French
Horns
Trumpets
Cornets
Trombones
Lower
Brass
Percussion
Instruments
This page updated August 15, 2011.
FRENCH HORNS, used and vintage
C.G.Conn 6D double horn #C6939x (Elkhart, 1964). Conn’s basic double horn with 75% original lacquer finish, good case, dings burnished out in our shop in Wichita. We’ve replaced the original damaged mouthpipe, have burnished out all dings and dents. To protect the brass, we’ve over-sprayed worn areas with a coat of Nikolas 2105 acrylic lacquer. It’s a good basic “made in America” double. This one came to us with worn rotors, so we’ve had Chuck Ward rebuild and nickel plate the valves. Rotors are now “better than new”. It’s no beauty queen, but plays very well indeed, a product of the best years of brass production at Conn’s Elkhart factory. This one’s a mere $1725.
Holton H-378, a good brass double horn, #672,17x made about 1998. 95% original lacquer finish, a few minor dings have been burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Good new American case. New suggested retail price is now $4010. It’s virtually the same as their “H-178 Phil Farkas” horn, but without his name on the bell. This one’s a mere $1695.00.
“King 1159” double horn, #650,02x, made in Cleveland about 1985, maybe early 1942. It’s come to us in good original condition with about than 95% lacquer finish, new mouthpipe, dents and dings removed in our shop in Wichita. Never any major damage and the rotors are still good. The case looks new, the horn clean and very playable. This one’s a mere $1345.
Excellent Paxman model 80LND compensating triple. Solid nickel silver, detachable bell, no lacquer. Rotors are hollow and newly rebuilt by Chuck Ward. The horn’s never suffered any nasty damage, the metal strong and healthy. New Paxman model 80LNDs are going for about $17,000.00.
Ours is only $8895.00 and includes a new Bonna MB-5 case.
Superb top-quality triple French horn, model 80MGD by Paxman (London), #220x, made in London in the early 1990’s. Lacquer is worn less than 2%, minor dings to the bell flair have been burnished out in our shop. Recently traded for a new Alexander triple horn, this one’s in fine original condition, now with USA selling price of $16,300. This one’s a best buy at $11,150.
Single B-flat horn from C. G. Conn, model 16D, #E69940. Three rotors, all brass construction, the original lacquer is worn less than 5%. Some evidence of dent removal to the bell spout and mouthpipe. The horn is clean, has a new case with it and plays very well. New retail price is now $2395. This one’s a mere $1295.00
Single F horn from the H.N. White Company “King” #245,283. Three rotors, all brass construction, the original dark lacquer is worn less than 5%. When it was made it was “top of the line” from King. The horn is clean, has a new case with it and plays very well. Made just after WWII, it’s a fine single! This one’s a mere $1295.00
Single Bb horn from Yamaha, model YHR-321, #0001513. Four rotors, all brass construction, the original lacquer is worn less than 5%. The horn is clean, has aa good original case with it and plays very well. Has been converted to a detachable bell model. Not been played much, probably 20 years old or a bit more. This one’s a mere $895.00
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! PLEASE EMAIL...
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
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.
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Rare antique piston-valve 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). Nine original crooks plus a B-flat coupler. There’s 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. $6250.
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
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. $995.
used BACH “Stradivarius” Bb trumpets are almost always available, please email for the most current info.
SUPERB AND RARE EARLY “BACH STRADIVARIUS” TRUMPET, Model 180-37, #1142x, made in Mt. Vernon, New York in 1953. It’s a superb and original instrument that’s come to us with no damage, no patches or thin spots. Valves have recently been rebuilt by Anderson Plating and the lacquer finish is new, from our shop in Wichita. Price includes new Bach Strad case. Very good example that’s quite different from a modern Bach. ML bore size, no bell number stamped to the bell section. $2595.
SUPERB BACH STRAD TRUMPET, 180S-37, #457,37x, made in Elkhart, Indiana, about 1996 - 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 new Bach Strad case. It’s close to being a “closet” trumpet that doesn’t appear to have been played in the last 15 years. Very good example at a “best buy” price. $1545.
GOOD BACH STRAD TRUMPET, 180S-37 med-large bore, (.459) #651,02x, made in Elkhart, Indiana, about 2005. This trumpet comes to us with 100% original silver plate finish intact, with very good valves that are almost like new. Never any serious dents, minor dings burnished out in our shop in Wichita. With new Bach case. Very good example from a good time-period. $1595.
New professional "PRIVILEGE AC307S" Bb Trumpet by A. Courtois (Paris). Our new Antoine Courtois AC307S came to us from another dealer that had too many. It's in perfect condition and includes new factory guarantee card and the WBIC 24 month service warranty - please see below for details. The AC307 is a medium-large bore (.459 inches) Bb trumpet with the optional bright silver plate finish. Bell diameter is 5 inches Pistons are monel alloy and there is a thumb hook on the 1st slide, ring pull on the 3rd slide. Engraved on the bell "Antoine Courtois/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 high prices. This "PRIVILEGE AC307" is a professional model in the new Courtois "AC" series, top quality and a first-rate trumpet. Street price for this model is around $1675.00. Our price is only $1,150.00.
STUNNING SURVIVOR, PAN AMERICAN B-FLAT TRUMPET by C.G. CONN, 1949! In it's day, this would have been a "budget" trumpet. But, the world has changed, and this fine trumpet from the C. G. Conn Company shows a quality of design and construction almost impossible to find today, even on the most expensive professional instruments. "Pan American" was the best of Conn's student-level instrument brand names ("Cavalier" and "Continental Colonel" were also used). The Pan American brand was available from C. G. Conn from the mid-1920's to the mid-1950's. By 1956 the Conn company decided to discontinue the Pan American name and started using "Director" as its designation for student brass instruments. We acquired our Pan American trumpet from the original owner, who had stored it in the closet for decades. Serial number is 193,545, dating the trumpet's manufacture to 1949 in C. G. Conn's Elkhart, Indiana factory. Hold it in your hands and play it, and it will be immediately apparent that this is an exceptional trumpet. Lacquer finish is original, worn no more than 2%. Original nickel plating on the valve pistons is perfect, showing almost no wear at all; the pistons tight in the casings with excellent compression and fast, silent action. The trumpet comes with Conn EZ-Tone mouthpiece (probably original) and in its original case, still with the original handle and hasp latches with springs that still work! It's an amazing survivor of a quality that unfortunately is no longer available anywhere. $295.00
GOOD “STEP UP” mid-range Bb TRUMPET FROM THE C.G. CONN company (Elkhart), model “77B Connquest”, 95% original gold lacquer finish, serial #M-20915, made in Indiana in 1969. It’s a very clean example, that we give a good “9.9” rating. Original nickel pistons are “like new. Similar to Conn’s model 22B, but designed for the advanced student. Bore size is .438, bell diameter is 4 5/8 inches. Top recommendation on this good “made in America” trumpet! $395.00.
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.
Rare professional B-flat trumpet by A. Courtois (Paris) #15,92x, made in France about 1975. Good original condition with 99% original bright silver plate finish, bell dings to the flair & spout recently burnished out in our shop. Large bore size (.465 inches) with “29” stamped on the mouthpiece receiver. Original nickel-plated pistons are absolutely perfect. Engraved on the bell“Antoine Courtois / 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.
SUPERB VINTAGE Bb TRUMPET FROM THE H.N. Whte Company in Cleveland “KING LIBERTY 1045-S SILVERSONIC”, #360,14x, made in 1957. Original nickel plated pistons are still very good…never re-plated or rebuilt. Bell section is solid sterling silver, gold plate inside the bell. Original lacquer to the valve cluster is worn less than 5%. This is one of the “real” King trumpets, their traditional design with X brace on the main tuning slide, .448 bore size. Rare, superb player, this one gets our top recommendation! $1345.00.
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.
GOOD GERMAN ROTARY TRUMPET, KEY OF C WITH CHANGE ROTOR TO B. Garland (Kranz) is nickel silver, engraved "Joh. Michl & Sohn Graslitz i. Boehm. " Bell diameter is 120 mm (4 3/4 inches); bore size, measured at the second slide, is 10.65 mm (.420 inches) Body of the trumpet is gold brass, with nickel-silver trim. The trumpet is unlacquered, appears to have never been lacquered. Pitched in the key of C, with quick-change to B-natural. Pull the main tuning slide and it plays in Bb at A = 440 pitch. We've balled and burnished out major dents, have not sanded or buffed the brass. Like Richard Nixon said, "Well, we could do it, but it wouldn't be right..." Price includes nickel-plated mouthpiece, no case. It seems that Johann Michl and his family had a good sized workshop in Graslitz, making all sorts of wind instruments, specialists for brasses. Guenter Dullat's 2010 book on German wind instrument makers has a half-page report on Johann Michl's workshop. Based on the report, we believe our trumpet to date from before 1900, perhaps as early as 1870. Two ancient patches, shown in the photos...one on the main tuning slide, the other at the tail of the bell. Interesting collector's piece, or perhaps even perfect for Wagner or Bruckner. $785
Good American vintage trumpet from Martin (Elkhart) "Imperial", #713,15x (1958). After WWII, the "Imperial" name was reserved for Martin's "step-up" trumpet... between the "Committee" and the "Indiana". This one's come to us in very good original condition, wearing 90% of the original lacquer and very good original valves. We consider these to be top quality student instruments, quite unlike anything that's now in production. $595.
CORNETS, vintage and used
Rare German trumpet/cornet 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. $995.
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”. $1375.
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”. $1375.
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) / 2815x ”. (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.
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.
Photo
Photo
Photo
Rare Vintage French Cornet, Stoelzel valves , made about 1840. Bell is engraved “Chambry / a Grenoble “. There’s no mention of the maker in the “New Langwill Index”. In fact, there’s no mention of any musical instrument maker in Grenoble. From the design of the instrument, we believe it was built before 1850. It’s a typical cornet, or “cornopean” with the earliest type of Stoelzel valves. Developed before 1820, Stoelzels were the first piston valves to be found on French brass instruments. Do an internet search for Stoelzels and you’ll find all sorts of technical information. We’ve not, however, been able to find any information about the maker of this instrument. We do know that Gautrot was building brasses for various music shops and dealers, but he wasn’t in the business until 1845. Gautrot’s predecessor, A.G. Guichard employed a large number of workers in Paris from 1827 and it’s possible his firm could have produced this instrument for a dealer in Grenoble. Whoever built the cornet, it’s quite a fine example that’s original in all parts. Note the offset second piston and the original valve buttons. Because it’s a historical instrument, we’ve done only minimal work to it. There are several older patches to the tubing that we’ve elected to leave alone rather than to remove and replace. Pistons are worn, of course, and should be rebuilt to make the instrument fully playable. We measure the bore size, at the second slide, as 11.5 mm (.452 inches); the bell diameter is 130 mm (5.1 inches). Carrying case / box appears to be the original, but the lining is a later replacement. Case handle, latches and hinges are original. Detachable mouthpipe is stamped “SB” (B-flat) and appears to be the original. The instrument plays at A = 435 pitch, but is difficult to get a proper tone due to the worn pistons. Mouthpiece is small, unplated brass, funnel shaped and without a name. The instrument also comes with several additional crooks, marked “La-B” (A flat), “Sol” (G), “Fa” (F) and “Mi” (E). There’s also a coupler marked “Mi-b” (E flat) that can be combined with the other crooks to bring the pitch down one-half step. No major dents to the body of the instrument, but the crooks have not yet been de-dented.
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 $1495.00.
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.
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.
Selmer Paris cornet, #595x, please email for more info...
Selmer Paris cornet, #366x, please email for more info...
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. $1150.
FLUEGELHORNS
Good used Fluegelhorns by Courtois, Couesnon, Besson and/or Selmer usually available, please email for current info.
Good Fluegelhorn by A. Courtois, serial number 888x, circa 1985. The bell is engraved “Antoine Courtois, Paris”. Very good original bright silver finish, the original finish is 98% or better. The pistons are stainless steel and very tight. Bell diameter is 6 1/8 inches and the bore size (measured at the second slide) is .411 inches. Original Courtois #4-1/2D mouthpiece. This is a very clean example that needs nothing doing to it. $1495.
Good Fluegelhorn by A. Courtois, serial number 1072x, circa 1990. The bell is engraved “Antoine Courtois, Paris”. Very good original bright silver finish, the original finish is 98% or better. The pistons are stainless steel and very tight. Bell diameter is 6 1/8 inches and the bore size (measured at the second slide) is .411 inches. Original Courtois #4-1/2D mouthpiece. This is a very clean example that needs nothing doing to it. $1495.
Soprano Fluegelhorn in Eb, made probably in the 1920's or 1930's by J. Gras (Paris and Lille). Serial number is 951x, bore size .394 inches (10.0mm), bell diameter is 4.625 inches (118mm). Original pistons are unplated brass, still very tight. Rare item, looks like it has never been played. $1495.
TROMBONES, vintage & used
Used Bach, Conn, King, Benge and other professional trombones are usually available. Please email for the most current info.
Used Bach Stradivarius trombone, model LT36BG, rotor #2559x, slide #6407x, medium-large bore, F attachment, gold brass bell, lightweight nickel silver slide. We’ve removed all dents and dings, applied new lacquer finish and put the trombone with a new hard shell case.
New list price is $4035.00 WBIC price - $1695.00
Used Bach Stradivarius trombone, model 42BO, rotor #1880x, slide #158,03x, large bore, F attachment, yellow brass bell. We’ve removed all dents and dings, applied new lacquer finish to the bell flare, and put the trombone with a new hard shell Bach case.
New list price is $3835.00 WBIC price - $1695.00
Benge model 165F trombone (built in the same factory and similar to King 2104F), serial number 5-524,61x (rotor) and number C-293x (slide). Has F-attachment, .547 bore size, dents burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Ding to the bell-ring. Original gold lacquer is 99%, with almost no wear at all. Conn-style case is good and with new outer slide. This one’s a “best buy” at $795.
LOWER BRASS
COUESNON baritone horn, 3 valve model, bell front, all new lacquer, new case, good valves. $1295.
Used C. G. CONN 14I baritone horn, #L8058x, 3 valve model, Pan-Am bell, 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. $1295.
Used C. G. CONN 20I baritone horn, #N1745x, 3 valve model, short action pistons, “Lady Face” engraving, bell front, made in Elkhart, Indiana in 1970. The original valves are good, showing no wear, but still tight and fast. New case, new lacquer finish to the detachable bell section. Dings and dents burnished out, all parts original, good player and not expensive. “Made in America”. $1295.
SUPERB VINTAGE BESSON COMPENSATING EUPHONIUM, made in London. FOUR pistons, full compensating model, new lacquer finish, never any large dents, minor dings burnished out in our shop in Wichita. New SKB case. Besson lower brass production is now in east Germany; this beauty was made in England. Ten inch bell diameter, .580 bore size. The original pistons are close to perfect, show no wear anywhere. Their current model BE-967 euphonium has a suggested retail price of $9980. This one's a mere $2650. Better than a new one? Some people tell us it is!
DEMO MEINL WESTON 451S Euphonium, 4-valve compensating model, silver plate finish, used on a couple displays, but in like-new condition. $4250.
***********************************************************************************
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. 20K's, 14K's, 36K's etc... if we don't have them now we will soon.
Good Eb Sousaphone from Buescher, serial #223,62x (from 1927). Original silver plating is worn maybe 5 – 10%. The original pistons were rebuilt by Anderson Silver Plating showing no wear whatsoever. A great lighter alternative to a big BBb! This one is $1395.
Superb vintage Conn 14K Sousaphone, #800,40x (Elkhart, 1960), has very good original pistons, 50 – 60 % original lacquer finish. All dents and dings burnished out in our shop in Wichita. New suggested retail price on a new Conn brass Sousa is now $9645 with street price / school bid price about $6500. This one’s a very good example, plays great! $2450. SOLD
C.G. Conn model 22K fiberglass Sousaphone, #K9988x A clean Conn Sousa that’s come to us with no dents or dings, no breaks to the fiberglass and with new white paint and new lacquer finish to the brass valve / slide cluster. No longer in production, this is Conn’s fiber Sousa with LARGE BORE and short-action pistons. This one looks and plays like a new instrument, but not nearly as expensive! $1775.
Very good Sousaphone from Conn, model 32K in silver plate, serial #324,25x. Original silver plating is worn maybe 10%. All major dents have been burnished out in our shop in Wichita. This is the “lightweight” version of Conn’s 38K Sousaphone. The bell is engraved, “Fidelity” but this one is still a great player. This one’s $2250.
C.G. Conn Model 36K fiberglass Sousaphone, #R2999x A clean Conn Sousa that's come to us with no breaks to the fiberglass and with new white paint and new lacquer finish to the brass valve / slide cluster. Dents and dings burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Good original valves, the Sousa clean and straight! $1375
C.G. Conn model 36K fiberglass Sousaphone, #GK80007x A clean Conn Sousa that’s come to us with no breaks to the fiberglass and with new white paint and new lacquer finish to the brass valve / slide cluster. Dents and dings burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Good original valves, the Sousa clean and straight! $1375.
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
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
***********************************************************************************
Rare Vintage English concert tuba in the key of BB-flat by Boosey-Hawkes / Besson (London). Large bore, upright bell construction. 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.
Good concert BBb tuba from Cerveny, model "Kaiser 190", with 4 rotary valves, 21mm bore size, large upright bell, nickel-silver garland on the bell, #9203x. This one came to us with some dents and dings to the end-bow, that we've balled and burnished out. 90-95% original lacquer finish, retail price on a new one is $9100. $3650.
Vintage Conn model 20-J tuba, BELL FRONT #75666x, made in Elkhart in 1958. Three short-action piston valves are absolutely perfect. Lacquer finish is worn about 50%, major dents and dings have been burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Worn lacquer areas have been over-sprayed to protect the metal and the end-bow and bell spout have been lightly polished and re-sprayed with new lacquer. Conn’s best BBb three valve tuba in the fifties, with large bore size and 24 inch bell. This one also has original wood cases with it. Good original condition, superb player. $1750.00.
Vintage Conn model 24-J tuba, BELL FRONT #K2840x, made in Elkhart in 1967. .773 bore size, FOUR piston valves are in very good condition. Body wears 95% original bright silver plate, the bell with new gold lacquer finish, major dents and dings have been burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Conn’s best BBb tuba in the sixties, now in very good original condition. $3250.
Vintage Conn model 24-J tuba, BELL FRONT #M9917x, made in Elkhart in 1969. .773 bore size, FOUR piston valves are in very good condition. Lacquer finish is worn about 20%, major dents and dings have been burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Worn lacquer areas have been over-sprayed to protect the brass. Conn’s best BBb tuba in the sixties, now in very good original condition. $2450.00.
Vintage KING model tuba, BELL UPRIGHT #769,30x (1978 / 1979). FOUR piston valves are in very good condition. Lacquer finish is worn maybe 50%, major dents and dings have been burnished out in our shop in Wichita, bell spout and end-bow now with new lacquer. Other worn lacquer areas have been over-sprayed to protect the brass. Very good player, this one with original hardsell cases. $1735.00. SOLD
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!
SUPERB “ALMOST NEW” MIRAFONE Professional CC tuba, MODEL 186-4U, #1541x, has four rotary valves, upright bell, large bore size, solid nickel Kranz (garland) on the bell, nickel-silver mouthpipe. Never any major damage, minor dents and dings now burnished out in our shop. Rotors are still very good and valve action is quiet, quick, and smooth. “Street Price” on a new one is now about $8850.00. It’s very close to pristine, a good player that’s clean and straight, with padded bag that looks new. $4650.00
Good Yamaha YBB-103 medium bore concert ¾ size tuba, three front-action piston valves, upright bell. Serial number 100,124. Valves are very good, no wear at all. Bell and end-bow have had some minor dings and dents, but nothing major. Says “Holton” on the bell, but definitely a Yamaha. Yamaha’s model YBB-105 (with case) now has a suggested retail price of $3590 with street price right at $2400.00. Our tuba isn’t absolutely “like new”, but wears 90% original lacquer has no dents or dings and plays great! It’s a real “best buy” at $1695.
Good Yamaha YBB-201 large bore concert tuba, three piston valves, upright bell. Serial number 102,33x. Valves are very good, no wear at all. Bell’s had some minor dings and dents, but nothing major. End-bow’s been dented, but never anything major...now with all dents burnished out in our shop in Wichita. Yamaha’s model YBB-201 (with case) now has a suggested retail price of $7662 with street price right at $5350.00. Our tuba isn’t absolutely “like new”, but wears 90% original lacquer has no dents or dings and plays great! It’s a real “best buy” at $2350.
Good Yamaha YBB-321 large bore concert tuba, four piston valves, upright bell. Serial number 105,08x. Valves are very good, no wear at all. Bell’s had some minor dings and dents, but nothing major. End-bow’s been badly dented, so we’ve replaced that part of the tuba with a new section. Yamaha’s model YBB-321 (with case) now has a suggested retail price of $9122 with street price right at $5978.00. Our tuba isn’t absolutely “like new”, but wears 90% original lacquer has no dents or dings and plays great! It’s a real “best buy” at $3250. sold
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Good Yamaha YBB-321 large bore concert tuba, four piston valves, upright bell. Serial number 103,172. Valves are very good, no wear at all. Bell and end-bow have had some minor dings and dents, but nothing major. Yamaha’s model YBB-321 (with case) now has a suggested retail price of $9122 with street price right at $5978.00. Our tuba isn’t absolutely “like new”, but wears 90% original lacquer has no dents or dings and plays great! It’s a real “best buy” at $2750.
Good used Yamaha YBB-641 Professional BB-flat tuba, #00034x, 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 fine condition, never seriously damaged. Dents and dings have been burnished out in our shop; the tuba is now dent free and has been fitted with a new mouthpipe. Rotors are tight and valve action is quiet, quick, and smooth. Mouthpiece and solid, original hard case are included. Suggested retail price for a new Yamaha YBB-641 tuba is $11,967 “Street Price” is about $8400.00. But why buy a new one? $4250.00 without case or $4695 with new MTS or SKB case.
Superb used Yamaha YBB-641 Professional BB-flat tuba, #01547x (2004),four rotary valves, upright bell. 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 like-new condition, never damaged. Very minor dings have been burnished out in our shop and are now totally invisible. Rotors are tight and valve action is quiet, quick, and smooth. 100% original lacquer finish with NO wear anywhere to the lacquer. Mouthpiece and solid, original hard case are included. Suggested retail price for a new Yamaha YBB-641 tuba is $11,967 “Street Price” is about $8400.00. But why buy a new one? Very much a “9.9 on a scale of ten” instrument. $5250.00.
ORIGINAL AND RARE FRENCH OPHICLEIDE BY KELHERMANN, please email for more info...
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
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
GOOD MIRAPHONE Professional CC tuba, MODEL CC186-4U, #15,41x, has four rotary valves, upright bell, large bore size, solid nicke Kranz (garland) on the bell, nickel-silver mouthpipe. .772 bore size/17.7 inch bell diameter. Acquired by us with numerous minor wrinkles and damaged lacquer and the wrinkle has disappeared. Rotors are still very good and valve action is quiet, quick and smooth. "street Price" on a new one is now about $8850.00. It's a good example, not expensive. $4650.
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
***********************************************************************************
PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS
TIMPANI
Ludwig 25" "WFL Standard Symphony timpani, copper bowl, with new head and new tuning gauge. In fine condition, with no damage anywhere. It's an older but clean timp that's come to us in good original condition. Never abused, top recommendation. New suggested retail price is now $3990, with school bid price around $2500. Why buy a new one? $1095
Ludwig 26" "Dresden" style copper timp. Please email or call for more info.
Ludwig 23" "Universal" copper timp. Please email or call for more info.
Ludwig 29" "Universal" style copper timp. Please email or call for more info.
Ludwig 26" "Standard" style copper timp. Please email or call for more info.
New instruments available from Ludwig/Musser. Please inquire for the best price.