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Help with an old B&H Baritone/Euphonium

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 2:22 pm
by kxk20
Hi,

I have an old Boosey and Hawkes baritone that I got while in Afghanistan. The serial number is 135643 which seems to correspond to 1929-1930. Not sure if its worth restoring or whether a new one would be better. Any thoughts? I've added pictures.

Re: Help with an old B&H Baritone/Euphonium

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 2:58 pm
by PMeuph
kxk20 wrote: Any thoughts? I've added pictures.
  • 1.Buy some metal polish. (Haggerty's or Blue Magic)
    2.Clean and polish the horn.
    3.Make a wooden base so it stands upright.
    4.Buy a lamp kit from a hardware store
    5.Install the lamp socket in the bell.
    6. Enjoy a nice conversation piece.
...You could also turn it into a fountain.


These are nice horns when they are in decent condition. Yours, however, seems to be missing to many parts to play. Buying all those parts used would be a longshot at best and having someone make new ones would cost you an arm and a leg. Unless you have several thousand (3-4-5? (just a wild guess)) to spend to make this horn playable and are extremely patient (think a year or two), this project is probably only got for scrap or to make a lamp.


This horn has been on eBay for about 2 years...It hasn't sold yet... There isn't much market for these horns... (Or not at this price at least)
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Vintage-1907-Boo ... 5199335e72" target="_blank

Re: Help with an old B&H Baritone/Euphonium

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 4:32 pm
by Highpitch
Looks to be just a Boosey before the merger from what I can see. Is it marked as a "Solborn'? If so, the tough & expensive thing is the valve body size. Different than the later ones and parts to replace if necessary are really rare.

I hate to see 'em die, but that one may be best left as is :cry: .

Re: Help with an old B&H Baritone/Euphonium

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:03 pm
by oldbandnerd
Here's the guy you want to contact : http://www.euphonium.webspace.virginmed ... s.htm#list" target="_blank .
Charley Brighton is a collector of euphoniums and is very knowledgeable about most brands but especially on the old Boosye&Hawkes and Bessons.
He goes by "highams" here on this board .