Hello, I need some advice. I've been away from brass instruments for about 15 years (played trombone growing up). My father is looking to get back into teumpet after many years and I decided to take the journey with him.
I found a 1949 LA Olds Super in perfect condition and decided to negotiate a deal. When I met the seller I checked the trumpet out and it a single dent or nick. He played a few notes and it sounded fine to my ears (I have no lip at the moment). After he handed it back to me, I noticed a small crack in the rolled bell rim. I pointed it out to him and he said that it's just the bell bead and that it's normal. I took his word and paid him. My ignorance and stupidity have put me in a conundrum.
Got home, took zoomed in shots and spoke to multiple brass repair shops that said it is indeed a crack in the bell. They said that if it doesn't rattle or anything that the trumpet should be fine and it's likely just cosmetic. They even said that if I showed them this trumpet with this one crack and asked if I should buy it, they both said absolutely... and that it was a very good deal (I paid $750).
The third shop I called said the same, but to flick the bell to see if it rings. Unfortunately it does not really ring (unless I listen closely, which is a short ring). My dad's Olds Recording has a ring when flicked.
I called back one of the shops who said it was a steal and he said, nope.. bad bell, get your money back.
Upon further research, I have found a few forum post where the Olds Super (without cracked bell rim) didnt ring either. This model has a silver "Tone Ring" which might affect the ringing of the bell when flicked, so I'm starting to think it still might be worth keeping... I am WAY out of my league now and need help from you guys. Does anyone here have an Olds Super with a bell that does ring? Should I keep this horn (I paid 750)?
Here's some pictures of the crack
https://imgur.com/a/KvHcawh
Here's some pictures of the trumpet
https://imgur.com/a/yAUK1ce
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you