I'm a lifelong trumpet professional and I teach jazz and general music courses at Broward College in South Florida.I became interested in vintage trumpets when some 30 years ago I began seeking out an Olds Mendez trumpet like the one my father bought me in 1959 when I was 12. The search piqued my curiosity and a series of events eventually found me inheriting tools, and knowledge from some great local repaimen. As a player my first gigs were when I was 11 or 12 years old and I have had a long, exciting career in music.I have traveled extensively, played with name bands from the swing era, played shows, as well as with many small jazz bands with some of the greatest jazz musicians of our time.
I have a fondness for trumpets from the first half of the 20th century and a look through my SOLD section will illustrate just what I have acquired and sold in the past. I look for horns that I can restore back to great playing condition. Depending on the instrument I may or may not have it refinished. I spend time with each horn and play them on gigs, practise on them, basically use it for awhile until I feel it is "there". Quite often a good vintage trumpet can be a great player comparable I feel to the best out there today but this is just my opinion. If any of the things you see in the main areas interest you contact me via e-mail I am interested in hearing from you about buying and sometimes trades. If you have Uncle Harry's old trumpet and not sure what to do with it let me know I will tell you about it and make a fair offer if it is something I really like.The old trumpets may not be as consistent as what's being built today but I find the best of them have a certain character to the sound. My old friend and bandmate Ira Sullivan RIP said "they have the voo".
Take a look around and browse through my collection of vintage brass instruments! When you find one you like, reach out with a message and we'll make it happen. Finally visit my MUSIC page to hear some of my writing and playing.
