[markm]

I have not played a lot of horns, but have now gravitated to owning three horns put out by Martin and The Indiana Band Instrument Co: A Handcraft Standard Special stencil, an 'Indiana by Martin' and a Home model Cmelody. I love them all and have always considered the BTHs as a big contributor to the 'Martin' sound.

Have any of the Martin fans here had a chance to play the early and somewhat rare Bueschers that had BTH? I know this short-lived feature was not standard on Bueshcers.

How does the tone of these Buescher's compare to Martins or even other Bueschers?

MM

 

[markm]

It's a Martin!

I think those Buescher BTH models are pretty darn rare - no responses here or in the Buescher forum. I was asking because I was the lone bidder on a Silver Dorn & Kirschner (Newark, NJ) alto thinking it might be a Buescher stencil with BTH. It turns out it's a Handcraft - so it's a Martin-factory stencil. Tarnished, but not dinged or pitted. Not a bad surprise for $75. I'm ending up with a stable of Martins!

MM

 

[bruce bailey]

Probably one from Indiana Band Inst. Co. stencil. Photos?

 

[markm]

Dorn & Kirshner -Martin?

I'm guessing that this must be before the 1928 purchase of Indiana Band Instrument Company (IBIco). Is that reasonable? Any guess on the year?

 

[bruce bailey]

It could be before or after but I agree on IBIco. That one looks like it has bee wet s it may not be worth the overhaul.

 

[markm]

Drowned & Kirschner?

What about the finish leads you to your watery conclusion? What are the signs of a drowned horn? I don't have this is my hands yet - so I'll let you know what I find out. It almost might be a relief to not restore. I treat them all like lost puppies that need a bath, shots and a meal. The silver horns can get expensive.

 

[paulio]

What about the finish leads you to your watery conclusion? What are the signs of a drowned horn? I don't have this is my hands yet - so I'll let you know what I find out. It almost might be a relief to not restore. I treat them all like lost puppies that need a bath, shots and a meal. The silver horns can get expensive.

I sympathise with that, i'm the same with lost puppies; gotta have a de-lacquer, repad and their corks replacing.

 

[markm]

Decisions...Decisions...

Paulio -woof

Well it looks like the purpose of this thread (effect of BTH) will have to wait, It seems comparing buescher with and without would be best test. Still no answer from Buescher folks.

But now back to me. Assuming that I don't find a bass in the bell (as Bruce suggests), nor win the lottery, I'll be choosing between restoring this '20s-something Handcraft OR doing total repad on an OK-looking '56 Indiana (with heartshape and adjustable thumb features). I can't imagine my silver HC Standard Special (Committee-like body) being knocked out of first place in my heart. So, the question will be which provides the best compliment to that horn rather than duplicating the sound. I'll need to check HC vs Indiana threads. If this HC wins, I'll come back to post 'After' pix.

 

[markm]

Hug a librarian

I emailed the Newark, NJ library reference desk and they tell me that 'Dorn & Kirschner' is first found in the Newark Business Directory for 1925 located at 79 Springfield Ave. So this handcraft DOB is narrowed down to'25-'28. I love librarians!

I've received good advice to have the Indiana fixed first. Thanks Bootman. I think Daddy is going to have a new Martin under the Christmas tree. I'm toying with the idea of keeping the HC in the closet until I get enough guts and time to attempt my first overhaul. That would give me a whole new way to enjoy this 'saxophone' thing.