The Collector's Cabinet

Rare brass with history, character and voice.

Explore collectible vintage trumpets, antique cornets, rare mouthpieces and restored brass instruments selected, evaluated and played by Paul Ayick. Each instrument is presented as a piece of musical history and as a horn meant to be played.

30+ Years collecting vintage brass
100s Historic instruments documented
1:1 Specialist purchase support
Insured Shipping available by arrangement

Featured Items

Paul Ayick playing a vintage trumpet
More than a product listing. Each instrument is presented as a collector record with condition disclosures, restoration details and historical context.
Collector documentation

Provenance, condition and the story behind each horn.

Detailed catalog records give collectors the information needed to confidently purchase a rare vintage trumpet, cornet or mouthpiece.

01

Serial number and dating

Instrument numbers, estimated manufacturing periods and maker-specific dating information.

02

Restoration record

Known refinishing, dent work, replacement parts, valve condition, slide movement and previous repairs.

03

Player evaluation

Observations about resistance, tonal character, projection, intonation and musical applications.

04

Purchase confidence

Secure purchase options, insured shipping, signature delivery and direct access to Paul before buying.

How Purchasing Works
Paul Ayick playing a vintage trumpet
A player first. Every instrument is evaluated as both a collectible object and a distinctive musical voice.
About Paul Ayick

A lifelong trumpet player, educator, collector and restorer.

Paul's interest in vintage trumpets began more than 30 years ago while searching for an Olds Mendez like the instrument his father bought him in 1959.

That search developed into a deep interest in early twentieth-century brass instruments, restoration and the individual character of well-made vintage horns.

Paul grew up and studied in New York during an active jazz era and played with musicians including Howard McGhee, Kenny Dorham, Vinny Burke and Frank Foster.

His collection reflects decades of playing, researching, restoring and living with each instrument long enough to understand what makes it distinctive. He continues to teach jazz and general music in South Florida.

“The best vintage horns have a certain character to the sound.”

Collector-friendly purchasing

Buy vintage brass online with specialist support.

Purchase an instrument at its listed price, make an offer or contact Paul for playing characteristics, restoration information, additional photographs and shipping details.

01

Review the catalog record

Inspect photographs, serial numbers, condition notes, restoration history and included accessories.

02

Buy or make an offer

Select Buy Now for the listed price or submit a serious offer for Paul's consideration.

03

Confirm insured delivery

Shipping is calculated for the destination and includes insurance, tracking and signature confirmation when required.

04

Receive your instrument

The condition disclosure, purchase record and agreed inspection terms accompany the transaction.

Collector questions

Buying a vintage brass instrument.

Can I purchase a vintage instrument directly online?

Yes. Available instruments include a Buy Now option. Secure payment processing, insured shipping and delivery details are confirmed during checkout.

Can I make an offer instead of paying the listed price?

Yes. Use the Make an Offer option to submit your proposed price, contact information and any trade details for Paul's review.

Will the listing describe previous restoration work?

Each available instrument should disclose known refinishing, repairs, replacement parts, valve condition, slide condition and cosmetic wear.

How are valuable vintage instruments shipped?

High-value instruments should be professionally packed and shipped with insurance, tracking and signature confirmation.

Can I speak with Paul before purchasing?

Yes. Contact Paul for playing characteristics, additional photographs, demonstration videos, restoration questions or trade inquiries.