Mark, I hadn't played a Holton since high school, but remember very well the terrible valve trouble I had on my H-180 back then. I was in Boston this past weekend and decided to try out a new Merker-Matic at Rayburn's Music, just to satisfy my curiosity. My opinion (for what it's worth) is that it was an extremely well-crafted horn, with a warm, well-centered sound and consistently good evenness and intonation from top to bottom.
Having said that, I fully agree with your point about the lingering stigma of Holton's valves, and frankly the spectre of a $1,000 valve rebuild only a few years into the purchase would prevent me from seriously considering buying one. I think it's an issue Holton really needs to address, if they hope to compete. Stephen Laifer Valves have seemed to be a fairly consistent problem with many Holton horns. I knew a fellow back in the mid-60's who had an original Model 77 and he had valve problems. One hears frequent complaints today about Holton valves. After forty some years of making Farkas model horns, when are they going to get it right with regard to valves ? Wes Hatch has made frequent and valuable posts regarding Holton horns on both lists. I know that he has indicated that at various times, the leadership of LeBlanc really emphasized good quality control, so why is there a problem, or is it a problem ? Is it merely a perception ? The new Merker-Matic horns have been well received, What kind of inroads are they making in professional and advanced ranks ? __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - File online, calculators, forms, and more http://tax.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
