Centex Brass is great!

MarkD · Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2021 7:15 am Post subject: Centex Brass is great!

I just purchased a used Bach Strad from Clay at Centex Brass and he was great to work with.

The horn arrived quickly, was well packaged and was exactly as described.

It plays and sounds beautiful.

Thanks again Clay!

jhellerstein · Regular Member Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 53

I'm happy to second this. Bought a horn from Clay earlier this year, and it was just as advertised, in great shape. Clay was communicative over email, and everything shipped safely and on time.
_________________
"When you hear music, after it's over, it's gone in the air. You can never capture it again." -- Dolphy

dr-pepp · Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2021 6:28 am Post subject:

THANKS for the kind words. I've had nothing but good experiences from customers here on the Herald, whether through the marketplace or on my website. The past 18 months have been VERY challenging in many respects and I appreciate all my customers (and future customers) as the music business and economy continue to recover!
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Clay Collins
www.centexbrass.com

MarkD · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2021 4:06 pm Post subject:

OldSchoolEuph · Heavyweight Member Joined: 07 Apr 2012 Posts: 2090

I was lucky enough to be invited by Clay to stop by and look over some horns while I am in town. What a great few hours of looking at instruments and talking history. Clay really knows his horns!

I think there must be a gene that predisposes someone to finding really great horns, and if so, I don't have it - but Clay does. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to check out some really rare, and in many cases beautifully refurbished, vintage horns.

I see lots of people selling horns, spewing hype about the horn being so special, yet what they are selling is anything but. Clay undersells instead, letting the horns speak for themselves. I'm not going to single out anything in particular, but to those of you who know what you are looking at, I'll just say check out the Centex Brass inventory. Its a revolving door of good and really special horns, at reasonable prices, and an equally rare customer-focused ethic.

Thanks Clay, I had a blast today!
_________________
Ron Berndt
www.trumpet-history.com

2017 Austin Winds Stage 466
1962 Mt. Vernon Bach 43
1954 Holton 49 Stratodyne
1927 Conn 22B
1957 Holton 27 cornet
1985 Yamaha YEP-621
1975 Yamaha YEP-321 Custom
1965 Besson Baritone
1975 Olds Recording R-20

Brad361 · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2022 2:37 pm Post subject:

I’ll add to the positive comments, Clay is great to work with.

Brad
_________________
When asked if he always sounds great:
"I always try, but not always, because the horn is merciless, unpredictable and traitorous." - Arturo Sandoval

dr-pepp · Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2022 4:18 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the positive comments!

Ron, I don't know how you learned so much about trumpets but your comments and advice regarding several of my horns was much appreciated. I've appreciated your posts on TH, but fun to watch you operate in "real time"! I forgot to get you to sign your book, but you can do that next time you are in Austin!

Brad, Hope you enjoy that Getzen Severinsen... I know the folks at Buc-ee's were surprised to hear those notes floating over the parking lot!
_________________
Clay Collins
www.centexbrass.com

stuartissimo · Posted: Tue May 10, 2022 9:19 pm Post subject:

Just wanted to add that I agree, Centex Brass is great. My vintage Olds trumpet has some valve issues and Clay has been kind enough to advise me on how to fix them. In the end he sold me a set of replacement valves to try (sadly, it didn't fix things so I had to return them). It's definitely the right place to ask if you're in need of repairs or parts.
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There no such thing as ‘only one definitive answer’; not in trumpet playing and definitely not in life.

JWG · Veteran Member Joined: 27 Jul 2011 Posts: 210

Clay has my vote of confidence also!

Very nice guy; honest businessman; cares for his customers.

Caring, kindness, and empathy can heal this world filled with indifference.
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Flip Oakes Wild Thing Bb and C with 1.5 TCC, XT, C, C-O, O, & L mouthpieces
Bach 183S (undersprung valves & straight taper pipe) with 1.5 Flip Oakes XF

jhahntpt · Posted: Wed May 11, 2022 9:01 am Post subject:

I bought a strad from them about a decade ago and the horn was in incredible shape, well photographed, and very fairly priced! The transaction was very smooth with great communication! Fast shipping too!
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Bb: Yamaha 9335NY Gen3
Bb: Yamaha 8310Z
C: Shires 4S/W1B
Piccolo: Yamaha 9830
Flugel: Yamaha 6310z
Cornet: York Eminence

OldSchoolEuph · Heavyweight Member Joined: 07 Apr 2012 Posts: 2090

It has become something of tradition for me to stop by Centex Brass when I am in Austin. For anyone who happens to be in the area, in addition to the amazing little jazz oriented custom shop Austin Winds, which I also visit most every time I am in town, Clay Collins has an amazing inventory of trumpets and cornets backing his Centex Brass webtail operation.

Especially for Bach and Olds fans, I recommend bookmarking CentexBrass, and getting on the emailing list, because Clay has a real knack for finding hidden gems.
_________________
Ron Berndt
www.trumpet-history.com

2017 Austin Winds Stage 466
1962 Mt. Vernon Bach 43
1954 Holton 49 Stratodyne
1927 Conn 22B
1957 Holton 27 cornet
1985 Yamaha YEP-621
1975 Yamaha YEP-321 Custom
1965 Besson Baritone
1975 Olds Recording R-20

ericmpena · Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 7:11 pm Post subject:

I’m local to Clay and purchased a NY7 Strad many years ago with a great buying experience.
I also highly recommend Centex Brass.

marathoner · Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2023 5:44 am Post subject:

I'll add my positive experiences as well. Nothing but flawless transactions with Centex ! Thanks !

chef8489 · Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2023 9:45 am Post subject:

I just purchased a 1967 Bach with a 1st trigger from him. For the most part its been positive, but there is a hiccup on the case, but we are working on it so Ill save judgment till we work out it. Things happen, it is all how it is handled that matters. The pre sales and communication were amazing so hoping everything workers out great.
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Current horns
1966 H.N. White King Silver Flair
1965 H.N. White King Super 20 Sllversonic Symphony
1965 H.N White King Super 20 Silversonic Master Model Cornet
1967 Bach 37/7 with 1st trigger currently being restored by Charlie Melk

mike ansberry · Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2023 3:11 pm Post subject:

I have bought and sold several horns with Clay. He is a good guy. Easy to deal with and communicates well. A very honest person.
_________________
Music is a fire in your belly, fighting to get out. You'd better put a horn in the way before someone gets hurt.

bike&ed · Heavyweight Member Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Posts: 1824

A friend recently visited with Clay, and had nothing but high praise for his knowledge and business, sounds like he runs a great shop!