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This is a beautiful Reynolds Contempora Bb .462-bore pro trumpet. It is silverplate with a 5" bell. The only engraving is "reynolds - CONTEMPORA - Made in USA". Based on serial # 282XXX, I'm estimating this horn dates from 1973 or 1974. Mechanically, it is in excellent condition. All the slides glide effortlessly. The first valve slide has been oiled, instead of greased, to facilitate using the trigger. All valves are lightning fast and retain suprising compression. As a person whose only prior experience was with student-level horns, I was struck that there is a rather noticeable change in the airflow resistance as the valves are engaged. Cosmetically, I'd also say "excellent". However, some might say "very good". I've included photos of all the "point deductions" I've found, and will describe them here. All are very easily repaired. Keep in mind, however, the relative size of these issues -- I had to hunt for them, and the photos emphasize them. For example, the center bottom valve cap appears to have been replaced, as the knurl pattern on the center cap is different... unless you are looking from a 6-inch distance and hunting for flaws, this is invisible. The biggest issue is a very shallow ⅛" ding in the beginning of the bell flair, next to the "reynolds" name. There are two miniscule (found far more easily by feel than by eye) dings and a nick across the brace from the leadpipe. Finally, we have the only plating wear I could find: a ½" long bit on the underside of the tubing above the first-valve trigger, caused by a thumbtip, I'd imagine. The case is a very nice quality leather over wood. It is in servicable condition. The exterior is structurally sound, but is scuffed quite a bit. It is a nice enough case, though, that it be worth having it rejuvenated rather than replacing it. The latches work, but I do not have a key for the lock. It has a heavy velvet drape to cover the horn. There is a storage area beneath the horn, and a smaller mouthpiece box. The mouthpiece box leather strap is shot and will need to be replaced. There is not a mouthpiece included. Overall: this trumpet is an superior player for a pro or college trumpeter, and one that could very easily be brought up to "mint/near mint" condition for the collector. A Note on the Reserve PriceI very rarely sell items valued at more than a couple hundred dollars, so I am a little apprehensive about this auction. Therefore, to settle my nerves a little (yeah, it's selfish, I know) I have set a reserve price at an amount that is NOT aggressive, but not stupid either. Rather, it is truly the bare minimum amount for which I am willing to sell this trumpet. In other words, if the bidding does not reach this amount, I would be perfectly happy to play this trumpet myself for a few years, and pass it on to one of my son's if they're still playing when they enter college. But to be honest, this trumpet should be owned by a far better player than I. F I N E P R I N T My number one goal is to provide outstanding customer service. This means that I make an honest effort to present all the item's details, both positive and negative; that your e-mails will be answered quickly; and that your order will be packed carefully and shipped expeditiously. Should ever a transaction not go as planned (yes, those happen too) I want you to feel confident that you will see the same friendly and efficient service after the sale that you saw before the sale. Please settle your purchase within 48 hours. I understand that "stuff happens". Please contact me if you need more time. I ship to the buyer's confirmed PayPal address in the U.S. via USPS, insured for the amount of sale. NOTE: This item cannot be delivered to a P.O. Box, and a signature will be needed upon delivery. While I pack my items well, damage by the carrier is always a possibility. Damage claims against the carrier are the buyer's responsibility, however I will provide any support I can. I often ship the same day your payment clears. However, please keep in mind that eBay'ing is a part-time gig I do in addition to my "real" job... so, occasionally, it might take an extra day. Unless I specify otherwise, everything I sell is used. I am a "value reseller", meaning I purchase items from estate sales, auctions, liquidations, and other discount sources for the specific purpose of reselling on eBay at (I hope) a small profit. In some cases, the items I sell may have a part missing (such as a box, a tabletop stand adapter, or an instruction booklet) that would be included if the item were new. If I am aware of the missing item, I will always mention it. However, please be aware that this sale is for the item as-listed and as-pictured. Please email me if you have questions not addressed by my listing or photographs. Thanks for Stopping By & Good Luck!On Oct-05-08 at 19:16:56 PDT, seller added the following information:Please excuse the typos. I tend to rewrite as I write, and that sometimes results in some odd grammatical overlooks. It is "a superior player" that I'd be happy to pass along to "one of my sons" someday. Happy bidding!On Oct-06-08 at 03:52:06 PDT, seller added the following information:Browsing the contemporacorner.com site, it occurred to me that I mentioned "silverplate" in my listing. To clarify and prevent potential issues, I do not know for sure what the plating material is. I have not tested the metal in any way, and it could be nickel-silver or nickel plate. All I can say for sure is that the instrument is silver-tone in color, was mildly dulled as if tarnished, and cleaned up rather nicely when treated as if it were silver-plated. Also of interest, this trumpet looks remarkably similar to the Argenta tu-26 pictured on the contemporacorner site. The engraving is virtually identical to the Argenta tu-29 photo, but it says CONTEMPORA instead of ARGENTA.On Oct-08-08 at 00:54:36 PDT, seller added the following information:ATTN. SNIPERSI have nothing against sniping at all. I do it myself. In fact, watching the flurry during the last few moments of an auction is part of the fun of the eBay selling experience. Just a friendly head-up, though: this listing has garnered nearly 30 watchers already, and there is still over 4 days to go! Have fun, bid your max, cross your fingers, and good luck!
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