Used Holton Revelation Bb Trumpet - 844XX

• Key: Bb
• Bore Size: 0.442"
• Leadpipe: Reversed
• Leadpipe Material: Yellow Brass
• Bell Size: 4.5"
• Valves: Copper plated
• Intonation Aids: Main tuning slide stop rod
• Manufacture Date: Approx 1924
• Finish: Satin Silver
• Mouthpiece: None included
• Case: Hard plastic Gator case included

Here's what Holton had to say when they announced their Revelation model in the early 1920's: 

"The tone, scintillating in its brilliancy, pure, true and penetrating, captivating the player as well as those who year it - a tone so rich, resonant and flexible that the possibilities of this instrument are absolutely marvelous, giving the player greater endurance, more power and an astonishing command of the instrument. 

Endorsed not only by a majority of our best trumpet players, but by the entire Trumpet Sections of many of our best Symphony Orchestras. 

The Revelation Trumpet has been on the market for some months, but the demand has been so great that we did not dare announce it until our production of this instrument had increased to an extent that would enable us to take care of orders. 

To try this trumpet is to realize it is absolutely necessary to the successful trumpet player, whether amateur or professional. Holton workmanship has never shown to more marked advantage than in the new Revelation, the handiwork of the master craftsman showing in every line of the instrument."

We're a bunch of music history nerds here at Horn Stash, and in all of our research on all of our horns we've sold here, we've never seen such a formal and in-depth announcement of a new trumpet model. If you want a copy of the announcement, text us and we'll send it right to you!  At the time, this trumpet was a pioneer of Holton's design team, and features technology that just wasn't the standard at the time. We're specifically referring to the reversed leadpipe and tuning slide lock. While a reversed tuning slide wasn't unheard of during this time period (1920's), it certainly wasn't the standard. The same goes for a stop-rod on the main tuning slide. Players of the time may have experienced some kind of slide lock that prevented their slide from fallout out of their trumpet, but a rod designed to hold the slide in place? That was new territory, and many pro models after this one followed suit, and tried out their own version of an adjustable lock on their main tuning slide.

The reverse leadpipie, the medium bore, the satin silver finish, and the vintage 4.5" yellow brass bell all combine to give players a beautiful dark tone, which one might not expect from this combination of features. While it was marketed as a Symphony horn of its time, this would be a great horn both for classical playing, as well as jazz (combo would likely be best). 

For its age, it's in great shape! Some evidence of previous work can be found in the bell stem as it heads into the first valve, and there's a small dent in that area as well that doesn't impact intonation or playability in any way. The silver plate on this instrument is 99% intact (MINOR plating wear on the inner bell), and there are only a couple minor scratches on the leadpipe, none of which penetrate the plating. 

Before going up for sale, our professional brass technician cleaned this horn inside and out in our ultrasonic tank. It's been polished, lubed, and play-tested, and it's here waiting for you! Come to Horn Stash to check it out today! 

Stand not included.