Vintage Holton

[Sax_Pete]

Hi all,

I've been to a musicshop today because a bandmember needed some stuff.
I'm playing in a old style Dixieland band and always found my Selmer SA80 II a little too classical. Very closed sound.
Therefor I was looking for a vintage Conn or Buescher soprano.
In the shop I played a Frank Holton soprano serial 39xxx which takes it back to 1915. It plays very nice but I can't get an idea how much this soprano is worth.
I ws planning on trading it for my Selmer SA80 II but I could use some advice if this is the right thing to do. I mean financially. Does anybody have some advice for me?

Help will be appriciated,

Regards,

Peter

[GSR]

Sax_Pete, the SA-80 II is worth a bunch more. I have owned one of these Holton sopranos and played it as my main horn for a couple of years. I have seen them on ebay and on the internet occasionally and not really selling for a whole lot. I sold mine not too long ago on ebay and got a mere 450.00 for it. Good playing horns though with interesting extra keys. Less in value than the vintage Conns and Bueschers and certainly your SA-80 II.
Gary

[SAXISMYAXE]

Holton Saxophones are without a doubt the "Yugo's" of the Sax world. Holton was never able to market a sucessful Saxophone model that could compete with the big boys. The company tried many gimmicks to gain a foot hold, such as extra trill keys, named models such as the Rudy Weidoff(sic) etc. but were a relative flop. As a result, the value of most Holtons is near the bottom of the food chain as saxophone prices go.
I've played quite a few, and while many played competently, they were never very impressive or outstanding in any respect.

[bruce bailey]

You may want to check to see if it is one of the Holtons that was stenciled by Martin. I have an alto that is a Handcraft clone (37xxx) and every bit as good as a real Martin. If it has the soldered and beveled tone holes it is probably one. The Holton made ones have an extra key near the high E lever which is not on the Martin made horns.

[Sax_Pete]

Thanks all for your replies.

Maybe I'm going to buy the Holton. I'm not going to trade it for my Selmer.
The store is closed today. I'm going to ask them tomorrow what they want for the Holton.

Peter

[blackfrancis]

I have a 1912 Holton soprano that I've played since 1970. A great blowin axe for sure. I've done all styles of music on it and love it to death. If you score the one you're looking at, I hope you'll be as happy with it as I am with mine!

[Vickers]

I simply love my Holton, but they're right about the fact that they are relatively cheap if you can actually find one. Why not post a request for one in the marketplace and see what comes up?