Define "wall hanger..."

[ghmerrill]

While I certainly know what you're getting at, I prefer the term "lawn ornament" (even with it's outdoor connotation) for such pieces. If you take a look at h[url]ttp://simonettitubacollection.com/[/url], you'll see a number of instruments hanging on the wall, but almost all of those are perfectly functional. My oval Amati hangs on a nice bracket on the wall, and I'm planning on doing the same thing with my 1924 Buescher. This gets them off the floor and out of the way where they won't be damaged, and they're played on a relatively infrequent basis, and they look good hanging on the wall (which my wife actually encourages).

Otherwise, in other contexts (tools, firearms, etc.) I generally take a "wall hanger" to be something worthy of display but either totally disfunctional or highly undependable in terms of functionality -- or something that works well but that you really can't use because it represents "old technology" of some sort (like maybe a high pitch Eb cornet that is in wonderful condition -- unless you happen to play regularly with a "period" ensemble).

I'll grant you that "lawn ornament" implies total disfunctionality in the musical realm, though it might be useful as a horticultural piece. A shotgun in mint condition, but with damascus barrels, for example, should be considered a "wall hanger", but not a "lawn ornament" (even in Appalachia or the deep south).

[nycbone]

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[David Richoux]

My best wall-hanger is a 1870s (maybe) side valve baritone that I got at Werline's of New Orleans junk sale. It was found in their attic storage room, massively bashed in, valves frozen, one valve missing, but still interesting! (and well worth the $10 I paid for it.) I will take a picture soon.

[bisontuba]

The musical instrument version of 'road kill'.....
Mark

[edsel585960]

I play this one in a german band. I don't have cases for it so I decided to hang it on the wall.

[Dan Schultz]

The standards vary according on how badly a person needs a horn to play. I've seen folks make pretty good 'fart noises' on stuff that I would regard as unplayable.