Tracing horns

[Pablopiccasso]

Is there anyway of finding out if a particular horn was owned by a specific artist. Who owned which Martin committee etc etc

[Usedtobegood]

I would think this is difficult to do unless you have some type of certified documentation or first hand knowledge by a reputable person/dealer that the instrument was owned by so and so. Someone like Josh Landress who has several instruments owned by Dizzy, Clark Terry and others. I would trust Josh has done his homework and that the information is true and accurate.

If the artist is still alive, then I guess you could verify with them. Funny I can't remember what I had for breakfast, but I can remember the serial numbers of old horns I have owned!

Some companies like Bach and Schilke have records that indicate who the horns were originally sold to and you could contact them.

Funny story, I once owned a Schilke that had a previous owner's social security number scribed into the inside of the bottom valve caps! Back in the 60's I guess it didn't matter, but now I wouldn't recommend it.

[blbaumgarn]

In the case of Benge. Mr. Joe Lill has websites up and has the history of some of the numbers recorded. I was able to find out some of the history of mine after contacting him. Sometimes just contacting the manufacturer will work. I know Kanstul and Getzen are easy to ask for help that way.
_________________
"There are two sides to a trumpeter's personality,
there is one that lives to lay waste to woodwinds and strings, leaving them lie blue and lifeless along a swath of destruction that is a
trumpeter's fury-then there is the dark side!" Irving Bush