Back to the main page Back to category Trumpets

musical instrument details

1978 KING SILVER FLAIR 1055T PRO Bb TRUMPET ~ DIZZY G's CHOICE ~ COLLECTOR MINT

Estimated price for orientation: 1 500 $

Category: Trumpets
Class:











Description
Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Brand: King
Key: Bb Trumpet Type: Jazz/ Commercial/ Legit
Valve Material: Nickel Plated Model: 1055T Silver Flair
Skill Level: Professional Leadpipe Material: Silver Plated Rose Brass
Country of Manufacture: United States Finish: Polished Silver Plate
Bore Size: .462" Bell Material: Silver Plated Yellow Brass
Items Included: Case, Mouthpiece


1978 KING MODEL 1055T "SILVER FLAIR" - SILVER PLATED MEDIUM LARGE PLUS BORE, PROFESSIONAL Bb TRUMPET IN COLLECTOR GRADE MINT CONDITION
I have been playing horns for 60 years...collecting and restoring vintage trumpets and cornets, and building custom horns for 49.  Over the decades I amassed a vast trumpet/ cornet collection.  During the past few years I have thinned out the herd and continue to do so.  All my horns are gig ready...cleaned, valves adjusted & aligned, and with new corks & felts when necessary. PLEASE LOOK AT THE OTHER HORNS I HAVE LISTED For your consideration, here is a spectacular mint example of a 39 year old Silver Flair that is in need of a new owner.  This trumpet is in collector grade condition as is its case, has seen VERY little play time over the decades, and is the representative example of a late model 1055 in my collection.  The 1055T SF was made famous by Herb Alpert, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ollie Mitchell to mention a few.  While the 1055T SF ceased production in 1979, the current production semi-pro model 2055T has a retail price of $2,132., and sells at deep discount for between $1,500. - $1,600. (I state this fact as a means to establish a value for this mint condition professional 1055T predecessor).  Why even pay the discount price for a 2055 SF when you can have this top pro 1055 for the same price?
In 1964 the world was introduced to the first true "superhorn"...the 1055T Silver Flair.  Dizzy Gillespie owned 20 of them, never went on a gig with less than three in hand, and his famous upturned bell model is now on display in the Smithsonian.  Production lasted through 1979.  For 13 years the model name was engraved on the mouthpiece receiver, but for the last two years it appears on the left side of the bell throat as seen in photo #5.  In 1980 the "2000 Flair" Series of pro trumpets were introduced with a new valve block and design that continued on with the introduction of the semi-pro model 2055T Silver Flair in the fall of 1983.  The original 1055 SF produces a HUGE, FAT tone with projection that will blow paint off the back wall of a large auditorium...a seriously powerful horn!  It makes a great jazz/ lead axe, but is equally at home playing commercial or legit styles, and also works well as a studio horn.
This 1055T SF is a lightweight 2 lb. - 4 oz. trumpet that will accommodate virtually any music style and acoustic venue.  The trumpet has a clear and resonant tone that is easily controlled...its sound is BIG, BOLD, FAT, centered and focused.  It is a VERY free and open blowing horn with a rich, slightly warm tone, and loves to be piloted in the stratosphere where it develops a sophisticated edge with complex overtones.  This horn has great intonation...the low register is not flat, and is very resonant.  The 5th harmonic is great, and so is the upper register intonation.  Slots are superb.  Responsive and flexible, the 1055T SF makes a great jazz horn, but with the right mouthpiece will back off nicely for those soft ballads.  Mechanically, this trumpet is in mint condition with lightning fast valves that are bright and shiny, without staining, and have factory spec compression.  All slides operate with silky smoothness including the 1st valve slide trigger.  Cosmetically, the trumpet is in mint condition both inside and out, straight with no dents, dings, pings, deep scratches nor solder repairs.  Quite often these original 1055T SF's are played to death, have red rot riddled lead pipes, and the beautifully sculpted valve caps are torn up by pliers because they don't have any knurling to grab on to...always use a rubber strap wrench!  I tend to be overly critical and as accurate as possible when describing my horns, so that no one receives any "surprises".  So, bid with confidence as I think you'll find my feedback speaks for itself. Finish          -   Original polished silver plate @ 100% over yellow brass, rose brass, and nickel silver. Serial #       -   692XXX Bore Size     -   .462" medium large plus bore (the 1055T SF was listed in the catalog as a large bore .462"...I feel .462" equals a MLPlus bore...it's just semantics!)
Features      -   Lightweight seamless bell; rose brass lead pipe; corrosion resistant nickel silver inner and outer slide tubes; aluminum valve stems and key buttons with M.O.P. inserts; reversed 1st valve slide w/ trigger; 3rd valve slide w/ adjustable ring. Accessories  -   Original wood shelled professional case with in mint condition.  Also included is a brand new copy of a Bach Megatone 5C mouthpiece, lyre, owner's manual, valve oil and slide grease.
Shipping is a flat fee of $60. via FedEx Home or Ground, with insurance and signature requirement, to the 48 continental states.  Alaska and Hawaii require more postage.  I will ship worldwide.  I accept Paypal ONLY.  Payment must be received within 4 days or the item will be re-listed. International Buyers - Please Note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price nor shipping cost.  These charges are the buyer's responsibility.  Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying. This item is being sold "As is"...no returns nor refunds will be offered unless I have somehow misrepresented the item.  I do my very best to be as accurate as humanly possible in my descriptions.  I am not an instrument dealer...just a musician and collector.  However, bid with confidence as my feedback speaks for itself.