Old Holton Collegiate Cornet

sgomon · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2003 6:45 pm Post subject:

I have an old Holton Collegiate cornet and was hoping someone could tell me it's age. The serial number is 138277. It's in ok shape. There are a couple dents and the silver plating is wore off in spots. It plays horribly though. The sound is really airy and it is hard to hold a steady pitch.

jhatpro · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2003 7:00 pm Post subject:

The Music Trader list at http://www.musictrader.com/holton.html indicates your horn was made in 1940.

Sounds like maybe the valves are shot although possibly the horn is just very dirty. You can sometimes improve an old horn just by soaking it in warm water with dish detergent for a while, then scrubbing it out with a snake and a valve brush. Give special attention to the leadpipe.
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

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hazmat · Heavyweight Member Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Posts: 669

I have a Holton Collegiate Cornet too. I think you should follow jhatpro's advice. I can actually get a fairly good sound out of mine. Though currently I only have a 7d mouthpiece (I rarely play cornet). Soon I will buy a larger mp. Anyway, let me know how it works out with the horn. Also check for any leaks. Chances are the corks are leaking a lot on the water keys. And check for any cracks anywhere although I don't expect there would be any.

edit:there was a misuse of words
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Matt

BAC Trumpet 2002
Hartt School of Music

[ This Message was edited by: hazmat on 2003-11-21 15:14 ]