolas 2105 acrylic lacquer. The original detachable mouthpipe is stamped “493”. Rare 19th century French design, with valve cluster to the left, mouthpipe to the right and bell down the middle, but with tuning slide on the bell tail. The original brass pistons have been rebuilt and nickel-plated by Anderson and are now “better than new”. $1250.
French B-flat cornet by F. Besson, the bell stamped “Systeme prototype (on ribbon) / (FB logo) / F. BESSON / brevete / s.g.d.g. / 96 Rue D’Angouleme / Paris”. Valve casings are stamped “ 4 / 5 / 6” and the second valve casing is stamped “F. Besson / (crown) / 43572”. (Made in 1889). Bore size, measured at the second slide, is .467 inches. Bell diameter is 4 5/8 inches. The instrument came to us in unplated brass, has been lightly polished and sprayed with a coat of Nikolas 2105 acrylic lacquer. Typical 19th century French design, with valve cluster to the left, mouthpipe to the right and bell down the middle. The original brass pistons have been rebuilt and nickel-plated by Anderson and are now “better than new”. $1050.
Superb and Rare Vintage French Cornet by Francois Besson, made in 1882.
We’ve recently acquired about two dozen rare 19th and early 20th. century brasses from a European collection. Most have come to us in good original condition, but showing normal wear. We’ve made the decision to restore the better examples and to offer them to our clients on our web site.
This particular instrument is perhaps the best of the collection.
It’s come to us with no damage, no patches or thin spots. The original pistons were unplated brass, so Anderson has nickel-plated them to “better than new” specs.
Bell is engraved “Systeme Prototype / FB (logo) / F. Besson / Brevete / S.G.D.G. / 96, Rue D’Angouleme / Paris “
Serial number on the second valve casing is 50493.
Please notice that this instrument is of the typical late 19th. century “French” design, with mouthpipe to the right, with valve cluster to the left and with bell down the middle. We’ve been unable to learn when this model was discontinued at Besson. We do know that Couesnon’s 1913 catalog listed this model, but their 1934 catalog did not.
The mouthpiece from Deslaurier (Paris), is from the same time-period and is of unplated solid nickel-silver alloy.
Bore size, measured at the second slide, is large. We measure .470 inches ( = 11.95 mm).
Bell diameter is a bit more than 4 ½ inches (115 mm).
The instrument came to us in unplated, unlacquered yellow brass. After the cornet came back to us from Anderson, we polished it very lightly, sprayed two coats of Nikolas 2105 acrylic lacquer on the instrument. Our goal was to protect the brass on this superb instrument, so that it will still be playable many years from now.
Restoration work on this one was by our Michael S. Riepe. Michael’s been with us a bit more than a decade, is (in our estimation) one of the finest brass restorers in the States. $1345.
Vintage cornet by Buescher, #182,300, made in Elkhart in 1926. “True tone” model in B-flat with quick change rotor to A. Original satin silver finish is worn maybe 5%, good gold plate inside the bell and to the logo on the outside of the bell. Original nickel pistons are good, still tight. Small silver patch to the mouthpipe. The original case, lyre, mute and #14 Buescher “True Tone” mouthpiece are still with it. Not quite pristine, but interesting due to the Bb-A change and because everything’s original. Bell diameter is 4 5/8 inches and the bore size measures .440 inches. $475.
SUPERB CONN Bb / A / C “PERFECTED WONDER” CORNET, COMPLETE WITH ALL PARTS! C.G. Conn (Elkhart) vintage cornet, #103,07x (1908), has 99% good original satin silver plate finish, gold wash to the inside of the bell, original case and mouthpiece. Very good floral engraving to the bell. Never any big dents, minor minor dings removed in our shop. The bell is engraved “ The / Perfected / Wonder / C.G. CONN / maker / Elkhart. / Ind. “ with very nice original floral engraving. Second valve casing is stamped “ M / 103,07x / our label / m.p.b. / p. h. u. / factory 34 / Pat. April / 2, 1907”. Valve casings are also stamped “ 1 / 2 / 3 “. Pistons are stamped, on the spring box “ 1 / 2 / 3 “ plus serial number 103,07x. Not certain how many of these that Conn made, but it’s the first we’ve ever had in our shop. As the instrument is shown, the B-flat tuning slide is in place, at the end of the mouthpipe. By pressing the quick-change push that’s just below the water-key, the main tuning slide plus all three valve slides extend to the key of A. If you fit the cornet with the smaller main tuning slide, then press the quick-change push, the cornet extends the tuning slide plus the valve slides to B-flat. ALL parts on this one are original. No replacement bits and pieces, nothing that’s NOT original. Even the set-screws for the quick-change tuning mechanism. Pistons are original, nickel-silver alloy with brass ports. Pistons do show some pitting to the surface of the metal, though. If you’re a purist and want “original original original”, then use heavier valve oil and don’t worry about it. But if you want the valves to be perfect, add $200 and we’ll send it to Anderson Plating for a full re-build. Condition on our cornet is a good “9.9 on a scale of ten”. Price includes the original case that looks almost new, as well as the original “CONN WONDER” mouthpiece. Price also includes the shorter (key of C) main tuning slide, plus original lyre and original valve cleaning rod. The case handle is NOT original, but everything else is. Seems to us as if it’s a rare piece, never any damage, minor silver wear, all parts original. Price is a mere $945.00.
ANTIQUE FRENCH B-FLAT / A CORNET FROM COUESNON, MADE IN 1924. It’s very good and totally original “Monopole” cornet, the ”top of the line” from the Couesnon workshop in Paris. This one’s quite unusual, in that all parts are original and unaltered, there are no dents or dings, the case, mouthpipe and mouthpiece are all original. Original brass valves are still very tight, work quite well. The instrument appears to have been played very little in the past 84 years. The bell’s stamped “Exposition Universelle de Paris / 1900 / HORS CONCOURS / membre de jury / COUESNON & Cie. / fourinsseurs / DES BEAUX-ARTS / DU CONSERVATOIRE NATIONAL / ET DE L’ARMEE 94. RUE D’ANGOULEME PARIS / Monopole (inside logo) / 40068 / 24 (inside logo)”. Bore size, measured at the second slide, is .452 inches. Bell diameter is 4 5/8 inches. The 1913 Couesnon catalog shows the instrument as their “No 01 ter.” model, the “top of the line”. The quick-change rotor works very well, but the cornet plays a bit more free in B-flat than in A. Doesn’t appear to have ever been dinged or dented. Note small brass patch to the tubing between #2 and #3 pistons. Original case is perfect and the original mouthpipe and no-name brass mouthpiece are like new. Clean example that’s perfect for Dixieland, Military Band or whatever. And with the Bb to A rotor, you never have to worry about transposition. $995 SOLD
Superb pro-model Cornet by A. Courtois #90,58x (circa 2000 - 2002), engraved on the bell “Antoine Courtois Paris” and “120” on the mouthpiece receiver. “A. Courtois, Paris” and “1, 2, 3” engraved on the valve casings. The original lacquer is worn maybe one percent. Good original case and with stainless steel pistons that are tight and perfect. With original Courtois 4 ½ C deep-cup mouthpiece. Never dented, in fine original condition. Conn-Selmer still imports Courtois trumpets, the model T357 now with a suggested retail price of $2575. Good example in fine condition. $995.
Good pro-model Cornet by A. Courtois #727x (c. 1965?) engraved on the bell “Antoine Courtois Paris” and “ E ” on the mouthpiece receiver. “A. Courtois, Paris” and “1, 2, 3” engraved on the valve casings. The original bright silver is worn maybe one percent. Good original case and with stainless steel pistons that are tight and perfect. With original Courtois “R” mouthpiece. No dents or dings, in good original condition. Conn-Selmer still imports Courtois trumpets, the model T357 now with a suggested retail price of $2575. Good example in fine condition. $795.
Early cornet by Jean Hilaire Aste Halari (1775 - 1840) stamped on the bell “HALARI FOURNsier du ROI A PARIS ” with his logo ( initials J A ? ) above the name. Bell diameter is 123 mm. (4.84 inches). Bore size, measured at the second slide, is 11.8 mm (.464 inches). Three perinet pistons, the casings stamped “ 1 , 2 , 3 “. Pistons are top-sprung, unscrew only at the top of the valve casings. Finger buttons are mother-of-pearl, all original. Wrap is an early Stoezel design. Wire braces to the main tuning slide (end of mouthpipe), from the mouthpipe to the main tuning slide and from the bottom of the main tuning slide to the bottom of the mouthpipe. Ferrules of all three valve slides are original. No patches to the body of the cornet nor to the slides. Music holder (lyre) screws into the top of the finger-ring. The funnel mouthpiece is not stamped, appears to be the original, based on turings to the shank matching turnings to the sides.
The cornet has seven original crooks, all with the names stamped to a nickel-silver cartouche, “Si ” , “La” , “La b” , “Sol”, “Fa”, “Mi” and “ Mi b“ (the E-flat crook is a coupler, to be used with the E crook or with other crooks). The cornet came to us with the original box, with brass fittings, handle to the top, original hinges, clasps and lock. We’ve burnished out a few dings and have soldered several fittings that have come loose. The instrument is of high quality and based on the fact that Louis-Philippe abdicated the French throne in 1848, we’re certain the instrument dates from the mid 1840’s. It’s a rare cornet from the finest French brass maker of the early 19th century. $4500. SOLD 02/07
Rare antique cornet from the Gautrot workshops (Paris), pre 1900.
Good French cornet by Gautrot, the bell engraved with Gautrot logo and “G R”. Made in Paris about 1880 - 1885, we believe.
Valve cluster to the left, mouthpipe to the right and bell down the middle. Original brass pistons are still good, actually very tight.
Minor dents and dings have been removed in our shop in Wichita.
No patches, no water key.
The original wood case is still in good condition and the cornet is sold with six crooks: B-flat, A, A-flat, G, F and coupler to bring the F crook down to E-flat.
Bell diameter is five inches, approx. bore size is .445.
Couesnon (Gautrot’s successor) shows a similar “model GCO francais” instrument in their 1913 catalog, but no model “GR”.
Not pristine, but very close to it. The instrument plays very well, better in B-flat / A than in the lower pitches, of course.
Recommended and it’s not even expensive! $1495.
Early cornet by Schaffner stamped on the bell “SCHAFFNER / PARIS “. The New Langwill Index only refers to the name as being a supplier in 1850 of instruments to the Parisian maker / dealer Jean-Baptiste Gambaro. Bell diameter is 129 mm. (5.08 inches). Bore size, measured at the second slide, is 10.7 mm (.421 inches). Three perinet pistons, with the second piston offset. Pistons are top-sprung, unscrew only at the top of the valve casings. Finger buttons are ivory, all original. Wrap is an early Stoezel design. Wire braces to the main tuning slide (end of mouthpipe), from the mouthpipe to the main tuning slide and from the bottom of the main tuning slide to the bottom of the mouthpipe. Ferrules of all three valve slides are original. No patches to the body of the cornet nor to the slides. The funnel mouthpiece is not stamped, appears to be the original.
The cornet has seven original crooks, engraved on the brass receiver
“S B ”, “LA ”, “LA B” , “SOL”, one crook stamped “FA ” on the receiver, one engraved “MI” on a nickel cartouche soldered to the receiver and one unmarked coupler. The cornet came to us with the original box of rosewood veneer, with brass fittings, handle to the top, original hinges and lock. We’ve burnished out a few dings and have soldered several fittings that have come loose. Based on the construction of the valve cluster and the Langwill report, we believe the instrument to have been built before 1850. It’s a rare cornet from a little-known French brass maker of the early 19th century. $3750.
Rare compensator French B-flat cornet by Sudre, the bell stamped “(horn-logo with the initials FS) / 83 médailles et brevets / HALARI / Diplome d’Honneur / F. SUDRE / Seul fournisseur de la Marine / Facteur du Conservatoire / et de l armée / 6 et 8 rue des Poitevins / à Paris". Additional stamp on the first valve: "1462 / ajusteur breveté Daniel (in an oval) / (horn-logo with initials FS)” and a soldered cartouche on the first valve casing “accord de (D & C #)” and another cartouche on the back of the first valve casing “accord de (Eb & Ab) and another cartouche soldered to the tubing connecting the first and third valve casing “compensateur”. Small crack to the bell ring and a small patch to the bell spout. Based on the report in the “New Langwill Index”, we believe the instrument to have been made before 1885. $2650.
Good French cornet by Verdeau, the bell engraved “ (lyre & anchor logo) / B. VERDEAU & Fils / brevete s.g.d.g. / fournisseurs de la marine / de l’armee / et des conservatoires / Rue st. Remi 64 / Bordeaux”. All parts are original, the valve caps, slide ferrules and braces all with elaborate engraving. No serial number, but “ 7 , 8 , 9 “ stamped on the valve casings. Made in Bordeaux about 1880 – 1885. Original brass pistons have been re-built by Anderson Plating are now perfect. No patches, one water key. The circa 1920 case is still in good condition. Bell diameter is four and one-half inches, approx. bore size is .464 inches. Price includes silver plated French Besson #6 mouthpiece. $1250.
Rare Keyed Bugle by Pertus, engraved on the bell flare “PERTUS FACTEUR DE L’ECOLE ROYALE DE CAVALAIRE A SAUMUR”. The New Langwill Index cites Pertus as having produced brass instruments in Paris between 1830 and 1836. Our instrument wears seven brass keys, mounted on brass body. Bell diameter is 142 mm. Mouthpiece is stamped “J. Altrichter Frankfurt”. The mouthpipe wears remnants of a non-original tuning device of some sort.
Rare, early, showing high-quality workmanship. $4730. SOLD 05/07
RARE CORNET BY COUESNON, MADE IN FRANCE ABOUT 1920. Engraved on the bell “Exposition Universale de Paris, Hors Concours, Membre du Jury, COUESON & CIE., Fournisseurs de L’Armee, 94, Rue d’Angouleme, Paris” plus Couesnon logo, “Monopole” and number 4405. The original bright silver is 99% intact, the pistons are original nickel-silver. Never any major dents or damage, a few small dings have been burnished from the bow of the bell and are now invisible. See page number 29 of Couesnon’s 1915 catalog. The “Monopole” model was Couesnon’s “top of the line” in the early twentieth century. Our cornet is listed as a model 01, “…avec un barillet transposant en la…” That means there is a rotor at the end of the mouthpipe that makes it possible to play the instrument in Bb or in the key of A. The instrument plays very well, has come to us in very fine original condition. On a scale of ten, we give this one a “9.0”. Bore size (measured at the second slide) is .450 inches (11.38 mm.). The cornet is offered with one Bb detachable mouthpipe, a Couesnon cornet mouthpiece and a French case from the sixties or later. $795 SOLD
Antique French Cornet by Michel Rivet, made in Lyon (France) about 1870. The cornet is stamped “Rivet, Lyon, 618” on the bell. There is no serial number, but #7, #8 and #9 are stamped on each valve casing, top and bottom valve caps and on the valve stems.
The instrument shows very light construction, French wrap with valves to the left, the mouthpipe to the right and bell in the middle.
The bore size is surprisingly large, measured at the second valve inside tubes at .470 inches (12mm). The bell diameter is 4-1/2 inches.
Construction is of yellow brass, never lacquered or plated.
No water key, but with four mouthpipes (B-flat, A, A-flat and G) and with original wooden box.
The unplated brass mouthpiece appears to be original.
The pistons are brass, never plated.
There are no patches, and the instrument has never had any major damage. Small dings have been burnished out in our shop.
This rare and original antique cornet is offered here at only $1195.00! SOLD.
FLUEGELHORNS
Good used Fluegelhorns by Courtois, Couesnon, Besson and/or Selmer usually available, please email for current info.
Rare Fluegel horn in the key of C, from the Bohland and Fuchs workshop (Graslitz, Bohemia), made before 1945. Brass construction with three rotors, pearl inlays to the key touches and valve screws. Very fine workmanship, with seamed bell construction, nickel-silver Kranz on the bell. Bore size, measured at the second slide is .0442 inches, the bell diameter 5 ½ inches. Never any serious dents, minor dings now removed in our shop in Wichita. High-quality workmanship, rather rare. $1195.
Rare antique Fluegelhorn by F. Besson (Paris), the bell stamped “ systeme protype / F. BESSON / brevete / s.g.d.g. / 96, Rue d’Angouleme / PARIS / (five pointed star) / GRANDS PRIX / Paris 1900 / St. Louis 1904 / Liege 1905 / Bruxelles 1910 / hors concours”. Stamped on the second valve casing “F. Besson / (star)“ and serial number 7985x”. Valve casings, top and bottom valve caps also stamped “ 7 / 8 / 9 “. Bell diameter is 148 mm (5.82 inches) and the bore size, measured at the second slide is 10.9 mm (.429 inches). The original unplated pistons are still tight. No patches or worn areas, dents burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Based on information in the “New Langwill Index” and in Patrick Delile’s catalog, we believe the instrument to have been made about 1920. It’s offered in unlacquered brass finish for $1750. SOLD
Superb Fluegelhorn by Couesnon (Paris), all-original Silver Plate, No Dents.
It's the French fluegelhorn with the sound that started the craze among jazz players in the USA in the 1950's and was later copied by the big companies.
Engraved on the bell: "COUESNON / 105 Rue Lafayette / Kaspar/WICKY / Geneve". Stamped on the second valve casing "M".
Bore size measured at the second slide is approximately .422 inches. Bell diameter is 148 mm or 5.8 inches
There is no serial number on this one, but we estimate it to date from the late sixties or early seventies.
Original silver plating is 100% intact. The are no bubbles under the plating and no evidence of "red-rot" to the brass tubing anywhere on the instrument.
Finger button pearls are smooth, not worn or etched from excessive use.
Valve pistons show slight pitting to the original nickel plating, but no loose plating or flaking that would cause poor valve action. The pistons are still tight in the casings and valve action is quick and smooth.
The fluegel came to us with no evidence of the bell flare ever having been creased, but with numerous dents in the bell spout. Our shop burnished out the dents, and while some evidence of the burnishing remains on the bell spout, the results are excellent (please see the photos!). The flugelhorn is now dent-free and ready to play.
Mouthpiece (probably not original) and very clean original case with keys are included.
Couesnon fluegelhorns were never made in large numbers, and finding good, original examples is getting more and more difficult. This is a good one that should provide decades more service to the new owner. Highly recommended! $1195 SOLD.
Modern Fluegel horn by Willson (Switzerland) made about 1985 for C.G. Conn, serial #1974X. Original lacquer finish is worn maybe 10%, dings and dents have been removed by our shop. Original stainless steel pistons are absolutely perfect. Back when the US dollar was strong, Conn bought a number of these superb Fluegels, imported for the American market. Willson still makes a similar instrument, now with a street price of about $2500. This one’s a best buy at $1250.
Good Fluegelhorn by A. Courtois, serial number 10110, circa 1980. The bell is engraved “Antoine Courtois, Paris”. Very good original bright silver finish, but with no plating wear anywhere: the original finish is 99% or better. The pistons are stainless steel and very tight. The original French case is still in good condition. Bell diameter is 6 1/8 inches and the bore size (measured at the second slide) is .411 inches. This is a very clean example that needs nothing doing to it. $985. SOLD
Rare German Fluegelhorn from the Kruspe workshops in Erfurt, made about 1935. The three rotary valves have recently been replated and dents have been burnished out in our shop in Wichita. The bell Kranz is engraved “Ed. Kruspe, Erfurt” and number 3446 is stamped on the key lever support. There’s a nickel-silver patch to the Kranz and the original silver plate is worn about 25%. The case appears to be original. Bell diameter is five and one-half inches. Bore size, measured at the second slide is .430 inches. This one’s no beauty queen, but performs very well. “Player, not a looker”, we say. $1095. SOLD
Vintage Fluegelhorn by H. Selmer, serial number 500. The bell is engraved “Henri Selmer / Paris/ depose / Grands Prix / Geneve 1927 Liege 1930 / H. Selmer (in script) 4 Place Dancourt / Paris / made in France” and also with the name of the dealer "Rauber / Montreux / Lausanne". Original bright silver finish is worn less than 2%, the pistons are original and very tight. The French case is still in good condition. Bell diameter is 6 1/8 inches and the bore size (measured at the second slide) is .414 inches. This is a nice one, used very little, all original and undamaged. $950 SOLD
TROMBONES, vintage & used
Used Bach, Conn, King, Benge and other professional trombones are usually available. Please email for the most current info.
Bach Stradivarius 42BO trombone, #155,78x (slide), #17,50x (rotor). Aside from a small mute ding to the bell flare, It’s in “almost new” condition, with 99% lacquer finish, no other dents or dings to the bell section. Bore size is .547 inches; the yellow brass bell is 8 ½ in diameter, and the trombone has open-wrap F-attachment. The playing slide is brass and the legs of the slide are new, without any dings of any kind. Bach 6 1/2A mouthpiece, good original case, and our two-year service warranty are all included. Suggested retail price for a new one is $3650 and MAP price is now $2549. with delivery time from the Bach factory is almost a year! This one’s available now for only $1695.
Used Bach Stradivarius Trombone, model 36, #1552x, made in Elkhart, Indiana in 1996. Bore size is .525 inches; bell diameter is 8 inches. This is a top-of-the-line professional straight tenor trombone with bore size just a bit smaller than a Bach model 42. It’s the ideal trombone for playing solo literature, first parts in band and orchestra, or even jazz. This trombone belonged to a professional musician, now retired, whose primary instrument was French horn. Played very little in the last 13 years, the trombone came to us with no dents or dings ever, perfect original slide, but poor lacquer finish. Our shop lightly polished the trombone and re-sprayed it with two coats of Nikolas 2105 lacquer (the same as originally used at the Bach factory). The trombone now looks and plays like new! Good Bach case and Jet-Tone mouthpiece are included. Suggested retail price for a new Bach 36 is now $3075, but why buy a new one? Our price for this one: $950.00
Benge model 165F trombone (similar to King 2104F), serial number 650,.93x (rotor) and number O49x (slide). Has F-attachment, .547 bore size, no dents or damage. Original lacquer finish is 100%, with no wear at all. Original case is good and the original slide is very close to perfect, with no wear to the inner slide and a small ding (only one…) removed from the playing slide. This one’s a “best buy” at $995.
Used CONN (Elkhart) Trombone, model 88H. Engraved on the bell “CONN / ELKHART IND / USA. Engraving on the bell is sharp; the lacquer finish is original and about 90% intact. Our shop has removed small dings, but the trombone has never been seriously dented or damaged. Chrome plating on the inside slide stockings is not worn and the slide is fast and smooth. Slide number is L6823x. New Pro Tec case and original Remington mouthpiece are included. Our price for this one: $1895. SOLD 04/09
King model 1404F F-attachment Trombone, #876,83x (1981). It’s a “King Musical Instruments” t-bone that’s come to us in “nearly mint” condition. Original lacquer is very good, worn less than 2 % . Original slide is very good and undamaged, with two tiny dings now removed by our shop. Original case has tarnished hardware, otherwise perfect. .547 bore, nickel-silver outer slide legs. Still in production at Conn-Selmer’s Eastlake factory, now with a suggested retail price of 3355.00 This one’s a best buy at $1350.
Superb vintage German Bass Trombone in F with four rotary valves by Wilhelm J. Finke, Reichenberg.
Probably made about 1950, this fine instrument is from the workshop of the father of Helmut Finke, founder of the well respected German workshop who claims to be the first makers in the twentieth century of modern copies of historical brass instruments, and who are known today for fine handmade German brass instruments, especially French horns.
This bass trombone from Wilhelm Finke’s workshop shows very high quality workmanship. The instrument is constructed of yellow brass with a nickel silver kranz on the bell, and is in the key of F.
Bell diameter is 8-1/2 inches. The bore, measured at the valve slides, is .530 inches. Overall length is 45 inches, about the same as a "standard" bass slide trombone. The instrument balances well and is easy to hold.
The fourth valve lowers the pitch a perfect fourth as on most four-valve brass instruments.
The valves are tight and the instrument plays very well at A=440.
The bass trombone is all original and in very good condition, with no serious damage ever. There is a small patch on the first valve slide knuckle (see photo) but no signs of corrosion or “red rot” anywhere on the instrument.
The rotary valves are tight, with no leakage and smooth, fast action. Key linkages are also tight and quiet, with a very short stroke and excellent “clock mechanism” enclosed springs.
Original mouthpiece is included, but no case. We can supply a new padded gigbag for an additional $75.00.
This fine instrument plays very easily, with even response and good intonation throughout the range. The tone quality is surprisingly dark and focused for a small-bore bass trombone. Low C is great with either 1 & 3 or the fourth valve. This is the perfect bass trombone for Verdi’s operas, which were actually written for valve trombones! $1650. SOLD
Rare German trombone, the bell engraved “Orig. Mitsching - Alschausky / W. Eberfeld”. The original silver plating is 100% original, the tuning slide with typical German “snakes”. 8 ¼ inch bell section, with garland (“Kranz”). The original nickel-silver slide is very good, some minor wear to the top inner slide. Never any dents, one small ding to the bell flare has been burnished out in our shop. The original case is perfect. According to the Langwill Index, Leopold Mitsching (born in 1865), trained with Josef Monke, then established his own workshop in Duesseldorf in 1894. The Mitching-Alschausky model was introduced in 1934. We believe our instrument to date from the late 1930s or the early 1940’s. $1695. SOLD
LOWER BRASS
BESSON MODEL 550 “Stratford” EUPHONIUM, #292,71x, made in London in 1958. Bore size is .580 inches, front facing bell is 12 inch diameter. Three pistons, non-compensating model, very good original gold lacquer (worn maybe 10%) and dents burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Case is original, solid. Besson lower brass production is now in East Germany and this superb model is no longer being imported to the US. Their current non-compensating three valve euphonium has a current suggested retail price of $3354. This one’s $995.
BESSON "BOOSEY-HAWKES SOVEREIGN MODEL" EUPHONIUM, #663,62X, made in London in 1981. Bore size is .580 incyes, upright bell is 12 inch diameter. Three long-stroke pistons, compensating model. 100% original bright silver plate finish. Never any serious dents, one small wrinkle to the bell has been burnished out, otherwise it's perfect. Case is original, looks new also. Has gold-plated Schilke mouthpiece with it as well. Besson lower brass production is now in East Germany or India. Current non-compensating three valve euphonium has a suggested retail price more than $3750. This one's 100% made in England, priced at onlyu $2295.
BESSON MODEL 766 EUPHONIUM, #444,4xx, made in London in 1969. Bore size is .580 inches, upright bell is 11 inch diameter. Three long-stroke pistons, compensating model, new gold lacquer and dents burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Case is new also. Besson lower brass production is now in INDIA and this superb model is no longer being imported to the US. Their current non-compensating three valve euphonium has a current suggested retail price of $3354. This one’s $1695.
BESSON MODEL 960 COMPENSATING EUPHONIUM, #701,030, made in London in 1985. Bore size is .580 inches, upright bell is 12 inch diameter. Bell is engraved “manufactured by Boosey & Hawkes, London, England SOVEREIGN”. Three long-stroke pistons, compensating model, very good original bright silver finish, 100%, with no worn spots anywhere. Never any large or medium dents, some small dings burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Case is new. Original stainless steel valves are perfect. Besson lower brass production is now in East Germany. This superb model is still in production in Europe, but is no longer being imported to the US. This one’s $1695. SOLD
COUESNON baritone horn, 3 valve model, bell front, all new lacquer, new case, good valves. $1195.
Used C. G. CONN 14I baritone horn, #L8058x, 3 valve model, bell front, made in Elkhart, Indiana in 1968. This one has no dents or damage. Replacement lacquer finish is 99% or better. The original valve pistons are not worn at all. Mouthpiece and almost new wood case are included. Conn-Selmer today offers a similar King model 625 bell-front baritone horn with a suggested retail price of $2520. $1095.
YAMAHA EUPHONIUM model YEP-321, made about 2005 for the G. LeBlanc Company, bearing “Holton B302R” stamp, four pistons, 100% original lacquer finish, never any dents or dings, still with original factory warranty. Serial number 348171. Identical to Yamaha’s model YEP-321 euphonium, this one’s never been sold, never rented. Used only as an in-shop demonstrator, it’s absolutely perfect. New suggested retail price is now $3557 with street price about $2500. This one’s $1795.00.
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King, Conn or other brands of brass and fiberglass Sousaphones usually available (new and redonditioned), please email for current info, or let us know what you're looking for.
Conn 36K Sousaphone #C4469X. It’s come to us in good original condition, with very good original valves that show no wear to the nickel plate. New Corvette white paint to the bell and large branch, minor dings burnished out in our shop. $1395 or $1495 WITH HARDSHELL CASE.
Conn 36K Sousaphone #K0929x. It’s come to us in good original condition, with very good original valves that show no wear to the nickel plate. New Corvette white paint to the bell and large branch, minor dings burnished out in our shop. $1395 or $1495 WITH HARDSHELL CASE.
Conn 14K Sousaphone, #C1090x. Good valves, dents removed, $2250 or $2350 with hard case.
Good gold-lacquered brass Sousaphone from the C. G. Conn factory in Elkhart, model 14K, serial #907,9XX (1962). The original lacquer is worn about 30%, the original pistons show almost no wear to the nickel and all major dents have been burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Conn still makes a Sousa, now with a suggested retail price of $8025. $2350 with used good case. SOLD 04/07
Rare silver plated brass Sousaphone from the C.G. Conn factory in Elkhart, model 32K, serial #169,390 (1919). The original silver is worn maybe 10-15%, the original pistons came to us with some wear, so we've returned the valves to Elkhart to have Anderson Plating Company do a full piston rebuild. All major dents have been burnished out in our shop in Wichita. This is a good one....used amazingly little in the past four score and eight years. Conn still makes a Sousa, now with a suggested retail price of $8740. This one's better than a new one and isn't even expensive! $2150 without case; $2350 with new MTS hardshell case. SOLD
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ORIGINAL AND RARE FRENCH OPHICLEIDE BY HALARI 1852 - 1870. This beauty has now had all dents and dings burnished out, pads replaced, springs made to work like originally intended and is now ready to play! The bell is stamped “ (cor de chasse logo) / HALARI / FOURNseur de L’EMPEREUR / A PARIS “. As the photos show, the body is of yellow brass, the crook original and the keywork of nickel-silver alloy. A quick look in our history books tells us that Napoleon III became President of the Second Republic in 1848, assumed the role of emperor four years later, a position he held until the Franco-Prussian conflict of 1870. It’s therefore obvious that our instrument was made between 1852 and 1870. Earlier instruments, of course, would have been fitted with brass, not nickel-silver keywork. According to the Grove Dictonary of Musical Instruments, Halari was the inventor of the ophicleide and enjoyed the reputation of being the pre-eminent maker of the instrument. ”Ophicleide…An obsolete lip-energized brass wind instrument belonging to the keyed bugle family, to which it forms the natural bass. It was patented by the French maker Halary (Jean Hilaire Aste) in 1821…The tone of the instrument when well played is full and resonant; the derogatory comments of some musical historians seem little justified, as does the unkind nickname ‘chromatic bullock’ which so amused some Victorian reporters. Today in Britain there is a revival of interest in the ophicleide, as there is in the keyed bugle in the USA, and a number of professional brass players are giving attention to its technique. Composers such as Mendelssohn, Schumann, Verdi and Wagner wrote important parts for it; its characteristic tone is not always well replaced in their works by the orchestral tuba…” In other words, you can’t do “Midsummer” without one. The solos just don’t sound right on an F-tuba, you’ve got to agree. Ophicleides do pop up from time to time and we note that “anonymous” instruments from the large Gautrot-Couesnon factory (still listed in their 1913 catalog), while of quality, simply do not compare to the “professional models” from Halari’s Paris workshop. All right, we’ll say it…” Halari was the Antonius Stradivarius of the ophicleide”. $5500.00 SOLD
Rare Vintage English concert tuba in the key of BB-flat by Boosey-Hawkes / Besson (London), model 226 “full automatic compensating system” with 17 inch, large bore, upright bell construction. The instrument has THREE compensating pistons. Condition is good, with dents to the end-bow and slides recently burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Serial # is 551,303, dating from 1974. The original lacquer is worn maybe 10%. Original pistons are in good condition, showing minimal wear. Bore size is .7302. This one’s 100% English, of high quality, has the voice of a giant cathedral pipe-organ. Highest recommendation. This one’s $1850.
Rare Vintage English concert tuba in the key of BB-flat by Boosey-Hawkes / Besson (London), Large bore, bell front construction. The instrument has THREE non-compensating pistons. Condition is good, with dents to the end-bow and slides recently burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Serial # is 220,108, dating from before 1960. The original silver plate is worn maybe 10%. Pistons are in good condition, showing minimal wear. Bore size is .7302. This one’s 100% English, of high quality, has the voice of a giant cathedral pipe-organ. Highest recommendation. This one’s $1650.
Rare Vintage English concert tuba in the key of BB-flat by Boosey-Hawkes / Besson (London). “Full automatic compensating system” with large bore, bell front construction. The instrument has THREE compensating pistons. Condition is good, with dents to the end-bow and slides recently burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Serial # is 145,156, dating from before 1950. The lacquer is worn maybe 40%. Original pistons are in good condition, showing minimal wear. Bore size is .7302. This one’s 100% English, of high quality, has the voice of a giant cathedral pipe-organ. Highest recommendation. This one’s $1650.
Rare English concert tuba in the key of BB-flat by Boosey-Hawkes / Besson (London), model 226 “full automatic compensating system” with 17 inch, large bore, upright bell construction. The instrument has four compensating pistons. Condition is good, with dents to the end-bow and slides recently burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Serial # is 555,220, dating from 1974. The original lacquer is worn maybe 10%. Original pistons are in good condition, showing minimal wear. Bore size is .7302. Besson tubas and lower brass instruments are today made in India. The last of the non-Indian tubas were virtually identical to our instrument, cataloged as their “model 992”, with 19 inch rather than 17 inch bell diameter. This one’s 100% English, of high quality, has the voice of a giant cathedral pipe-organ. Highest recommendation. This one’s $2850. SOLD 06/07
Good used Yamaha YBB-641 Professional BB-flat tuba, #01183x, with four rotary valves. The 641 professional BBb tuba features a rotary valve configuration for a traditional Teutonic sound with the kind of precise intonation and easy playability only made possible by modern engineering expertise. It is characterized by a warm dark sound with an abundance of tonal colors. Features: Professional Series, Key BBb, Material: Yellow brass, Front action Valves: 4 rotors, Bell: 419mm (16-1/2"), Bore: 20.6mm (0.811"), Finish: Clear lacquer. Our used Yamaha YBB-641 is in good condition, dents and dings have been burnished out in our shop; the tuba is now dent free. Rotors are tight and valve action is quiet, quick, and smooth. Suggested retail price for a new Yamaha YBB-641 tuba is $11,397. “Street Price” is about $7950.00. But why buy a new one? $3950 without case; $4450 with new case.
Good used Yamaha YBB-641 Professional BB-flat tuba, #01330x, with four rotary valves. The 641 professional BBb tuba features a rotary valve configuration for a traditional Teutonic sound with the kind of precise intonation and easy playability only made possible by modern engineering expertise. It is characterized by a warm dark sound with an abundance of tonal colors. Features: Professional Series, Key BBb, Material: Yellow brass, Front action Valves: 4 rotors, Bell: 419mm (16-1/2"), Bore: 20.6mm (0.811"), Finish: Clear lacquer. Our used Yamaha YBB-641 is in good condition, dents and dings have been burnished out in our shop; the tuba is now dent free. Rotors are tight and valve action is quiet, quick, and smooth. Suggested retail price for a new Yamaha YBB-641 tuba is $11,397. “Street Price” is about $7950.00. But why buy a new one? $3950 without case; $4450 with new case.
Good modern BBb large bore four piston valve concert tuba, made by Yamaha model number YBB-321. Serial number O11619, the gold lacquer finish worn maybe 10%. Dents and dings removed, original pistons still good. Original case is worn but solid. Yamaha’s model YBB-321 (with case) now has a suggested retail price of $7016. Our tuba isn’t “like new”, but is very good, totally original and priced at a mere $2350.
Good modern ¾ tuba, made by Yamaha model number YBB-103. Serial number 001427, the gold lacquer finish worn maybe 10%. Dents and dings removed, original pistons still good. Yamaha’s model YBB-105 (with case) now has a suggested retail price of $5964. Our tuba isn’t “like new”, but is very good, very original and priced at a mere $1350.
Demo King 2341W Full-Size Concert Tuba with Four Pistons and hard Case with Wheels.
It’s actually a new instrument, acquired by us at a special price because of one small ding in the bottom bow about the size of a dime. Ever see a tuba without one ding?
Otherwise, this superb, large bore concert tuba is new and perfect, with no other dings, no sctatches to the lacquer finish, no damage or defects of any type.
Features:
BBb, 4 front action valves, .687" (17.45mm) bore, 20" (508mm) upright bell.
Hand-adjustable 1st valve slide.
Lacquer finish, 18 mouthpiece. With hardshell case.
A full-size tuba with a centered, rich tone.
Front action valves and an easy to reach 1st valve slide allow for fine tuning during performance.
Full factory warranty from King (Conn – Selmer) plus Wichita Band’s two-year service warranty. .
Suggested retail price for a new King 2341 tuba outfit is $8060.00. Our price is $4495.
This one’s never been sold, never owned by anyone, and has never been out of our store. It’s about as close to perfect as any "demo" could ever be!
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PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS
TIMPANI
Ludwig 26" universal fiberglass timp, very good condition. $595.
New instruments available from Ludwig/Musser.
Please inquire for the best price.
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Long story on these...
Paxman Musical Instruments consists of two separate workshops. Same three owners, but a retail shop in London and a small manufacturing workshop in the Kent countryside.
Paxman manufactures professional quality horns in England. Everything is made by Paxman in the United Kingdom except for a few small bits and pieces like water keys and slide pull-rings. 100%.....well, 99.99 % "made in England".
We've never imported them, but Paxman's retail shop, for more than three decades, sold student-quality horns that were made for them in Europe.
The so-called "Primo" horns were singles or compensator doubles, built by Borghi and Antonelli ("Anborg") in Como, right on the Italian-Swiss border. There are lots of them still in England, a handful have come to the States, but not through us. Production ceased more than 20 years ago.
The "Studenti" horns were also Italian, made for Paxman by the Benicchio workshop in Milan. We considered them to be of better quality than the Anborgs and the majority of them were made up as full doubles. Benicchio also produced horns under the name "Kallison". About six or seven years ago, the workshop produced a handful of "Series III" horns for Paxman, a model that was built to Paxman's specs, unlike anything else being built by them.
But the last of the Benicchio family retired several years back and that means the recent "Series III" horns are also no longer in production. Nor are the Studentis, for that matter.
In an attempt to replace the Benicchio horns, Paxman's Directors have looked at a number of alterntives. A small handful of horns were built for Paxman in the Czech Republic, by Lidl. We've not imported any of these, but had no problem with the design, the acoustics or the quality of construction. When we were last in London, Paxman still had a small number of them available.
Our recommendation, as a replacement for the Italian instruments, was to fit a Paxman 20LY mouthpipe to some prototype horns that were built for us by Cerveny. We've had only half a dozen of these, have placed several with student musicians, still have a few available for immediate shipment.
In the meantime, Paxman's Directors have made arrangements to have the new "Academy" horns built for them in mainland China. We've seen some of the first models, are quite positive about them. Director Tim Jones (principal horn of the London Philharmonic) has made four visits to the Chinese workshop to iron out the bugs. And yes, these horns are now available from us.
The Cervenys that were built for us are similar to Paxman's model 23, but with somewhat heavier construction. One of the most expensive production procedures with Paxman is that the bell sections are thinned out on a huge lathe. It's labor intensive and one of the reasons Paxman's English instruments are as costly as they are.
The prototypes made for us by Cerveny have heavier bell sections, thereby cutting costs considerably.
Valves are superb, arguably as good as any rotors now in production anywhere. Lacquer finishes are tops and the horns actually work very well. With Paxman's mouthpipe, intonation is just as perfect as on our "top-of-the-line" English doubles.
Bottom line is that here's a chance to acquire a quality double horn for a very low price. New, clean, never rented or previously sold.
Nope, they're not a $7500 Paxman, but they don't cost that much, either.
Top recommendation, not expensive, happy to send "on approval", so you'll agree with us about the high quality of these superb student full doubles!
Our Prototype Cerveny is an excellent playing horn, exhibits high-quality workmanship and is a "best buy" with a price of only $1295.00.
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