This is in the mail

[GeorgeB]

It's the 1960s King Super 20 Silversonic Symphony Bb Trumpet with a sterling silver and gold washed bell, silver lead pipe and gold trimmings, and is a dual bore from .464 to .468.

This is the King model that Harry James played from the mid 50s up until his death.
I can't wait to hold it in my hands,
George

[Kehaulani]

I've got a King coming back to today, too. Golden Flair. Just coming from Josh Landress.

[Dale Proctor]

@georgeb

Man, that’s a beauty! I bet it plays like a dream, too - congratulations.

[GeorgeB]

Thanks, Guys. I've been looking for a long time for one of these in top ( almost new condition ) like this one is.

I believe it was around 1958 that the wife of Mr. White sat down with Harry James and presented him with the King Super 20 Silversonic Symphonic Bb Trumpet, made and designed just for him and him alone. Harry must have really loved it because he only played that particular model for the rest of his life.

The story goes that it was the sterling silver bell that hooked him. I don't know how long the Super 20 with the sterling silver bell was exclusive to Harry James, but eventually it was available to anyone who could afford it and one fellow in particular, Ziggy Elman, when he plays it sounds exactly like Harry James. I once did a blind test for fun and couldn't tell who the hell was playing, Harry or Ziggy.

For me, it was always a legendary trumpet. I'm not sure if it is still being made today, especially since the White family sold the company a few years ago, but for me the " Made by H.N.White " had to be on the bell.

I don't know much about the King Golden Flair, Kehaulani, but let us know when you get it.

George

[Kehaulani]

Mine arrived yesterday evening. When I initially got it, it looked and played well but knowing that there might be something unseen that needed correcting, I sent it to Josh.

The only things that were done were to take out a couple of minor dings and giving it a cleaning. I got a really good deal

[administrator]

I've always loved those horns. They are extremely stylish.

[Caburn]

The short valve throw is at achieved at the expense of some constriction to the piston ports,

[barliman2001]

@caburn There are wonderful horns around that have a very short piston travel, are stylish in the extreme and beautiful players... the early Buescher Aristocrat 264s. Everyone knows about the Buescher 400s - but IMHO, they are slightly overrated in that they are just well-made conventional horns. The earlier 264s, however... art déco finish to the extreme, and extremely easy players with a very warm tone - you can get them into cornet territory quite easily, and they can sizzle up there just as easily.

[GeorgeB]

@barliman2001
I do like my Buescher 400, but as you say, nothing extraordinary, just a well made good player. I often wondered how those earlier Aristocrats performed.

George

[barliman2001]

@georgeb The earlier ones are very, very special...