The Big Ben wrote:From what I have heard about the big Holtons, one should automatically figure in the cost of a refurbishment by a premier horn jockey into the purchase price.
"Refurbishment"? Naw. My Holton played as well before its recent repair work, or nearly enough so that I can't tell the difference before and after the several months of repair time.
But it sure
works better. Now, I can adjust slides usefully and the first slide gives me the adjustment range I need to touch up a couple of funky notes.
And it looks better, without also looking like it's been messed with a lot. It still looks like an old Holton, which is is. I just doesn't look so much like an old Holton that was abused in schools and then semi-bent back into shape with a dent magnet.
I played it for four years before the repair, and even that repair would be hardly sufficient to qualify as "refurbishment".
But there are Holtons and then there are Holtons. The rebadged "Holton" Coeueueuueusnons described by Mr. Gates are not tubas at all. Any price paid beyond the scrap value of the brass is too much. I've never played a Couesnon that didn't sound a bass trombone with the water key removed.
Rick "whose initial 'refurb' of the Holton consisted only of aligning the first slide so that it would move, replacing the valve buttons with something appropriate for a tuba, and giving it a good bath" Denney
) plays well after it is repaired.
