York instruments of any type
- windshieldbug
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York instruments of any type
In these times of social-distancing for many of us I thought I'd ask for some help with my research.
I've been trying to quantify a York serial #/date reference from actual surviving instruments, since any reference material was either lost or destroyed. The name "York" has been used for both professional and student lines. Because the defining the different "York" companies has been a lot like herding cats, I've tried to take a stab at that, too.
The original York company in Grand Rapids, Michigan (York, York & Son, York & Sons, York Band Instrument Co.) produced first class instruments and was awarded at least 16 patents and built the famous Chicago Yorks. Once the company was sold to Carl Fischer the famous German York Masters were produced. After that the name was sold to Boosey and Hawkes. Currently I have 4465 records of instruments from this version of the company, 1147 of instruments that I'm sure aren't or are after the sale.
What I am looking for are details about any "York" instrument you may have access to (not those people gave me previously). Any "York" company, any kind of instrument including woodwinds. The latest version of my list is at https://www.horn-u-copia.net/Docs/York%20db.html
Please note that I do NOT publish owners or eMails.
The serial number, photo (phone photos are fine!) of the logo on the bell along with any patent embossing and anything special would be what I'm looking for. Also an over-all photo (so I can determine wrap, type).
It would be very helpful if you could send this or any questions to mwksix (atsign) verizon.net .
Thanks!
I've been trying to quantify a York serial #/date reference from actual surviving instruments, since any reference material was either lost or destroyed. The name "York" has been used for both professional and student lines. Because the defining the different "York" companies has been a lot like herding cats, I've tried to take a stab at that, too.
The original York company in Grand Rapids, Michigan (York, York & Son, York & Sons, York Band Instrument Co.) produced first class instruments and was awarded at least 16 patents and built the famous Chicago Yorks. Once the company was sold to Carl Fischer the famous German York Masters were produced. After that the name was sold to Boosey and Hawkes. Currently I have 4465 records of instruments from this version of the company, 1147 of instruments that I'm sure aren't or are after the sale.
What I am looking for are details about any "York" instrument you may have access to (not those people gave me previously). Any "York" company, any kind of instrument including woodwinds. The latest version of my list is at https://www.horn-u-copia.net/Docs/York%20db.html
Please note that I do NOT publish owners or eMails.
The serial number, photo (phone photos are fine!) of the logo on the bell along with any patent embossing and anything special would be what I'm looking for. Also an over-all photo (so I can determine wrap, type).
It would be very helpful if you could send this or any questions to mwksix (atsign) verizon.net .
Thanks!
Last edited by windshieldbug on Sat Mar 28, 2020 2:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Instead of talking to your plants, if you yelled at them would they still grow, but only to be troubled and insecure?
- windshieldbug
- Once got the "hand" as a cue
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Re: York instruments of any type
nworbekim wrote:York & Sons too?
Thanks for pointing out my omission! Any version of the "York" name (ie:York, York & Son, York & Sons, York Band Instrument Co. ...)
Instead of talking to your plants, if you yelled at them would they still grow, but only to be troubled and insecure?
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- bugler
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Re: York instruments of any type
Of course there's also a more modern York company, that made Besson clones. Shut up shop in about 2012 or 13 or thereabouts.
- windshieldbug
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Re: York instruments of any type
olaness1 wrote:Of course there's also a more modern York company, that made Besson clones. Shut up shop in about 2012 or 13 or thereabouts.
Collecting examples of them, too in order to match serial number ranges to distinguish them.
Instead of talking to your plants, if you yelled at them would they still grow, but only to be troubled and insecure?
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- 3 valves
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Re: York instruments of any type
What about York stencils? I have a Grand Rapids Band Instrument Company bell up euphonium. I may have posted something about it on horn-u-copia many years ago, possibly with pictures. I don't have it with me at the moment.
- windshieldbug
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Re: York instruments of any type
That’s a York horn, so yes, that counts, too!
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- bugler
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Re: York instruments of any type
Replied to the wrong post!
CCC
CCC
- windshieldbug
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Re: York instruments of any type
That's OK, it gives me a chance to thank those that have replied so far!
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- bugler
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Re: York instruments of any type
Hi, I have a York Schmidt-wrap F/Bb french horn. The S/N is 181527. Hope this helps. Lyle Hill
I would like to know if this might be a German import maybe (Bohm & Meinl) or a York design. The bell ingraving says York Grand Rapids, MI, but the serial no. is clearly hand ingraved. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
Hi still looking for onfo if my Schmidt wrap French horn (s/n indicates a 1951 vintage) might be from the "York German Masters " or a pure York design. Any ifo would help. Thanks.
I would like to know if this might be a German import maybe (Bohm & Meinl) or a York design. The bell ingraving says York Grand Rapids, MI, but the serial no. is clearly hand ingraved. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
Hi still looking for onfo if my Schmidt wrap French horn (s/n indicates a 1951 vintage) might be from the "York German Masters " or a pure York design. Any ifo would help. Thanks.
Last edited by Lyle on Sat Jun 06, 2020 8:53 am, edited 2 times in total.
Lyle
- windshieldbug
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Re: York instruments of any type
Does, thanks!
Instead of talking to your plants, if you yelled at them would they still grow, but only to be troubled and insecure?
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- bugler
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Re: York instruments of any type
I sent you five separate emails with pictures attached. I assume you received them.
CCC
CCC
- windshieldbug
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Re: York instruments of any type
Did, thanks!
Working on 'em today (I hope!)
Working on 'em today (I hope!)
Instead of talking to your plants, if you yelled at them would they still grow, but only to be troubled and insecure?
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- 3 valves
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Re: York instruments of any type
I found some pictures on my computer, but they are too big to post here; did not find any on horn-u-copia. Mpre work to do.
- windshieldbug
- Once got the "hand" as a cue
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Re: York instruments of any type
Put them in an Email and send them if they have serial numbers...
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- 5 valves
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Re: York instruments of any type
Check your e-mail.
Principal tuba, Bel Air Community Band
Old (early 1900s?) Alexander BBb proto-163
1976 Sonora (B&S 101) 4-rotor BBb
1964 Conn 20J/21J BBb (one body, both bells)
1970s Marzan Slant-rotor BBb
~1904 York 3P BBb Helicon
Old Alex Comp.F, in shop
Old (early 1900s?) Alexander BBb proto-163
1976 Sonora (B&S 101) 4-rotor BBb
1964 Conn 20J/21J BBb (one body, both bells)
1970s Marzan Slant-rotor BBb
~1904 York 3P BBb Helicon
Old Alex Comp.F, in shop
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- bugler
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Re: York instruments of any type
BBb 6/4 3 valve
Serial number 50974
1913-1915
Finish: Satin Silver with bright accents
It has a 22.5 bell and a height of 39 inches. With the tuning donut disengaged it plays perfectly in tune at A-440. It features a long pull 3rd valve slide. The intonation is very good.
Serial number 50974
1913-1915
Finish: Satin Silver with bright accents
It has a 22.5 bell and a height of 39 inches. With the tuning donut disengaged it plays perfectly in tune at A-440. It features a long pull 3rd valve slide. The intonation is very good.
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- Rick Denney
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Re: York instruments of any type
That is a gorgeous instrument. Was it restored?Tim Jackson wrote:BBb 6/4 3 valve
Serial number 50974
1913-1915
Finish: Satin Silver with bright accents
It has a 22.5 bell and a height of 39 inches. With the tuning donut disengaged it plays perfectly in tune at A-440. It features a long pull 3rd valve slide. The intonation is very good.
Rick "the forerunner of the grand orchestral design" Denney
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- windshieldbug
- Once got the "hand" as a cue
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Re: York instruments of any type
Once again, thank you to all who have helped in this project so far!
Instead of talking to your plants, if you yelled at them would they still grow, but only to be troubled and insecure?
- bigtubby
- 4 valves
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Re: York instruments of any type
I have three York Monster Eb tubas (and a GRBIC that I regrettably sold) and a BBb helicon. Will try to send photos/measurements/serials soon.
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Italian motorcycles and cars ...
German cameras and tubas ...
Life is Good.