Martin Committee Early 1950's Authentic Dance Band Player Big Band Era. First of all, if this were a Martin Committee Trumpet from the same era it would be worth $3000-5000. I have heard of some special Committees selling for even more by pro players and collectors. But, it's not. This is a vintage Martin Committee Slide Trombone. It was purchased in the early 1950's by a touring professional player playing Big Band music for a living. We received the horn and put it through full shop service including chemical bath. No dents or dings nor any prior damage or repairs. Some lacquer wear around bell rim and other parts of the horn. But, here we are 70 years later and it still looks good and plays great. Has 7" brass bell, with .485 bore. Handslide is good, no plating wear through the inners. The tubes are straight. Includes original case and original mouthpiece. In-stock for immediate delivery.
About the previous owner: I usually don't go into detail about prior ownership unless someone asks. But, the son of the man who bought this horn new in the early 50's sent a wonderful letter. This was his dad's horn. Here goes: Mr. Dale Bishop was born in 1922 in North Dakota. In the early 1940's he was touring with the Jimmy Barnett Band. Back in those days, big band music was the thing. Then along comes WWII. Bishop enlisted in 1943 and served as a radar operator on the USS Saratoga, and participated in the battle of Iwo Jima, during which his aircraft carrier suffered multiple kamikaze strikes. He manned radar stations on remote Pacific Islands during that period where he played trombone with other musicians. After mustering out in 1946, he returned to the midwest and the traveling band of Jimmy Barnett, where he met his future wife at a dance in Alexandria Minnesota. They were married a year later. He continued playing throughout the region, even subbing multiple nights witht the Count Basie Band. His Son Dan grew up with music in the house constantly and eventually went on to play Tuba. Mr. Bishop passed away in the late 1970's. "This trombone was a constant presence in our house. He believed practice important to maintaing his skills and I listened to his music multiple times a week. I hope you enjoy this wonderful instrument and reflect back upon a member of our greatest generation who played and loved this instrument"
Dan Bishop
