[dmartin87]

Does anyone have any thoughts on a horn from this era? I am looking at one and would love to hear what others think and what a good price is for a piece in good condition.

 

[bruce bailey]

Don't let the later ones chase you away. Some of these are very good and worth a look. I like Martin tenors better but a 50s 10M can be a bargain. OF my 20+ altos a post war 6M is one of my favorites.

 

[Stephen Howard]

I think if you choose with care you can get a good one.
My experience of the range has been that the earlier models are quite consistent - you'd have to be unlucky to get a poor one in terms of playability - but the later models seem to be more inconsistent.
They do tend to be cheaper though.

I'd agree with Bruce on this one, and perhaps open your search to include Martins.

Regards,

 

[Frank D]

I've got a '49 10M and I love it. It's got a huge sound and is built like a tank. A 10M doesn't have the sophisticated key mechanism of modern horns, or even other horns of that era, but it's still a lot of fun to play.

 

[JayeLID]

I think it's funny to consider a 1950 10M a 'later model'. Heck, they were made up until the mid-'70's...so, technically speaking, an early '50's horn is a 'middle period' model.

They are fantastic...and usually affordable because everyone goes ga-ga over the rolled hole era ones (those ended in '48). If you can get over rolled-hole envy...then the '50's ones are every bit as good as a '40's or '30's one.

I have had over a dozen 10's thru here, ranging from '39 to a '69....and really, they were all good. Certainly not identical, but their design never really changed all that much and they all...all...had that signature 10M tone; because really the body specs were consistent (except for the RTH) throughout the model's existence.
Not everyone's cup of tea, because some folks cannot get past having to learn the ergos (which once you do are fine) , and some vintages require a relocation of the strap eyelet (about a $25 tech job)....but still arguably one of the best Tenors ever produced.

 

[jazzbluescat]

I've got a '49 10M and I love it. It's got a huge sound and is built like a tank. ......

Word is they were built from recycled '43 Buicks.:bluewink:

 

[Raphyel]

Yeah I think any of them are gonna be a beast. I had slight intonation issues on the 2 later ones that I had, but it was only slight. But they all are rowdy bar fight kind of horns, and thats why I play one.