Have you heard of a Holton ST500S trumpet?

Answer 1

This was known as the Al Hirt Special and in the respect that Al Hirt was representing Holton with this intermediate (as marketed) signature horn. The same horn under their next endorser, Manyard Feruson, was also marketed under the 'intermediate' nomenclature. The only significant difference between the horns were the signature and the trim. More importantly the ST 500 and the ST 550 both were built at and play as the pro horns they were designed as. As with all companies that market their brasswinds at all levels from student to pro, certain top quality horns will be put into the 'intermediate' marketing tier to capture more overall market share. Unfortunately, most firms will also offer 'value priced' intermediate horns which is a beginners horn with upgraded trim...charging much more for it than a beginners model and a bit less than other intermediates. 'A real bargain' !

To the point, the ST500 (S at the end means silver plated)Trumpet is an excellent free blowing pro build trumpet from Holton that can be played in big band, orchestra or Church. Top value is as a lead horn, yet blends well with a C cup mouthpiece. By the way, the 300 series (as mentioned below) are incredible Holton trumpets as well and differ in their very large to imensely large bore sizes. The and 100 and 200 series are specifically built as symphonic horns, are much more versitile however but are built on the dimensions and in a couple of instances, the mandrels of the popular Bach Strad. ...............................................

Yes, this was also known as the Al Hirt special ST500... This was the predecessor to the ST550 which was one of the Maynard Ferguson models. (The ST550 was more of a student model compared to the later ST302, ST306, ST307)

Read more at

http://www.holtonloyalist.com

Answer 2

Go with Stomvi or Kanstul? They are both very expensive and recognized names in the music industry...However to answer the question; "Is a Holton trumpet a good trumpet? Yes, and fortunately at every level. The T-602 (T is for trumpet), or C-602 (C, cornet) is the beginners model that was made for many years and was known as the collegiate until the 70's. Recognized as strongly built, in tune with itself and better than many brand's intermediate models. Today, the T-602 and its variants, 602 R and 602 RC (made in Japan's Yamaha factory) are available used in such great number that they are nearly being given away on eBay.

If you are looking for a pro or near pro horn there are many Holton models to choose from. The best of these are the vintage models which can be investigated in part at the holtonloyalist.com...but one sure sign is having a Manyard Ferguson endorsed model. Although not foolproof, the rule of thumb regarding this brand is; the 600 level are the beginning horns, mthe 300's intermediates and the 200's and 100's pro level.

Until the great mergers and death of owners etc., Holton, now owned by the Steinway group, was the largest brass instrument producer in the world and has produced many of the finest trumpets and cornets ever designed. Fortunately for collectors, very little information is currently available at any one source about the 'old' Holton company and there are bargains to be had.