A video demonstration of this horn can be seen here.
This Frank Holton model 77 holds quite the history behind it. It was sold to me by an individual (a former member of the Chicago Symphony) who had gotten it from an individual named William Dietrich, who was one of the first leaders of the International Horn Society and also was a personal friend of Phillip Farkas. The story I have is that Phil Farkas actually hand picked this horn for Dietrich from the factory. And I believe it. The case still has Dietrich's personal sticker on the inside, and the horn plays like a dream. It is by far one of the best Holton horns I've played.
Several things stand out to me about this horn. First of all, it is in AMAZING condition for its age. It was made, I believe, in 1959. And from a short distance it looks like a brand new horn. Of course there is plating wear, because this horn was clearly loved and played (but also cared for meticulously). But this also brings up something I've noticed. The horn it plated - it is a brass horn plated in nickel silver. This is not like the current Holton lines. The horn plays like a brass horn. The tone is very colorful, and not too bright like current medium-throat nickel silver Holtons are. This is a medium throat horn, as well. It is not large throat. The projection on this horn is much better than other Holtons I've played, yet it retains the ease of playing. This is an unusually good horn.
The valves on this horn are holding near perfect compression. They have been rebuilt at some point. I don't know who did the work, but the job was well done and the valves are all quick and light. The slides all work great. There are spots of plating wear (the most obvious is in the bell where the right hand holds the horn) but this is to be expected. The plating really is in remarkable shape for its age! This horn has been very carefully and professionally cleaned here in my shop and is ready to play!
The original (!) case is included with this horn. No mouthpiece is included.
Feel free to contact me with any questions you have!
Beautiful, Rare 1959 Frank Holton Model 77 - Hand Picked by Phillip Farkas!
Return Policy
This instrument may be returned up to one week after the horn is delivered. If the horn is returned, the customer will be responsible for all shipping costs both to and from the buyer. If the instrument is damaged in the possession of the customer, all repairs will be the sole responsibility of the customer.
Shipping Policy
All instruments from Boyd's Brass come with free shipping to the lower 48 US states. If you are outside of this region, please contact us for a shipping quote.
See return policy for more details if the instrument is returned.
