1961 Holton Galaxy Pro Bb Cornet ~ Trumpet ~ EXCELLENT+ CUSTOM RAW SATIN/POLISHED FINISH - 5 1/8" BIG BELL Start Price USD 0.99 Current Price USD 285.00 Time Left - Bid Count 22 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, November 17, 2008 End Time Monday, November 24, 2008 Location New Jersey See more about '1961 Holton Galaxy Pro Bb Cornet ~ Trumpet ~ EXCELLENT+' Description Up for auction, a beautiful 1961 HOLTON - "GALAXY" MODEL MEDIUM LARGE BORE PROFESSIONAL Bb CORNET WITH A RAW CUSTOM SATIN/POLISHED FINISH IN EXCELLENT PLUS CONDITION I have been playing horns for 52 years...collecting and restoring them for 41. Over those years I put together a nationally recognized trumpet/ cornet collection that topped out at 145 horns.  During the past three years I have substantially thinned out the herd and continue to do so.  All my horns are gig ready...cleaned, valves adjusted & aligned with new corks & felts when necessary. Here's a sweet example of a nickel silver plated Galaxy model that was considered an entry level pro cornet above the intermediate Super Collegiate model and below the 27 & 29 models.  However, the Galaxy is unlike any other Holton cornet and holds a spot in my heart as the most open blowing horn in their entire line...this was acheived with a narrow tapered bell tube, and a quick radical flare that ends in a big 5 1/8" bell (similar in taper & flare to a Benge 2X).  Galaxy's are heavyweight (2 lb.-10 oz.) horns with a BIG, FAT tonality and massive projection...they make fabulous lead/solo/jazz horns and even gained the respect of players such as Buck Clayton.  A very wide range of tonal color can be achieved with the use of different mouthpieces.  Galaxy's exhibit awesome flexibility & responsiveness, can scream in the upper register, and are comfortable with most acoustic venues.  Their tone is quite warm and slightly dark...when pushed, they come across with a nice edge.  The horn had its lacquer removed and was then SATIN finished except for the interior of the bell, the yellow brass slide crooks, and the valve caps & key buttons which are all hand polished to a high luster.  Many of the horns in my collection had their lacquer stripped because I have always preferred the tonality and resonance of raw brass.  Lacquer is a resilient medium that dampens the natural vibrations and overtones of the brass...it was applied by manufacturers as a convenience to keep their instruments looking shiny, but in my humble opinion causes more problems than it's worth. This cornet is in excellent plus condition...straight with no dents nor solder repairs of any nature.  Mechanically, it is in superb condition.  Cosmetically, there are few minor issues:  1.  There is a shallow ding on the bell tail/1st casing knuckle (see photo #7);  2.  There is a 1/4" diameter shallow depression on the bottom of the tuning crook as well as one on the apex of the 1st slide crook;  3.  There are some very strange looking plating blemishes (drips?) on the two female tuning slide tubes and lead pipe just above the water key (see photo #8).  There is a similar drip under the mpc. receiver (not shown).  I don't know what caused the drips, but the squiggle shaped lines on the tuning tubes look very cool!  4.  Lastly, there are some pit marks on the lead pipe more than likely caused by putting a wet horn into its case without wiping it down.  While these are relatively insignificant flaws, I tend to be overly critical when describing my horns and try to be as accurate as possible, so no one receives any "surprises". All slides operate smoothly and the top sprung valves have excellent compression.  The horn slots superbly in all registers and has wonderful intonation.  With the lacquer removed it now is more centered and focused.  Enough said...I won't waste your time with any more superlatives...I'll just list the specifications and let the photos do the rest of the talking. Finish          -   Raw satin/polished nickel silver & yellow brass Serial #       -   347XXX Bore Size     -   .464" medium large cornet bore Features      -   Reversed 3rd slide with fixed ring & stop rod; large 5 1/8" bell Accessories  -   Original wood shelled, double handled professional case in very good condition.  Also included is the original Holton #77 mouthpiece and lyre.  PLEASE CHECK OUT THE OTHER HORNS I HAVE LISTED US POSTAL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT THE SHIPMENT OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS OR THEIR PARTS TO ITALY.  SORRY, ITALIAN BIDS WILL BE CANCELLED. Shipping is a flat fee of $25. to the 48 continental states.  Alaska and Hawaii require more postage.  I will ship worldwide (email me for postage rates).  I accept PAYPAL ONLY.  Payment must be received within 7 days or the item will be re-listed. This item is being sold "As is"...no returns nor refunds will be offered unless I have somehow misrepresented the item.  I do my very best to be as accurate as humanly possible in my descriptions.  I am not an instrument dealer...just a musician and collector.  However, bid with confidence since I still maintain a 100% positive feedback rating as a seller. Place a Bid!