The DEG "Sporty ST4" Soprano Trombone -- what do you know?

[Silverplussonic]

Hey all. I used to be around a tiny bit back in the TromboneForum days. In fact, that's where I got my PBones from! I'm finally back here, mostly lurking (as always), but I've got a question.

I have in my small collection a 1958 "Sporty ST4" soprano trombone/slide trumpet made by DEG, with all of the original paperwork, booklets, and everything. However, that's all I really know about it. I couldn't find anyone selling one/having one from a quick look around on Google, so I don't even know what it's worth, if anything. Does anyone here happen to have any information on why it was made, or maybe what it'd be worth? Honestly, anything helps.

Best,
-Matt

[Matt K]

Probably not much. Sopranos typically don't fetch more than a few hundred dollars. I'm not 100% sure about DEG ones but I would say somewhere between $250-500. A few people here have a lot of information about Getzen and might be able to give you more of a history.

[Silverplussonic]

Probably not much. Sopranos typically don't fetch more than a few hundred dollars. I'm not 100% sure about DEG ones but I would say somewhere between $250-500. A few people here have a lot of information about Getzen and might be able to give you more of a history.

Ah, so DEG is related to Getzen? I suppose I did never look up what DEG stood for...every little bit of info helps put the puzzle together, thanks!

[CalgaryTbone]

DEG stands for Donald E. Getzen. I believe that he was a member of the family who decided to "split off" from the existing company and start his own. Not sure if there was some kind of dispute or just someone that wanted to pursue a dream in their own way. There are some similarities in some of the instrumental designs, but there are differences as well. I don't believe the companies have any financial ties (like Edwards and Getzen).

Jim Scott

[BGuttman]

DEG seems to have made its name in Drum and Bugle Corps instruments. Allied Supply (parts) is also part of that conglomerate.

A trumpet playing friend (and Band Director) has one of those and I looked at it and immediately took a dislike to it. It has a very tight bend at the end of the slide, and you operate the slide using a little nub that sticks out from the slide (the slide is very narrow).

Any soprano trombone will have incredibly difficult intonation. Very small errors in slide placement will have major impacts on intonation.

[Silverplussonic]

Bruce, you're very right about that! I'm not sure if it's just because I'm a bigger guy or what, but I never took too much to it for similar reasons (little nub and terrible mouthpiece placement). I played a different soprano for a bit in a side group, but my lips are still quite big to play comfortably, so that didn't last too long. I'm more more at home working with large bores, bass bones, and tubas!