How to Value an Obscure Horn (Holton)
- TexasTBone
- Posts: 81
- Joined: Aug 03, 2021
I am getting ready to sell my Holton TR258, but they are virtually impossible to find, so I can't find any comps anywhere. Even TromboneChat doesn't have a single post about the TR258.
This is the TR158 with a factory screw bell. Should I just use TR158 listings as comps (which vary widely)? Does the screw bell bring any appreciable added value? Also, I have both the factory case (in fair condition) and a brand new Marcus Bonna case for it. Am I better off selling the MB case separately or just pushing up the price by what I'd sell the case for?
This is the TR158 with a factory screw bell. Should I just use TR158 listings as comps (which vary widely)? Does the screw bell bring any appreciable added value? Also, I have both the factory case (in fair condition) and a brand new Marcus Bonna case for it. Am I better off selling the MB case separately or just pushing up the price by what I'd sell the case for?
- Elow
- Posts: 1924
- Joined: Mar 02, 2020
I think basing it off the 158 listing would be fine and then bump up price like $150-200 for the screw bell. I would list the MB case up separately and mention in the listing that you have that as well for sale.
All my opinion, though
All my opinion, though
- hyperbolica
- Posts: 3990
- Joined: Mar 23, 2018
Unless you need a quick sale, start it high, and bring it down over time. It's easy to lower the price, harder to raise it once posted. Those horns have a niche appeal.
Yeah, I'd price the fancy case separately, although this is probably the best chance you'll have to sell a screw bell case.
Yeah, I'd price the fancy case separately, although this is probably the best chance you'll have to sell a screw bell case.
- jacobgarchik
- Posts: 358
- Joined: Oct 27, 2018
If you are looking for a quality trigger instrument and need a screw bell for travel there are basically zero options between an expensive boutique horn and buying something uncut and having it cut for ~$500 plus case. So I would think that's a big plus for this horn.
- TexasTBone
- Posts: 81
- Joined: Aug 03, 2021
[quote="jacobgarchik"]If you are looking for a quality trigger instrument and need a screw bell for travel there are basically zero options between an expensive boutique horn and buying something uncut and having it cut for ~$500 plus case. So I would think that's a big plus for this horn.[/quote]
That's a great way to look at it, and I'll definitely use that in my listing when I get it back from the shop. :good:
That's a great way to look at it, and I'll definitely use that in my listing when I get it back from the shop. :good:
- spencercarran
- Posts: 689
- Joined: Oct 17, 2020
Selling in the factory case and then listing MB separately (or as add-on for the trombone listing) makes sense I think.
Standard 158 is pretty easily available at any time, the factory screw bell is much rarer and much cooler. Having factory original case is also neat. I think you could probably bump the price up several hundred above the higher end for 158 listings and see where it takes you.
Standard 158 is pretty easily available at any time, the factory screw bell is much rarer and much cooler. Having factory original case is also neat. I think you could probably bump the price up several hundred above the higher end for 158 listings and see where it takes you.
- spencercarran
- Posts: 689
- Joined: Oct 17, 2020
Just saw the listing - too low! I'm tempted, and I don't even like or want any large tenors.
- TexasTBone
- Posts: 81
- Joined: Aug 03, 2021
[quote="spencercarran"]Just saw the listing - too low! I'm tempted, and I don't even like or want any large tenors.[/quote]
TR158 prices are all over the place, with most settling between $700-800. Lacquer wear seems to be one of the biggest reasons horn values drop, especially on older step-up horns - everyone wants a pretty horn. I wish buyers felt the same way I do about lacquer wear (as in I don't care).
I figured this price seemed about right after looking around and getting advice from here, but if it's too low and that means it can land in the hands of a student who really needs it to get to the next level of trombone playing, I'm happy.
TR158 prices are all over the place, with most settling between $700-800. Lacquer wear seems to be one of the biggest reasons horn values drop, especially on older step-up horns - everyone wants a pretty horn. I wish buyers felt the same way I do about lacquer wear (as in I don't care).
I figured this price seemed about right after looking around and getting advice from here, but if it's too low and that means it can land in the hands of a student who really needs it to get to the next level of trombone playing, I'm happy.