58 Olds Special or 72/73 Severinsen Eterna

[CSharpNatural]

I’ve decided to pick up after about 17 years off. Found two used horns, looking for input.

A. 58 Olds Special (L-10). Some small dings. Asking $575

B. Doc Severinsen model Eterna, serial puts it at 72 or 73. $700

B is very local. A is a little farther but still has original paperwork with it.

[Andy Cooper]

Assuming the Eternal valves are still in good condition.

The Getzen will work in most situations. The main thing is that parts and accessories are easier to find for Getzens. You will also have no problem with leadpipe read rot. You can upgrade to precision plastic or metal valve guides (Edwards ). Olds valve guides can be more difficult to find. Most Getzen replacement parts are available from Allied Supply (through your music store).

If you get the Olds - other players will Ohhhh and Ahhhh over it. Not so much with the Getzen since it is still in production.

[CSharpNatural]

[RETrumpet]

[huntman10]

I have had several examples of both horns. With the Special, the horns I had, I preferred the older brass bell models and even more, the early 50's with the nickel upper valve cylinder played better than the later models.

BUT, the Severinsen model Eterna is way more likely to have superior valves and be a more satisfying player in my experience. One horn, get the "Doc"!! You can add collector horns after you get your chops settled in!
_________________
huntman10
Collector/Player of Fine (and not so fine) Brass Instruments including
Various Strads, Yammies, Al Hirt Courtois, Schilkes,
Selmer 25, Getzen Eternas, Kanstuls (920 Pic, CG)
Martin Custom Large Bore, Lots Olds!, Conns, etc.

[cbtj51]

Opinion for what it's worth:

Like most things in life, individual examples can vary greatly and trumpets, new and used are no exception. Regarding any choice, play testing before purchasing (best) or having a solid return guarantee (maybe worth the extra $ and hassle of return shipping) would be the way to go.

The '72 Getzen Eterna was a very nice Uncle Sam issued horn when I was in Army Band in the early 70s. Great valves! This was a very good all around horn and as others have said, parts are not that hard to come by.

I have never played an Olds Special that I can remember, but I did play an LA Olds Mendez for many years. I still want another one, but after having tried many examples with decades of disappointment, I haven't found a keeper.

As a comeback player (seriously back in 8 years after a 14 year layoff), I would recommend starting back with a good, hassle free instrument. Don't be in a hurry even if you have money to burn and time to waste. Buying poorly can cost you in more ways than one.

Not one to gamble,
Mike
_________________
'71 LA Benge 5X Bb
'72 LA Benge D/Eb
'76 Bach CL 229/25A C
‘92 Bach 37 Bb
'98 Getzen 895S Flugelhorn
'00 Bach 184 Cornet
'02 Yamaha 8335RGS
'16 Bach NY 7
'16 XO 1700RS Piccolo
Reeves 41 Rimmed Mouthpieces

[stuartissimo]

Both may not be such a bad idea if you can afford it. You’ll likely gravitate towards one of them after while, and can always sell the other for pretty much the same amount you paid for it.
_________________
1975 Olds Recording trumpet
1997 Getzen 700SP trumpet
1955 Olds Super cornet
1939 Buescher 280 flugelhorn
AR Resonance mouthpieces

[kehaulani]

This is what I might call a "half answer". I've never played an Olds except maybe a toot here and there from colleague's horn, but I played a Severinsen in college, a service band and in a "soul band". Some casual legit work but, symphonically-wise, the most legit playing was concert band in the service.

For that playing, the Severinsen was a very good horn. So, it depends on what kind of playing you do. Mouthpiece and attitude go a long way. Matter of fact, all my playing was on a Purviance 4*D4, LOL. Even with studies with John Hayie, Attitude.
_________________
"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn

[LittleRusty]

[CSharpNatural]

Just came home with the Severinsen. Sounds beautiful. Clearly hasn't been played in a long time, dry as a bone and one of the Amado keys is seized, but overall I'm happy. Will throw up some pics later.

[CSharpNatural]

Thanks all for the input. A little oil and everything moves (and sounds) better than my old horn ever did. Based on the stuff I found in the case, I don't think this horn has been used a lot so it has a lot of life in it.

[LittleRusty]

[cbtj51]

Congrats on a great looking horn!

To get it looking it's best (if that's important to you) and minimized the exterior maintenance, I would recommend, as do many on TH, getting a bottle of TarniShield (3M) and give it a once over. Using a microfiber cloth after playing will keep it looking great for a very long time.

Mike
_________________
'71 LA Benge 5X Bb
'72 LA Benge D/Eb
'76 Bach CL 229/25A C
‘92 Bach 37 Bb
'98 Getzen 895S Flugelhorn
'00 Bach 184 Cornet
'02 Yamaha 8335RGS
'16 Bach NY 7
'16 XO 1700RS Piccolo
Reeves 41 Rimmed Mouthpieces

[CSharpNatural]