Are silver tones as good as silversonic?

[Elow]

I’ve seen a couple go for quite a bit less than the traditional silversonic 2B and i’m wondering why. Is it that the slides are normally in worse shape or another reason? Do they have to same characteristics?

[Kingfan]

I think King changed the name to Silversonic in the early 50s as Sears had the rights to the name Silvertone. So yeah, a Silvertone would be at almost 70 years old or older and most likely more worn than a newer horn. I have no idea about the playing characteristics, though.

[Burgerbob]

Still good horns, but probably going to have more wear. I wouldn't class them as any lower than a Silversonic.

[paulyg]

I always thought the Silvertones did not have solid silver bells, while the Silversonics did.

[harrisonreed]

No they both had solid sterling bells

[BGuttman]

I always thought the Silvertones did not have solid silver bells, while the Silversonics did.

Sears Silvertone trombones (yes, they did exist) did not have silver bells. King Silvertone trombones had Sterling Silver bells.

[DaveAshley]

The early *KING* Silvertone had a smaller bore than the 2B, so they aren't as sought-after. The 2B version (after the mid-1930's) are basically the same as the SilverSonic. Little changes happened through the years, like a slightly shorter tuning slide crook and lighter bell. The best sterling bell King I ever played was a Silvertone from 1940-41. I'm quite certain it still has the same owner 20 years later.

I have an unusually lightweight 2B SilverSonic bell section (must've been a custom order) that plays exactly like my brass bell, but with more sparkle and zing. (Sorry, I just wanted to use those words...it's true though!)

[djkennedy]

Ha ha
Are original Strad violins
Better than new violins
Are old Martin guitars ??????
Old Bourbon???????
How about the engraving????

[Amconk]

Ha ha
Are original Strad violins
Better than new violins
Are old Martin guitars ??????
Old Bourbon???????
How about the engraving????

Yes.
Meh.
Heck yes.
Engraving is like chrome. It adds horsepower.