Vintage Olds Ambassador Cornet Outfit

Description: For a time, the Ambassador cornet by F.E. Olds & Sons was the first instrument young players had opportunity to play. From the 1957 Olds catalog: The effortless action of the Ambassador cornet will delight players who will appreciate this instrument, styled and balanced on a continuous flow air column principle, The Olds hand-lapped nickel-silver, nickel-plated pistons assure the close fitting, full tone, and trouble-free valves characteristic of Olds instruments. Nickel silver trim is used on the braces and points of wear, and "three point bracing" gives additional sturdiness to the Ambassador cornet What that dated, mid-century marketing description likely means to say is that the cornet has a very even blow, and that the blow and tone are consistent throughout the range of the horn. I find the Ambassador to indeed be a delight - it has a warm, lovely tone and it is a very forgiving instrument to play! This mid-50s Fullerton horn appears to have had its lacquer removed sometime in the past, and has since developed a very handsome patina. The valves are in very good condition, smooth, quick and reliable. Common wear areas are not pitted, and are smooth to the touch. Intonation and response is as expected from the Ambassadors of the day - instruments Zig Kanstul often described as "no student horn". The serial number dates to 1957, and at the time of its manufacture this cornet sold for $129.50 - the equivalent of about $1,450 today! This cornet has recently undergone a safe chemical cleaning and then re-finaled with new corks and felts, and followed by a soft carnauba / beeswax finish - helping to preserve that handsome patina. Some dents were removed in the bell bow, and the baluster braces have been freshly re-soldered. The valve alignment is back to factory spec. Cornets from this period feature an ornate mouthpiece receiver and round pinky ring. This cornet outfit includes the popular Olds 3 cornet mouthpiece and the original form-fit case. The Ambassador cornets were always very sturdy - great li'l camping or tailgate horns today. Maybe there is a young player in your life who you would like to inspire. The cornet is easier to hold, and offers a more forgiving path towards learning how to play a brass instrument. Perhaps you're feeling a bit nostalgic, having played one in the past or you're thinking about playing again. Why not display it as part of a vignette or centerpiece, or in a shadowbox on the wall of your practice studio? But you're going to love playing it. This fine brasswind has undergone a professional cleaning and inspection prior to listing. We are happy to answer any questions or provide more pictures. All sales final.

Price: 500 USD

Location: Whittier, California

End Time: 2024-09-19T23:49:05.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD