Hello all, trying to learn more about how my Holton 65 fits into the 65 history. From research here and elsewhere, I thought that there were two Holton 65 series. One ran in the 40's and another(the Buddy Morrow model) ran from the 50's until about 1965. The serial number on mine puts it at 1965 and it matches all of the observable and measurable specs in the original advertising pictures from 1957 attached below. BAsed on the 1957 advertising calling it "New" I thought 1957 started the new series. Recently talking to another forum member, he felt that my horn was a different iteration because the engraving was different and plainer. He also put an earlier date on the start of the Buddy Morrow design because he has a 1954 serial number which was played and signed by Buddy. He also thought that Buddy moved on to a different model(69?) at some point. Picture of my engraving also attached. So my questions are:

1. How long did the 1950's iteration that Buddy played continue? Was it the same until 1965?

2. Were there any changes to design after he stopped playing it?

3. Does anyone else have engraving similar to mine? What year serial number?

4. Any other Buddy Morrow 65 history tidbits are welcomed!

Any help appreciated! Thanks!

He made 65 kn early 50's then 69 at end of 50's then early 60's he stopped to play Holton and the only model remine the 69 but called tr301 in yellow and red version but not called anymore B.Morrow model...I had a early 65 before Buddy and was really smaller really easy high range but really smaller,I had 2 69 red bells and plays great I had one tr301 brass sarly 60's and I have now a 1968 tr 301 yellow and plays great too...

That's all I know

65 was 485 single bore and 69 duo bore both's BM models

Love the "Larger 7 1/2" bell"

I recently picked up a Holton 65 in very good condition. The serial number is 1269xx which I think indicates it was manufactured in 1939. I like the look of the dark lacquer.
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[quote="dbwhitaker"]I recently picked up a Holton 65 in very good condition. The serial number is 1269xx which I think indicates it was manufactured in 1939. I like the look of the dark lacquer.[/quote]
That is a SWEET one, I'm jealous. I owned a 1939 and a 1941 model 65, both silverplated. The 39 was fascinating with a TINY bell and super lightweight all over, very big sound, a blast to play! The 41 was built heavier, larger bell but not as much fun to play somehow. I sent that one to Massimo Pirone but he didn't like it.

[quote="dcslideman"]

1. How long did the 1950's iteration that Buddy played continue? Was it the same until 1965?

2. Were there any changes to design after he stopped playing it?

3. Does anyone else have engraving similar to mine? What year serial number?

4. Any other Buddy Morrow 65 history tidbits are welcomed!

Any help appreciated! Thanks![/quote]

I have a 65 same age as yours; I bought it from Ben Griffin. It's my main axe. I feel it plays like a small 88h at lower volumes but lights up very well without being overblown at volume.

Anyway, as stated above the TR301 followed the 69 after LeBlanc bought Holton.

I can't be sure, but I believe the TR201 followed the 65 and 67 (both .485, red 7.5" bell)

There's a catalog page, linked below, that describes the TR301 as being "duo bore" with an 8" bell, like the 69. It also describes the TR201 as having a 7.5" bell. The picture of the TR201 looks like a 65 but with the "slipstream" bracing of the 67/69.

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Interestingly, it describes both as having nickel leadpipes.

I will not be removing my leadpipe but I am interested to know if the 65/67/69 had nickel leadpipes.

For what it's worth, I've seen many 65 and 67 trombones for sale, as well as a few TR301s, including RonZ's beautiful silver one for sale. I've never seen a TR201 or 69 for sale.

The TR100 and TR501 are both .500 bore horns; some of those bells were made by Yamaha as I understand it. Did Yamaha also make the TR201/TR301 bells? Dunno. Some of this stuff will probably be lost to history.

I know that 65 from Ben. We were on a big band gig together, and I played lead on that horn for the 2nd half of the show. That is definitely a good example. I've owned a few over the last 20 years or so...

I've always wondered if the TR100 was anything like a .500 version of a 65. I played one at the IAJE conference 30 years ago, and haven't seen one in person since.

[quote="DaveAshley"]

I've always wondered if the TR100 was anything like a .500 version of a 65. I played one at the IAJE conference 30 years ago, and haven't seen one in person since.[/quote]

The TR100 was made well in the LeBlanc era of Holton, so I don't think so. As far as I know it was a Conn 6H clone (which may have been built or partially built by Yamaha) that was just a little bit heavier than the 6H.

Pre-LeBlanc, the 69 would have been the .500 variant. but it had a larger bell flare too I think.

The 69 wasn't .500, it was .481-.491 and 8" bell. There was another two 500 horns, the "Spirit" and the "Vito", but both were Leblanc products.

Has anyone played a 63? Especially the 7" bell early one?

If so how was it?