question about instrument "pedigrees"

[Art Hovey]

There are a lot of cornet players in this part of the country who proudly proclaim that they are using "Bobby Hackett's cornet!" ... Hackett used to sell his horns frequently, saying that they were "nearly new, upper register never been used". His name added a lot of value to the instruments (in the eyes of the buyer) which probably enabled him to make a few bucks when he needed to.

[iiipopes]

Unless I have provenance directly from the "famous" owner about the quality and playability of the instrument, I'd be concerned it was an unload that didn't meet playability standards, as pointed out above about a lot of "famous" players are used for testing new and redeveloped models.

If I were in such a market for such an instrument, I'd be more likely to be interested in purchasing an instrument from the "famous" player's estate, because, unless it was a forgotten or specialty use instrument, the fact it was retained until death is more likely to mean that it had more desireable playing characteristics.

[Rick Denney]

If I were in such a market for such an instrument, I'd be more likely to be interested in purchasing an instrument from the "famous" player's estate, because, unless it was a forgotten or specialty use instrument, the fact it was retained until death is more likely to mean that it had more desireable playing characteristics.

You can argue that from the other side, too. An instrument might have been so bad that the performer didn't want to foist it on anyone else, or have his reputation sullied by selling it. This might be especially true if the performer is a public endorser of that brand.

It comes back to instruments having to stand on their own. The provenance may not mean anything negative, but it may not mean anything positive, either. A firm recommendation from a pro who has built a trust relationship with the buyer is worth a lot more, whether or not the pro owns the instrument. Even then, it assumes an understanding of the buyer's requirements.

Rick "who makes few assumptions" Denney

[windshieldbug]

It comes back to instruments having to stand on their own. The provenance may not mean anything negative, but it may not mean anything positive, either. A firm recommendation from a pro who has built a trust relationship with the buyer is worth a lot more, whether or not the pro owns the instrument. Even then, it assumes an understanding of the buyer's requirements.

Right on, Rick!

I have two provenanced instruments in my collection, due to very different causes. One is a gold presentation double-belled baritone, encrusted with jewels in the colors of the Italian flag, made by Conn for the Italian-American club to give to Simone Mantia. He sold it for the money (not unlike many musicians of his time). The second is an monster rotary Italian Eb, which my teacher gave me precisely because although he loved it's sound (world-class, really!), it's intonation is exactly the opposite of the Chicago Yorks; unmoving and unworkable.

The instrument HAS to work for the person performing with it, any other consideration is by far secondary.

[Uncle Buck]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mom_&_Pop_Store

[windshieldbug]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mom_&_Pop_Store

But did anyone ever try to sell Jon Voight's old tuba???

What about the Empire State Building statuette-sized hole in the bell?

[Tabor]

I asked a very distinguished player about the best tuba he ever owned, and he told me very directly what it was and the name of the student to whom he sold it. He then told me I should check out his sponsor's new line of tubas.

Tabor

[iiipopes]

This thread only goes to prove that regardless of the "pedigree" or "provenance" of an instrument, you should still try before you buy to see if it fits you and your playing, regardless of where it may have come from, where it may have been, and whose hands it passed through along the way.

[windshieldbug]

Some professors do not realize just how much they come off as high pressure used car salesmen. (Some of them even dress the part, too … )

"Only played on Sundays by an old widow"

[iiipopes]

"Only played on Sundays by an old widow"

"This used tuba has only ever been used to play Leroy Anderson pieces. No challenging pieces such as the Ride or Fountains have ever been played on it. It's fresh, not all blown out!"

Oh, how true this year especially! This is the centennial anniversary of Leroy Anderson's birth. So the director of the university community band I play in has systematically through the last fall season and this spring season programmed as many of his works for band that are still in print or can be borrowed from other institutions' libraries.

So, having literally played a significant portion of his catalog at this point, I can vouch for elephant's comments!

http://www.leroyanderson.com/

[windshieldbug]

Me, three. A standmate has referred to Leroy Anderson as "the MOST boring tuba composer ever (INCLUDING John Cage)... "

[ZNC Dandy]

"Only played on Sundays by an old widow"

"This used tuba has only ever been used to play Leroy Anderson pieces. No challenging pieces such as the Ride or Fountains have ever been played on it. It's fresh, not all blown out!"

Oh, how true this year especially! This is the centennial anniversary of Leroy Anderson's birth. So the director of the university community band I play in has systematically through the last fall season and this spring season programmed as many of his works for band that are still in print or can be borrowed from other institutions' libraries.

So, having literally played a significant portion of his catalog at this point, I can vouch for elephant's comments!

http://www.leroyanderson.com/

The orchestra I play in has seen fit to program and enitre concert of Leroy Anderson in May. But he programmed La Peri Fanfare and Mahler 1 for March 27th and 30th concert, so that sort of redeems him. But not really. If it was Mahler 6 however...