1957 Pristine Selmer K-Modified needs a home

[mjgk]

I have just signed on to this group, regrettably not because I am still a trumpet player, but because I am 81 years old, live in a very nice LTC facility, and have a pristine 1957 Selmer K-Modified trumpet in a zippered hard case that I dare not play lest the old ladies get all over my case. I would appreciate thoughts as to its value and how best to sell it. Daughter suggests donating it to a needy, talented high school student. That's what she did with my guitars. Here is its history:

Bought in 1957
Played 1957 - 1958 as senior at Kilgore, TX, High School
Played 1958 - 1959 as freshman at Rice University
Played 1972 at Easter church service
Took to Oman 1992 to play in company club brass band (hadn't existed for years)
Completely refurbished 1994 by Oman Royal Air Force Band instrument technician
Never played after refurb.

[GeorgeB]

@mjgk

You might want to think about selling it on a consignment basis. I have enjoyed a 5 year relationship of doing business with Austin Custom Brass and Trent Austin is one of the most honest businessmen I know. You can contact Trent at:

info@austincustombrass.com

By the way, your horn looks exactly like my 1959 Selmer Paris K-Modified trumpet. A great sounding beauty that is always a pleasure to play.
George
PS: the old ladies may surprise you and really get all over your case if you actually play for them...

[OldSchoolEuph]

Definitely do not donate this horn. This is not a disposable instrument for some beginner to trash.

Most variants of k-mods sell for between $500 and $1,000 depending on condition and features. The condition of yours puts it at about $900 in my opinion - so long as the valves are still reasonably tight (and the lack of use suggests they would be).

"K-modified" is believed to be a reference to the design engineer at Selmer in the mid-century who came up with these changes, Keith Ecker. Ecker moved over to Holton when Leblanc purchased them in 1965 and headed-up the custom shop there.

[administrator]

@oldschooleuph
I agree. Beautiful horn. Sell it for what it's worth. If you do donate -- please give to a VERY deserving student who will take very good care of said horn and appreciate the generosity.