R.S. Berkeley C trumpet in excellent used condition. The closest documented model match is the R.S. Berkeley TPC621 C Trumpet, which R.S. Berkeley has described as an advanced-student C trumpet with a .462″ bore, 4.875″ bell, Monel valves, a one-piece handspun bell, double bracing, 1st and 3rd tuning-slide components, and a 3rd-slide locking screw mechanism.

This horn is best understood as a practical player’s C trumpet rather than a vintage collector trophy. Its value is in the feature set and usability: a C trumpet format, Monel valves, a documented mid-price/advanced-student design lane, and enough slide hardware to make sense for real C trumpet use.

Important distinction: this is R.S. Berkeley, not Berkeley Winds/BerkeleyWind. The two names are often confused in online searches, so I am being precise about the brand shown on the horn.

Important finish note: the current R.S. Berkeley TPC621 documentation I found specifies silver plate, while this horn appears to be lacquered / yellow brass in the supplied photos. For that reason, I am describing the finish as pictured rather than making a factory-finish claim. Please review the photos carefully.

The bell engraving shown in the photos includes the R.S. Berkeley marking and decorative engraving. I have not verified a special-production or special-bell lineage beyond what is visible in the photos. Any story beyond the visible engraving should be treated as unverified unless additional documentation is provided.

For the right buyer, this is a sensible way to add a C trumpet to the toolkit at a fraction of the cost of most professional orchestral C trumpets. I would position it for a serious advancing student, a player needing a second/backup C, a church or community-orchestra musician, or a doubler who wants a practical C without tying up several thousand dollars.

CONDITION

Excellent used condition overall. The horn presents very well in the supplied photos, with bright lacquered finish and clean overall lines. I see no major dents in the provided images.

There is light normal cosmetic wear from careful use, including small areas of finish wear, oxidation, or discoloration around some slide and water-key areas. This is typical used-instrument cosmetic wear and is shown as clearly as possible in the photos.

As with any used C trumpet, buyers should review the photos closely and ask any specific questions before purchase. If additional close-ups are needed, I am happy to provide them.

BEST FOR

·       Serious student stepping into C trumpet repertoire.

·       Church, school, community orchestra, or brass quintet use.

·       Bb player who wants an affordable C trumpet for doubling.

·       Player who wants value and utility rather than boutique-brand collectibility.

U.S.A. Made | Bauerfeind Valves | Scodwell-Era Design

Professionally Serviced & Ready to Play

This DEG Signature 2000 Custom Series flugelhorn has just undergone a full chemical cleaning (chem clean) and has been fitted with new felts and corks.

✔ No project work needed
✔ Strong mechanical condition
✔ Ready for rehearsal or gig immediately

Key Features

– Verified Bauerfeind valves
– U.S.-made (Allied / Elkhorn, Wisconsin production)
– Signature 2000 Custom Series professional model
– Lower tuning branch design
– Warm, dark, centered flugelhorn tone
– Clean, efficient layout without heavy trigger hardware

Documented Design Lineage (Primary Source)

Direct comments from Tony Scodwell (TrumpetHerald, 2018):

“The horns I designed were called “Signature 2000” and two models of trumpets called the “New York” and the “LA” along with the flugelhorn which introduced the tuning lower branch design and the three and four valve piccolos which no less than William Vacchiano asked to endorse. “ –https://www.trumpetherald.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1534269

“Trumpets and cornets used the Allied valves but piccolos and flugelhorns used Bauerfeind valves…” – https://www.trumpetherald.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1531237

The “Signature 2000” instruments were all made in the Allied factory which was owned by Don’s brother Bob.…” https://www.trumpetherald.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1534269

These align directly with this instrument’s features and place it within Scodwell’s early professional design work during the DEG Signature era.

Watch Scodwell talk about his flugels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdnY8ul3KsM

This discusses Scodwell’s later flugelhorns; the DEG Signature 2000 represents an earlier stage of that design lineage.

There a few minor pings and dings, but overall I would rate the finish # 97%. (The Picts don’t lie) Comes with original Case and Yammie 13FL Mouthpiece

• Production Era: Mid-to-late 1970s. Yamaha moved to four-digit serial numbers in 1982, and this five-digit number (08976) preceded that transition.
• “A” Suffix Meaning: The “A” suffix at the end of the serial number typically indicates that the instrument was manufactured at the Yamaha facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
• Schilke Influence: Early Yamaha professional horns, like the 731, were built using designs by Renold Schilke. Some enthusiasts note that “A” suffix horns from this era were assembled by highly skilled craftsmen, sometimes even at the Schilke factory using Yamaha parts. 
  Technical Specifications

  • Key: Bb
  • Bore Size: 0.433″ (Medium bore)
  • Bell: 6″ yellow brass or gold brass (depending on the specific production year)
  • Finish: Silver-plated (Standard for the 700-series professional flugels)
  • Valve Type: Vertical piston valves (unlike newer rotary valve flugelhorns) 

  Value and Market Information

  Used Yamaha YFH-731 flugelhorns are highly sought after by “doublers” (trumpet players who also play flugelhorn) for their consistent build quality and mellow sound. 

ML bore .460 No dents dings or trauma. Lacquer finish is about 95%. This is a player! Great Valves and slides. Great compression! It’s amazing that this horn has survived all these years. The Besson trumpets of the early 20th century were the first truly modern trumpets. The innovations in leadpipe design, bell shape, and wrap (the overall shape of the tubing and instrument) resulted in a far superior instrument to the trumpets of the day. Bach trumpets were inspired (or copied) from early Besson trumpets, and most modern trumpets closely follow the same pattern. Most modern trumpets are in fact close copies or clones of early 20th century Besson instruments. The Besson Brevete was a very popular choice for generations of Jazz trumpeters, and was played at various times by artists like Miles Davis, Rafael Mendez (the Olds Mendez was basically a copy of his old Brevete), Lee Morgan, and Fats Navarro. The Besson Meha was also a very popular choice, being a brighter horn more suitable for lead and big band playing, played by the famous Conrad Gozzo and others. These original French Besson trumpets are now collectors items, and command high prices. Unfortunately they were out of production Serial Number 92652 circa 1934-47 There were apparently three different models: ‘Brevete’ Meha Meha without the Brevete designation Brevete without the Meha designation The original French Mehas are classified in two eras – prewar and postwar. The prewar Mehas (approximately serial number 90,000 and prior) are considered more collectible, although both prewar and postwar are eagerly sought after from a playing perspective. Serial Numbers Dating a French Besson Meha can be a real crapshoot, given the poor record keeping that occurred during and after World War II. This is especially true of the later years, as there are reports of serial numbers up to 141,000, yet the only reference point we have is #92,000 in 1947 (and who knows how accurate that data point is?): .460 Bore

This trumpet is a great example of true craftsmanship. It looks as great as it plays, and feels good in the hand. This James Morrison Meister Series Trumpet is on a whole different level! This horn features a GOLD Brass Bell (for a little added warmth in the sound)! Introduced first in 1989, Schagerl Meister Series Trumpets are world renowned for being the highest quality handmade orchestral trumpets available. Schagerl Meister Trumpets are also custom made to serve the needs and desires of the most discerning musicians in the world.  These distinctive Schagerl trumpets have a dark, Germanic-Viennese sound with superb intonation, projection and power. Traditional craftsmanship, design innovation and knowledge of brass instrument acoustics have made Schagerl instruments the first choice of elite musicians worldwide. This new Schagerl Bb trumpet model was developed with input of the legendary multi-musician James Morrison. Together with the traditional craftmanship of our technicans, James Morrison developed an instrument with a powerful, brilliant tone, with improved tonal projection. With the “James Morrison” model, powerful playing and delicate ballads are possible as well.

Features:

• .50mm bell gauge
• Gold Brass Leadpipe
• ML Bore
• Monel Pistons

Historical Context
While many of these horns are stamped “Los Angeles,” instruments in this serial range were typically manufactured at the Anaheim, California plant after the company was purchased by King in the early 1970s. Claude Gordon eventually moved his design to Selmer/Bach in the mid-1980s because Benge reportedly refused to produce an even larger .470 bore that he preferred.  The Benge CG was a collaborative design between the renowned trumpet virtuoso and educator
Claude Gordon and the Benge Trumpet Company. The design process involved several key figures and was modeled after Gordon’s own preferences for high-performance lead playing:

This horn is Dead Mint with Floral engraving and gold wash bell.  It comes with the original case. 1960 King Silver Sonic cornet (Serial No. 374989) is a professional-grade instrument from the H.N. White Cleveland era. It is essentially a deluxe “Master” model cornet characterized by its use of premium materials and classic “long model” design

Key Details

• Model Identification: The Silver Sonic (formerly “Silver Tone”) series is highly regarded for its solid sterling silver bell, which is often gold-plated on the interior and features ornate floral engraving.
• Manufacturer: It was produced by the H.N. White Company in Cleveland, Ohio.
• Sound Profile: These cornets are known for a dark, rich tone with exceptional overtones and projection due to the silver bell construction.

• Bore Size: .458-inch (Medium bore), designed for a balance of efficiency and a sonorous, dark tone.
• Bell Material: Solid sterling silver bell, which provides superior overtones and projection compared to standard brass.
• Bell Diameter: Typically 4.625 inches (4 5/8″).
• Finish: Standard models featured a clear oven-baked lacquer over the brass body, with the interior of the sterling silver bell  featuring a 24K gold wash inside the bell.
• Key: Bb (standard for modern cornets).
• Valves: Three piston valves, often made with King’s “Micro-Tru” grained finish for smooth action.

• First Valve Thumb hook: Many 1960-era Silver Sonics included a factory-installed First Valve Thumb hook to assist with intonation on certain notes.
• Third Valve Ring: Features a slide ring for fine-tuning while playing.
• Engraving: Highly detailed floral engraving on the bell, often including the “King Silver-Sonic” and “H.N. White Co. Cleveland Ohio” stamps.
• Mother of Pearl: Finger buttons are typically capped with genuine mother of pearl. 

• Year of Manufacture: Based on serial number 661310, this horn was produced in the Elkhart, Indiana factory around 2008.
• Bell (239): This is considered the standard orchestral bell for C trumpets. It provides a big, rich, and dark sound with a conical taper that offers warmth and ample resonance.
• Leadpipe (25A): Unlike the standard 25C, the 25A leadpipe is physically longer and often paired with a shorter tuning slide. Players typically choose it for its reduced resistance (freer blowing),
• improved high-register intonation, and crisper articulation.
• Bore Size: Most Bach Stradivarius C trumpets with this configuration feature a .462″ Large Bore, which aids in producing a massive sound suitable for major symphony orchestras. 

Comes with a generic Cloth Gig Bag and a Bach 7C.  If you need a different case and or MPC we have plenty available on our Web store.