Hi All - I am in the process of cleaning out my home and I think it is time to sell my horn. It is an Elkhart Conn8d, serial # M04054 (which I believe makes it 1969?).

My parents bought it used for me around 1980 when I was in youth orchestra. I went on to major in music for a couple of years but ended up switching careers/fields. I played in community orchestras for a few years, but gradually played less and less, and now realize I haven't played regularly in probably 25 years.

I've oiled the valves and slides regularly and the horn is in excellent shape - although it did have some work done on the bell in 1984 to remove a large dent (long story). I'd love to see it being played - while it's hard to think of selling it, it also makes me sad to have it sitting silent in a closet when it's such a gorgeous instrument.

Any suggestions on the best method to go about selling this instrument - ebay, consignment at a music store, this forum? And also, what would be a good starting price? There aren't very many similar instruments out there for comparison.

Thanks so much for any insights.

Erika

Erika,
Does the bell say Elkhart on it? I had a Conn 8D M series that played like a dog. It was made with the valve set from Elkhart, but bell, crooks, lead-pipe, everything else, were Abeline. My did not say "Elkhart" on it anywhere. I sold mine because it was no fun to play and I was switching to another horn. I managed to sell before the 8D began to tank. When I first put mine up to be consigned (about 5 years ago) comparable horns were selling for 3500 or more, by the time mine sold, 8Ds were selling used at that store for 2200 or less. The three stores I regularly go to can't even sell the 8Ds any longer. Seems the Alex 103 and better Geyer models are what's selling, at least in Northern California. If yours truly is an Elkhart they seem to be holding better, and in more demand, so you might be able to get a better brass shop to take it on consignment. Ebay is robably a better bet for any horn Abeline or later.

Thanks for the reply - yes, it does have Elkhart stamped on the bell. When my parents bought it for me, I remember my teacher (who was principle in a major symphony) was super excited about it. He told them it was one of the good ones. It does play beautifully, but honestly I have nothing else to compare it to as it's the only horn I ever owned!

I'd say you have a good one then, and you should probably be able to consign it through any number of fine shops. The Brass Ark is in the heart of 8D country and I believe always have pre Abeline 8D's for sale. Good luck and keep us updated!

Thank you! I was not aware of the Brass Ark - looks like a very good option for consignment.

Not sure about price, but definitely try selling it on an online marketplace. Most music shops that buy used instruments won't give you a good price. I'd say use Kijiji (ebay Classifieds in the US)

For a decent horn, Pope Repair, Brass Ark, Horn Guys, and a few others who have high stock numbers for premium horns, can command great prices. Pope Repair only charges 10% and gets very good prices because he gets tons of traffic from all over the East Coast, and probably the world. Horn Guys and Brass Ark, both in the greater LA Area, have major symphony orchestras, studio musicians, and world traffic going through, get more eyes on instruments than almost anywhere else. I have a decent H181 that plays nicely, but no one around here wants to take it because they wouldn't be able to sell it (or so they say). Online, you're likely to sell quickly, but maybe not for as high a price as you could through a primo store.