Central America Group

@J-Jericho said in Buescher Aristocrat 264 - value?:

@barliman2001 I figured yours might not show up well in my search; It doesn't make sense that you would have a crappy horn. It it also looks like ChatGPT can be a useful tool.

It's fantastic. I keep finding new uses for it.

Here's what ChatGPT says:

The value of your Buescher Aristocrat 264 Bb trumpet depends on several factors, including its condition, rarity, demand, and market trends. Since you mentioned it's in excellent condition (90% original lacquer, short-stroke valves with as-new compression, and all-original components), it is likely to appeal to collectors or players seeking vintage instruments.

Here are some factors to help you gauge its value:

1. Comparable Listings: Research current listings for similar vintage Buescher Aristocrat trumpets in equivalent condition. Check platforms like:

   • eBay
   • Reverb.com
   • Specialist brass instrument shops
   • Trumpet forums or classifieds

   Based on recent sales, similar trumpets often range from $400 to $1,000, with exceptional examples occasionally fetching higher prices.

2. Rarity and Desirability:

   • Buescher Aristocrats are well-regarded for their craftsmanship and warm tone.
   • If your 264 model is from a particularly desirable production year, it may increase its value. Serial numbers can help identify the exact year and era of manufacture.

3. Condition:

   • The 90% original lacquer and excellent valve compression are significant selling points.
   • Mention the absence of dents, scratches, or repairs (if true), as this enhances value.

4. Market Appeal:

   • Big band players and vintage brass enthusiasts may value the 264 for its tone and playability.
   • Highlight its short-stroke valves, as this feature is relatively rare and may appeal to specific players.

5. Pricing Strategy:

   • If you want to sell quickly, list it in the lower-middle range (e.g., $600–$800).
   • If you're in no rush, start at the higher end (e.g., $900–$1,200) and negotiate.

6. Documentation and Accessories:

   • Include any original case, mouthpiece, or paperwork if available. These can increase the instrument's perceived value.

To maximize your sale:

• Take high-quality photos showing all angles, including serial numbers, valves, and engraving.
• Provide a detailed description emphasizing its features, condition, and why it stands out.
• Consider offering it on a platform with a focus on musicians to target the right audience.

If you want more specific pricing suggestions, sharing the serial number or production year can help refine the estimate.

Are these instruments made in Venevuvuzela?

This is copied from a post on TrumpetHerald by user kristiner:

Friends, jazz legend Bobby Bradford has lost his home in the LA wildfires. There's a GoFundMe link below if you're inclined and able to help:

Bobby Bradford is one of the most vital and iconic voices in creative music, a trumpeter, cornetist, bandleader, and composer whose career spans the better part of a century. At 90 years old, Bobby helped to innovative free jazz with Ornette Coleman, changed the landscape of West Coast music in his collaborations with John Carter, and has worked with a staggering cast of artists that spans the likes of Nels Cline, Andrew Cyrille, Johnny Dyani, Vinny Golia, David Murray, William Parker, John Stevens, and countless others.

Sadly, Bobby lost his Altadena home in the 2025 greater Los Angeles wildfires. He and his wife, Lisa, escaped with only the clothes on their backs. Bobby lost his instruments and countless other items of personal and historical significance. This emergency fundraiser fulfills the desperate need to secure this invaluable artist some sense of normalcy in the aftermath of a devastating event.

https://gofund.me/ca058e3d

Karl is a friend of Bobby's, and this fundraiser is legit. Bobby has been a father figure to so many in the LA jazz community. I'm on the board of the California Alliance for Jazz, and we are just about to honor him with a Lifetime Achievement Award for jazz education at the CASMEC conference next week.

So many LA musicians and people in the arts community have had their lives completely turned upside down in the past few days. Please share and support if you can.

I listened to this piece a lot in college. It's fantastic in every way!

Wow, what a tough decision you have to make.

I had the choice between getting stuck in snow or chilling on a beach in Mexico. As you can imagine, I agonized over that decision for months.

Which reminds me....Maynard had some kind of frankenhorn with both a slide and valves. Anybody remember what this thing was called?

Time for a soprano trombone?

There are valve trombones, but I suspect the one ROWUK owns is a slide trombone.