1937 Martin Handcraft Imperial Trumpet

This listing was posted on Americanlisted.

1937 Martin Handcraft Imperial Trumpet

Location:

Indianapolis, IN

Description:

The Martin Handcraft Imperial is a popular trumpet that is a near cousin to the famous Martin Committee. The Handcraft Imperial was a pro level instrument at the time and is a very easy playing instrument. The horn is more approachable than a Committee while still having a similar sound profile to a Committee. In my opinion, these blow more like a modern ML bore horn even though this is a Martin Medium bore (.453). They are a great way to try out a very high quality vintage trumpet without breaking the bank and get a sound that is great for small group jazz. These are now a known entity in the vintage trumpet world and for good reason! I acquired two at the same time and they are very close in serial number range. What’s interesting about this horn is that it has bottom sprung valves. It is a great playing trumpet.Playing CharacteristicsExcellent playing Imperial– clear and consistent tone from bottom to topOpen blowing medium bore hornDirectional and dark soundEasy response, not too fast, not too slowGood intonationGood upper registerFlexible toneCondition CharacteristicsParts OriginalityAll original partsMissing lyre screwMissing 3rd slide stop nutsMissing tuning slide microadjustment rodEvidence of Past RepairsSmall dent removal in lead pipeSmall dent removal in bell bendLeadpipe and Tuning SlideLeadpipe is cleanTuning slide is clean, minor knick on bottom legSpit water key cork is in good conditionValvesValves are in good condition with fast actionValve Plating is goodGood compressionPads and corks in good conditionVery minor pitting on the back side of valve blockVery clear and deep serial number engravingFirst and Third SlideEasy movement of 3rd slide3rd slide ring is a little out of roundWater key in excellent condition with good corkFirst slide in good shapeSecond Valve SlideDent on second valve slideBellBell flare is in very good condition with no evidence of dent repairBell rim is excellent with no signs of trauma or repairEngraving is clearBend is in good condition, but evidence of repair and roundingLacquerOriginal lacquer - dark and goldenLacquer is about 40% or so – some loss around minor dent removal on lead pipe and various parts of the bell and valve blockHaziness throughout in the lacquerVery light lacquer scratches throughout hornCleaned using materials that are safe for humans and brass alikeAssembled using synthetic and non toxic valve oil and slide greaseHand polished without any buffing compound or abrasives

Category:

Trumpets

Posted:

December 31 2023 on Americanlisted