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This page updated 6/26/08. FRENCH HORNS, used and vintage Come see us at the International Horn Show in Denver, July 23-26, 2008! We'll be there with dozens of horns new, reconditioned and antique. On the way to us now... early 1800's natural horn by Courtois Neveu, Rue des Provaires, St. Eustache a Paris. Nine crooks. Please email for more info... Our Alexander 1103ML was made in 2006. It's been played professional, valves are perfect, original lacquer finish is 99.9% intact. The horn has no dents, a couple of very small dings and has never had any nasty damage!
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. 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 (Elkhart) 6D double horn, #822,000. It’s an original Elkhart 6D with dents and dings removed in our shop in Wichita. Original lacquer finish is worn maybe 5%. It’s been cleaned up and has a new American case with it, as well. Quite different from today’s Conn 6D horns, this one is a “best buy” at $1350.
C.G.Conn (Elkhart) 6D double horn, #L30180 (1968). It’s an original Elkhart 6D with dents and dings removed in our shop in Wichita. Original lacquer finish is worn maybe 5%. It’s been cleaned up and has a new American case with it, as well. Quite different from today’s Conn 6D horns, this one is a “best buy” at $1350.
C.G.Conn (Elkhart) 8D double horn, #K6178x (1967). It’s an original Elkhart 8D with good original rotors, dents and dings removed in our shop in Wichita. The instrument has been converted recently to a detachable bell horn. Sold with TWO bell flares, the original (several patches to the throat) and a new 8D flare from Conn. New flat case, two bell flares. $3125.
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 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.
Holton H-180 double horn. Serial # 522,890. The valves are very good, the case is very good. Lacquer finish is worn maybe 5%. Dents and dings burnished out, now nearly invisible. The H-180 is their large bell “Phil Farkas” model, now with a suggested retail price of $5100. With new case, this one’s $1695.
Holton H-275, a large bell “Merker” model double horn that’s solid nickel-silver, #662,81x, made about 1999 . 98% original lacquer finish, small dings to the bell flare have been burnished out in our shop. Never wrinkled, this one looks very close to new. New suggested retail price is now $6395. This one’s a good “9.9 on a scale of ten”. Why buy a new one? $2195.
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.
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. $XXXX
TRUMPETS, vintage & used
COMING SOON... Olds "Mendez" model, J. Parduba NY, French Besson, Martin Committee 172K, and Martin (Lion engraving) trumpets, please email for more info.
used BACH “Stradivarius” Bb trumpets are almost always available, please email for the most current info.
BACH 180S-37, silver plated “Stradivarius” B-flat trumpet, #137,65X, made in Elkhart in 1977. It’s a clean example, that we give a good “9.5” rating. Original silver plate is 99%. Original monel pistons are “like new”. Some burnishing for dent removal to the bell crook, done properly in our shop in Wichita. Price includes Bach mouthpiece and new Bach case. This one’s $1,395.00.
SUPERB BACH STRAD TRUMPET, LR180S reversed mouthpipe, large bore, (.462) , #312,79X, made in Elkhart, Indiana, about 1992. This trumpet comes to us with 99.5% original silver plate finish intact, with very good valves that are almost like new. Some evidence of scuffing of the silver plate to the back of the bell section. The original case is in good condition. Very good player, not expensive at $1395.
GOOD BACH STRAD TRUMPET, 180S-37, #331,10X, ML bore (.459) made in Elkhart, Indiana, about 1992. This trumpet comes to us with 100% replacement silver plate finish. New Bach case, with Bach mouthpiece. Good player, not expensive. $1245.
SUPERB BACH STRAD TRUMPET, 180S-37, #458,67X, made in Elkhart, Indiana, about 1996. 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: $1595.00.
BACH 180S-37 , silver plated “Stradivarius” B-flat trumpet, #639,37X, “37 bell” made in Elkhart in 2003 / 2004. It’s a clean example, that we give a good “9.9” rating. Original silver plate is 99%. Original monel pistons are “like new”. Minor ding shave been burnished out, but never any wrinkles to the bell flare or spout. Original Bach case, looks new. Price includes Bach mouthpiece. This one’s $1,595.00.
BACH LR180-43R, “Stradivarius” B-flat trumpet, #422,05X, made in Elkhart, Indiana, about 1996. It’s a very clean example, never any nasty damage and we give it a good “9.5” rating! Original monel pistons show no wear and are “like new”. Bell section is solid sterling silver; valve cluster and slides wear original gold lacquer finish. Some minor lacquer wear to the bell section, none to the brass. Never damaged or dented, with original case that’s almost perfect. Suggested retail price is now $4005. Why buy a new one? $1645.00
Original E. Benge “Claude Gordon” trumpet, serial number 1219x, made in Los Angeles in 1973. Original lacquer finish is worn maybe 5%, no major dents or dings, ever. Pistons are nickel plate are very tight, show NO wear to the plating. Original Australian case is in very good condition. Price includes original Purviance #3 mouthpiece. Very good, quite original example, superb player. This one’s $1295. SOLD
C.G. CONN (Elkhart) rare vintage Bb trumpet, "22B" model, #234,340 (1926), 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 quick-change main tuning slide, B-flat to A rotor. Never any bid dents, minor dings removed in our shop. Bore size is .440. Rare, good player! This one's $795
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
Professional Couesnon combination C / B-flat trumpet, the bell stamped “(Couesnon logo) / COUESNON / PARIS / 3411X / MONOPOLE / CONSERVATORIES / made in France”. The instrument has come to us in very good, nearly pristine, original condition. There are no worn areas to the original silver plate and it’s never had any major dents. First valve spring-loaded trigger and “underslung” third slide throw (like pre-war F. Besson trumpets). Chrome plated valves are very good, tight and with no wear anywhere. We measure the bore size as .455 inches, the bell 4 ¾ inches in diameter. Original case is very good, also with original Couesnon mouthpiece Made about 1970, we believe. As with all combo trumpets, the intonation is best when the C slide is used, but it plays almost as well also in B-flat. It’s a good pro C / Bb trumpet for a “best buy” price. $895. SOLD
Professional Couesnon combination C trumpet, the bell stamped “Rauber / Montreaux Lausanne /COUESNON / PARIS / MONOPOLE / CONSERVATORIES / (five pointed star) ”. The instrument has come to us in very good, nearly pristine, original condition. The original silver plate is 99% intact and it’s never had any major dents. With “underslung” third slide throw (like pre-war F. Besson trumpets). Original top-sprung nickel-silver plated pistons are very good, tight and with almost no wear. We measure the bore size as .457 inches, the bell 4 1/2 inches in diameter. With original Couesnon mouthpiece Made about 1960, we believe. It’s a good pro C trumpet for a “best buy” price. $695.
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. SOLD
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.
Used professional B-flat trumpet by A. Courtois (Paris) #74,35x. Good original condition with 95% original gold lacquer finish, bell dings to the flair & spout recently burnished out in our shop. The bore size is large (we measure it as .463). Stainless steel pistons are absolutely perfect. Engraved on the bell“Antoine Courtois PARIS”. The mouthpiece receiver is stamped “112L”. 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. A new Courtois B-flat trumpet would now retail for about $3000. With new case and original Courtois mouthpiece, this one: $795.00.
ALMOST NEW, PRO TRUMPET, GETZEN “PROFESSIONAL CUSTOM ARTIST”. We’ve sold Getzen brasses since the early 1960’s, but here’s a “best buy” that we’ve GOT to pass on to our customers! We’ve bought the entire stock of a music shop that’s recently decided to go in another direction. Included in the transaction is a GAGGLE of trumpets that are new, never been sold, never rented or otherwise offered to customers. Because we acquired them from another dealer, we’re obliged to sell them as “almost new” or “new old stock” or “demo models”. But the trumpets have never been sold, owned or rented. And our 24 month service warranty DOES apply. And Getzen’s “transferable warranty” ALSO is good. There are NO dents, wrinkles, scratches or dings anywhere on the instrument. But because it came from another dealer, we can’t sell it as “absolutely new”. It’s “like new”, but not quite new. It’s Getzen’s model 3051S “Professional Custom Artist “trumpet, made with .459 inch bore, #172 one piece, hand hammered heavy gold brass bell ,#125 mouthpipe and rounded main slide. It’s Getzen’s “top of the line” B-flat trumpet. Bore size is .459 inches and the bell is 4 3/4 inches in diameter. Pistons are nickel-plated. The bell, valve cluster and slides are all silver plated. Suggested retail price is now $2730 on this model. Price on this one is $1450. SOLD
Good pro-quality trumpet from the H. N. White Company “King Liberty”, #232,5xx, made in Cleveland in 1936. The original chrome-plated valves are like new and the instrument wears very good original silver finish with gold wash inside the bell, to the slides and on the name / logo on the bell. Medium bore size measures .448 at the second slide and the bell diameter is 4 ½ inches. The King Liberties were popular among commercial and jazz players in the forties and later, but they’re definitely not for everybody. Recommended for jazz or Big Band work, especially if the ensemble’s doing pre-1960 music. With original King M-18 mouthpiece and King case from the late fifties. $1095.
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
CORNETS, vintage and used
Coming soon... French Besson Cornets! Couesnon Fluegel... Please email for more info...
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.
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
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
Used modern and antique cornets by Courtois and Couesnon usually available, please email for the most current info.
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 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.
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, #166,26x (slide), #30,25x (rotor). This one looks like it's been played about a half-dozen times. It is "almost new", with 99% original lacquer finish, never any major dents or damage, only a few light scratches and minor ding removal to the end-bow and the finish of the hand slide. Bore size is .547 inches; the yellow brass bell is 8-1/2 inches in diameter, and the trombone has open-wrap F-attachment. The outer playing slide legs are original and perfect, the inner slide shows no wear at all. Bach 6-1/2A mouthpiece. Price includes very good original case for $1695.
Bach Stradivarius 42B trombone, #52,97x (slide), #14,07x (rotor). Aquired by us with a few sharp dings to the slide, we've replaced both outer slide legs with new tubing from Bach. Now with 100% new lacquer to the slide, no dents or damage. Minor wrinkle to the bell flare has been burnished out in our shop. Bore size is .547 inches; the yellow brass bell is 8-1/2 inches in diameter, and the trombone has open-wrap F-attachment. Price includes good original case for $1495 or $1595 with new Bach case.
Benge model 165F trombone (same as King 2104F), serial number 650,.93x (rotor) and number O49x (slide). Has F-attachment, .459 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.
Benge model 290 double in-line rotor bass trombone, #40-20020x (rotor), #940x (slide). Original lacquer is 99%, with almost no wear at all. Orignial 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. 10" gold-brass bell. $1695.
Used CONN (Elkhart) Trombone, model 88H. Engraved on the bell “CONN / ELKHART IND / USA. Engraving on the bell is sharp; the lacquer finish is new. 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 GA-67006x (1976). New Pro Tec case and mouthpiece are included, along with our two-year service warranty. Our price for this one: $1495.
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.
C.G. Conn model 71H (Elkhart) single rotor bass trombone, #N16950 (1970). Good and original Elkhart t-bone, has 90% original lacquer to the slide and F-attachment. Bore size is .562 and the instrument has a 9 ½ inch bell. Acquired by us with a badly damaged brass bell, we’ve replaced it with a new rose-brass bell from Conn. No wear to the inner slide, minor dings and dents burnished out in our shop. The price includes the original damaged bell section. Case is original, quite all right. Conn’s current single-rotor bass, model 110H, has a suggested retail price of $2460. This one’s $995. SOLD 08/07
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
King model 2103F Trombone, #24X (bell), #470X (slide). It’s a “King Musical Instruments” t-bone, made about 10 - 12 years ago. New lacquer finish on the bell and the playing slide from Wichita Band. No wear to the plating of the inner slide and outer slide legs are new. Original good case, as well. New suggested retail price is now $3070.00. This one’s $1295.
King model 2103PLG “ 3B - PLUS” Trombone, #893,750 (bell), #4560 (slide). It’s a “King Musical Instruments Three-B Plus”, with 8 inch gold-brass bell, .525 inch bore size. New lacquer, absolutely perfect slide. Some minor dings have been removed in our shop. Original square black case is good, without damage. New suggested retail price is now $2630. This one’s $845. SOLD 06/07
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.
LOWER BRASS
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 766 EUPHONIUM, #543,010, made in London in 1973. Bore size is .580 inches, upright bell is 11 inch diameter. Three long-stroke pistons (new rebuild by Anderson Plating ), 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 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 $1595.
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.
CONN 14I baritone horn, 3 valve model, bell front. 90% original lacquer, worn lacquer areas touched up. Good valves, new case, $995. SOLD 09/07
KING model 1161, 4 valve model. Bell-front model, serial #42-39962x, made in Cleveland about 1965. Lacquer finish is worn maybe 20%, original plating to the four pistons is very good, the valves still tight. Dents and dings have been removed in our shop. This was King's "top of the line" euphonium, back in the sixties. King still produces a model 2280 (suggested retail price $3510) that's quite different from this instrument. New case included in the price! $1145.
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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. This one’s $1395.
Conn 36K Sousaphone #GK80006x. 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. This one’s $1395.
Good silver-plated brass Sousaphone from King Musical Instrument Company, model “1250WSB”, serial #512,8xx (1976). Silver finish is worn less than 5%, the original pistons show NO wear and all major dents have been burnished out in our shop in Wichita. King still makes a similar instrument, their model 2350WSB, now with a suggested retail price of $8765. This one’s $2850 with original good case.
King 2370 Fibreglass Sousa #40182x. Good original condition, new white paint, no dents, good original pistons. $1295.
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 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 551,3XX, 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 $2350.
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 modern ¾ tuba, made by Yamaha for the Holton Company, bearing Holton’s model number YBB-663, but identical to Yamaha’s model YBB-105 instrument. Serial number 100314, the gold lacquer finish worn maybe 5%. Dents and dings removed, original pistons still very good. Original mouthpipe has never been damaged, end-bow never removed for dent removal. Original wood case is still very 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 $1750.
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 $4250.
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" and 29" standard fiberglass set. New tuning gauges. $1695.
Ludwig 26" universal fiberglass. $595.
Ludwig 26", 29" and 32" universal fiberglass set. $1695.
New instruments available from Ludwig/Musser.
Please inquire for the best price.
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