Posted by Joe S. on July 24, 2000 at 20:51:45:
In Reply to: Re: Trombones purchased posted by Andy Smith on July 24, 2000 at 17:41:56:
I would say that your desire to make these trombones receive a large shank mouthpiece is nearly hopeless, quite expensive, and anti-productive, as most large shank mouthpieces would not play those small trombones properly (' sort of like wishing to play a trumpet with a trombone mouthpiece).
The Alexandre is absolutely not an Alexander. Alexandre was a (possibly econo French or maybe Czech) brand brought in to the U.S. in the '60's. Gretsch Guitar and Drum Company was a large importer of Couesnon and Alexandre instruments, as at the time they were trying to supply their "combo" store dealers with school band instruments to rent.
The Olds was the entry model for that line made in Fullerton, California for several decades, up until 1980. It was a solid, playable model and its quality exceeded that of most entry models made today.
Either or neither trombone is or is not worth something depending on their slide action, condition of the chrome plating on their inner slides, beauty of their remaining finishes, and condition of their cases. In absolute tip-top condition, the Olds is worth at most $275 and the Alexandre probably $200 in mint condition - assuming acceptable workmanship.