TromboneChat

Hi

A local guitar shop is selling an Elkhart Conn 88H from 1970. Serial number N***.

Very good condition, no slide wear, lacquer looks good except at the contact points. Valve strings look funny, but the valve works well.

They are asking something around 2500 USD wich seems overpriced to me. What do you guys think?

Thanks!

Yeah, that's more than I'd pay for it, but you've got to play it before you can really say. Retail is a little different from the general used market. Good playing Elkies in decent shape go for about $1800 - 2000 plus or minus. Offer him $2000 if you like it. He should accept that.

hyperbolica wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2019 5:44 am Yeah, that's more than I'd pay for it, but you've got to play it before you can really say. Retail is a little different from the general used market. Good playing Elkies in decent shape go for about $1800 - 2000 plus or minus. Offer him $2000 if you like it. He should accept that.

Agree.

If it's minty though (except for contact points) and it's the best darn 88h you've ever played than $2500 is still a fair price, though on the high side of things.

Am I correct in thinking that you're located somewhere in Europe? (Germany?)

$2500 US does seem high for an Elkhart 88H, but, assuming that's inclusive of VAT (and that Germany charges VAT on used instruments), that puts the price ex-VAT in the $2000 range. Plus, it's local so you can play test it.

You might be able to find something in the $1800-2000 range on Ebay or from a private seller, but I suspect it would end up costing you at least as much once you factor in VAT, import duty, international shipping and insurance.

Can't hurt to see if they'll take less, though.

I am in Switzerland, so no VAT on used horns. Funny stuff is they dont let me play it in the shop. They want me to buy it and return if I dont like.... price didnt come down unfortunately, I think I will pass...

I would pass too under those circumstances. Its way overpriced anyway and only discovering it plays better than anything youve got or played before would make it justifiable... cant find that out if you cant play it! - imagine going into a music shop and them saying you cant play it before you buy it, thats nonesense.

cozzagiorgi wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2019 11:13 pm I am in Switzerland, so no VAT on used horns. Funny stuff is they dont let me play it in the shop. They want me to buy it and return if I dont like.... price didnt come down unfortunately, I think I will pass...

That is bizarre. It is a guitar shop! Aren't they used to... loud noises?...

They are certainly used to loud noises, but maybe not to MUSIC?

That's a lot of money, but I know a guy that Mark Lawrence is planning to kill in order to take his Elkhart 88H. A good one is a good one. I'm still negotiating my hitman prices with Mark.

I wpuld pay that price if it was an excellent horn. But without paying it.... nope.

For that money you can get a new Latsch SL -240 which I find to be all I like about a vintage Conn horn made with quality German design and construction, and great Rotax valve.

http://www.lätzsch-shop.com/en/web-shop ... mbone.html

I have an " N Series" and it's a sweet horn.

It's got Yellow brass slide tubes which isn't always the case with Elkhart 88's. Could be one of the reasons I like it so much.

Like everyone has said, try and play it first, 2500 might be a saving in the long run.....

cozzagiorgi wrote: ↑Tue Mar 12, 2019 8:48 am They are certainly used to loud noises, but maybe not to MUSIC?

--Andy in OKC