| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Uberopa
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 11 Dec 2003
Posts: 932
Location: Canada
|
 Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 8:28 am Post subject: Martin Imperial Flugelhorn 1956 value? |
 |
|
Hi All,
I recently purchased a 1956 Martin Imperial flugelhorn.My tech cleaned it and removed some minor dents. The compression is quite good. The lacquer is missing in places. The case is clean and comes with a Bach 3 no letter MV cornet mouthpiece in excellent condition.
These instruments seem to be quite rare. Would anyone care to hazard a guess as to a realistic asking price? Thanks so much. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Man Of Constant Sorrow
Veteran Member
Joined: 25 Jun 2023
Posts: 478
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 12:19 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I have a couple/three (? one or two are "project horns").
Generally, you should expect something in the range of $750 ~ $1200. The higher figure would be dependent upon presence of the proper, original case (in good/decent shape), and the horn itself in very-good / excellent condition.
Although; somewhat "rare", as you mentioned, they are not the easiest horns to
play (intonation somewhat "sketchy"). VERY (!) mouthpiece sensitive.
These Imperial model version were typically high-school band instruments.
The more desirable models are the Magna, and the rarer Committee. I have each.
_________________
Sub-Optimal Hillbilly Jazz |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Uberopa
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 11 Dec 2003
Posts: 932
Location: Canada
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2023 2:48 am Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks so much. I concur with your experience. I have a bunch of cornet mouthpieces in the 3C range. I have not found the one that really works yet. The intonation is a little wonky.
The sound is interesting but overall I would prefer the Imperial cornet model. I had an RMC era in excellent condition. Had to sell because of divorce. No regrets about the ex but I really loved that cornet. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Halflip
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 09 Jan 2003
Posts: 1931
Location: WI
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2023 4:02 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Uberopa wrote: | | I have a bunch of cornet mouthpieces in the 3C range. I have not found the one that really works yet. The intonation is a little wonky. |
I have the Reynolds Emperor stencil of your Martin flugelhorn. It came with a Martin mouthpiece marked "1F". The "F" may stand for "flugelhorn", but it has a shank unlike any of the modern flugel mouthpiece shank variations.
The horn plays pretty well with that mouthpiece. If you can find one, you might try that with your horn. Unfortunately, they are rather rare.
By the way, I paid $600 for mine (eBay auction). However, that was 20 years ago. There is a Martin Imperial flugel on eBay right now for $3,850, but in my opinion that is wishful thinking of an absurd variety.
_________________
"He that plays the King shall be welcome . . . " (Hamlet Act II, Scene 2, Line 1416)
"He had no concept of the instrument. He was blowing into it." -- Virgil Starkwell's cello teacher in "Take the Money and Run" |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Man Of Constant Sorrow
Veteran Member
Joined: 25 Jun 2023
Posts: 478
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2023 1:43 pm Post subject: |
|
|
[quote="Halflip"] | Uberopa wrote: |
... There is a Martin Imperial flugel on eBay right now for $3,850, but in my opinion that is wishful thinking of an absurd variety. |
As Clement Clarke Moore ... (or, was it Henry Livingston, Jr.?) wrote, in the poem, The Night Before Christmas
...visions of sugar plums danc'd in their heads.
 
_________________
Sub-Optimal Hillbilly Jazz |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
