The 155R is the two tuning trigger model in the Courtois flugelhorn range.
This beautiful sounding Courtois 155R, in original case with keys, care leaflet and cloth is in excellent condition . The mouthpiece, a Courtois B 1 1/4 C, is also original and included. The current version of this model sells for £2,950 when new. A used example of a one trigger model on Reverb at the time of writing is offered at £2,400!
I have tried to show any wear/damage as faithfully as possible in the photographs (which should be regarded as part of the description): I think the condition is excellent for its age.
Picture 8 shows spots of laquer loss, probably caused by the holding position near the finger crook, pictures 5 and 6 a scrape and minor dent below the "Antoine' engraving, and picture 7, showing the serial number and the Courtois valve block stamp shows laquer damage caused by me through ONCE using rubber bands to secure the valve levers during cleaning and maintenance! Ever since this occured I have used picture frame cord instead to avoid having to reset the trigger springs after cleaning and to avoid further laquer issues. (You can see this cord used in picture 9. I recommend this practice as resetting the trigger springs can be fiddly.) Finally, there is some clouding of the laquer on the valve block in areas which are difficult to clean. In my opinion, these are minor and certainly purely cosmetic blemishes: they have no impact on the sound or playability of the instrument.
The slides move very responsively, with easy trigger action: the valves are smooth, free moving and airtight.
The felts, valve springs and water key corks have been replaced recently.
The R in the model number indicates that the bell section is rose brass, giving the tone a rich, dark quality.
The model number is 26309. Despite repeated requests directly to Courtois and Bufet Crampon to give me a date of manufacture, I have had no response, and internet searches provide nothing beyond assumptions. However, when I purchased this from Band Supplies 4 or so years ago I was told that there had been one previous owner. Opinion on various trumpet websites seems to suggest late seventies to mid eighties, assuming numbering in keeping with that for Courtois trumpets, but I can in no way guarantee the accuracy of those assumptions. In my opinion the appearance would suggest a newer instrument than that.
Courtois flugels have a very high reputation and are much sought after. They command high prices even when in poor cosmetic condition and when requiring significant repair work: this will play as it should from the 'box'.
I include a basic care kit - snake, Bach slide gel, Yamaha valve oil and a refill bottle of Ultra Pure Professional valve oil for use on valves and trigger slides. All these items are used.
POSTAGE: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.
International buyers will receive the horn via the global shipping programme which calculates shipping as part of the process of purchase.
Domestic shipping will include insurance against loss up to £1500.00. Ebay only lists couriers who will not insure brass and most other musical instruments to a maximum, where available, of £1000.00 I will therefore use Overland Express which specialises in such ‘difficult’ parcels. The actual courier may be different from the one I list. Without actually booking the service a precise costing is not possible but the cost to the buyer will be no more than £50.
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