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Industry | Musical instruments |
---|---|
Founded | 1898 |
Founder | Frank E. Holton |
Headquarters | Elkhart, Indiana, US |
Number of locations | 1 |
Worldwide | |
Products | Trumpets, Cornets, French horns, Trombones |
Owner | Conn-Selmer |
Parent | Steinway Musical Instruments |
Website | conn-selmer.com |
Holton is a brand owned by Steinway Musical Instruments' Conn-Selmer division. Founded by Frank Holton, a trombone player in 1898 in Chicago, Illinois, the firm built brass instruments in Elkhorn, Wisconsin from 1918 until 2008 before moving all current production to Elkhart, Indiana and Eastlake, Ohio.[1]
- 2The Frank Holton Company
Frank Holton[edit]
Holton currently produces cornets, trumpets, french horns and trombones as well as. Holton Saxophones – Serial Numbers – annotated serial number chart. Holton is a brand owned by Steinway Musical Instruments' Conn-Selmer division. Founded by Frank Holton, a trombone player in 1898 in Chicago, Illinois, the. Holton Saxophones – Serial Numbers – annotated serial number chart.
Frank E. Holton was born March 10, 1858 in Allegan, Michigan to farmers Otis (b. 1827) and Hanna A. (b. 1829) Holton. He grew up with three sisters: Emma E. Holton, Alice Holton and Leona Holton.[2][3] By the time he was 34, Frank Holton was an accomplished trombone player and principal trombone of the Sousa Band, a role that would later be filled by Arthur Pryor.[4] In 1885 he had partnered with James Warren York in York & Holton, York's successor to the instrument maker Smith & York which became J.W. York and Sons before Holton established his own company in 1898.[4]
Frank Holton's wife Florence was a music teacher.[5] They had no children.[6] Frank Holton, though not an instrument maker himself, expanded his company to manufacture instruments[7] which was his occupation until retiring at age 80. Frank Holton died after a protracted illness on April 16, 1942 at the age of 84.[6]
The Frank Holton Company[edit]
Chicago[edit]
Frank Holton's first business venture on his own was a small rented shop with a desk, two counters and two chairs that he had to paint himself at Clark and Madison streets in Chicago, in 1898, where he sold used instruments and his own formula slide oil for trombone. Unable to make the rent at times, Holton was known to pawn instruments at a shop on Clark Street between 1898 and 1900.[7]
By 1907, a skilled horn maker had been hired, and the production of Holton instruments required the construction of a factory on the West Side of Chicago.[7] It would be home to Frank Holton & Company for only a decade.
Elkhorn[edit]
In April 1918, Holton opened a factory in Elkhorn, Wisconsin moving over 200 employees and 85 carloads of machinery from Chicago. The city had lured Holton to Elkhorn through the efforts of a group of local businessmen, who, acting under city mandate, built the new factory which was turned over to Holton and Co. upon their arrival.[8] That building remained as the core of the Holton factory until the decision in 2011 to merge Holton horn production with King and Conn instruments in Eastlake, Ohio.[9]
While the factory had been paid for by the city of Elkhorn, the cost of training skilled labor resulted in the first profits there not being seen until 1920.[4]
Along with machinery and employees, Holton brought the company band to Elkhorn[8] which would quickly merge with the storied Elkhorn Band, which had been founded in 1840 by Charles Seelye only 3 years after the town of Elkhorn itself. The band had served as the 12th Regimental Band from 1861 to 1864 during the Civil War.[7]
Already building a full line of high-end brass instruments, Holton recognized the growth of music in the schools and began selling student-line instruments built by other workshops under the trade names Pertin and Beaufort. In the early 1930s, the Holton Collegiate line of student horns built at the Holton factory was introduced. The defunct Collegiate line was re-introduced in 2005 by the modern Holton Company again targeting a balance of quality and price suitable for school music programs.[4]
In addition to building the company in Elkhorn, Frank Holton also built a subdivision of 5 and 6 room bungalows in 1919. The 25 homes were priced in the $3,000 to $4,000 range.[10]
Post Frank Holton[edit]
After retiring, at age 82 Frank Holton sold the company to employee William Kull. The company was run from that point forward by sales manager Elliot Kehl, though Kull would retain the title CEO until he died in 1944.
During World War II, the company performed defense work, as did most all instrument manufacturers. Following the war, Elliot Kehl secured a controlling interest in the company and began development of several new products including the Farkas ModelFrench horn and a new line of saxophones.[4]
Modern subsidiary[edit]
In 1964, the woodwind manufacturer Leblanc purchased the Holton company to form a band instrument company with a full line of instruments. Later, after being taken over by Conn-Selmer, the original factory in Wisconsin was closed down but the brand still offers both student and professional instruments, built in Eastlake, Ohio.[11] Some of the headline products built during the post-acquisition period include:
- The Holton Collegiate and New Collegiate line of student instruments
- The Maynard Ferguson Trumpet series
- The Farkas Model French horn
- The Merker-matic Model French horn
- The Harvey Phillips Model tubas
- Frank Holton's trombone slide oil (the original formulation) and valve oil
Holton currently produces cornets, trumpets, french horns and trombones as well as Holton oil.[12]
Holton artists[edit]
The Holton company relied on endorsement by leading artists as one of its primary marketing tools. Often these artists collaborated on the design of instruments that they would then play and promote. Some would subsequently leave Holton to build instruments themselves.[4]
Among these were :
- Frank Holton (1858–1942), the former lead trombone with the Sousa Band and an accomplished performer who could demonstrate his product.
- Ernst Albert Couturier (1869–1950), cornet virtuoso and instrument maker behind the Holton Couturier New Model, performed as a Holton artist from 1907 until starting his own firm in 1916.
- Vincent Bach (1890–1976), cornet and trumpet player and manufacturer of trumpets and mouthpieces performed as a Holton artist in 1917-18 prior to starting his own firm.
- Edward Llewellyn (d. 1936), principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony, began performing as a Holton artist in 1919.
- Renold Schilke (1910–1982), principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony and instrument maker, performed as a member of the Holton-sponsored Chicago Symphony Brass Ensemble in the 1950s.
- Philip Farkas (1914–1992), principal horn of the Chicago Symphony, left what became Schilke Music Products in 1956 and joined with Holton, designing the Holton Farkas Modelfrench horn.
- Maynard Ferguson (1928–2006), trumpet and flugelhorn virtuoso and namesake of the Holton Maynard Ferguson Trumpet line, performed as a Holton artist and designer starting in the 1960s.
- Harvey Phillips (1929–2010), tuba player, professor, creator of the Harvey Phillips Foundation and Tuba Christmas, and namesake of the Holton Phillips Model Tuba teamed with Holton in the 1990s.
Not all ventures with artists were successful. The Holton Falcone Model baritone horn, developed at the end of the 1970s with input from the namesake of the Leonard Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Festival was dropped after only a short run when Leonard Falcone refused to endorse or play on the production version.
References[edit]
- ^'The Frank Holton Company'. Dictionary of Wisconsin History. Wisconsinhistory.org. Retrieved 16 September 2013.
- ^United States Census of 1860 (Heath Township, Allegan, Michigan)
- ^United States Census of 1870 (Allegan Village, Michigan)
- ^ abcdef'Holton Timeline/Key Events'. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
- ^United States Census of 1910 (track M5, city of Chicago, Illinois)
- ^ ab'Frank Holton' (obituary),that may be what was listed in the obituary, but there was a daughter, Leta, who passed away in her early years. The Sheboygan Press, 17 April 1942.
- ^ abcdThe Guide, A Trip through the Holton Factory, The Frank Holton Company, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, 1920.
- ^ ab'Band Instrument Factory to open in Elkhorn Monday', The Janesville Gazette, 18 April 1918.
- ^'Conn-Selmer Production Shifts Facilities' (Press release). Conn-Selmer, Inc. 2011. Retrieved 2 August 2011.
- ^Elkhorn, The Grand Rapids Press, 12 June 1919.
- ^'Holton Page'. Conn-Selmer, inc. Conn-Selmer, inc. Retrieved 20 July 2017.
- ^'Holton Horns Website'. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
External links[edit]
- The Holton Loyalist, website of the history and instruments of the Frank Holton & Co.
- Holton Saxophones – Serial Numbers – annotated serial number chart published by Sax on the Web
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Holton_(Leblanc)&oldid=888875891'
Holton Model 25 Cornet 1955 - Original Case and Holton 77 Mouthpiece
Nice playing old Holton. Horn is used but with excellent compression. Everything is smooth. There was also a soft spot on the 2nd valve slide, so I put a patch on there as well. Case in very nice shape with good latch springs and solid hinges, original Holton 77 Mouthpiece.Brand: Holton$38.48 shippingFinish: LacqueredCustoms services and international tracking providedHolton Collegiate Cornet 1959 - Reconditioned - Nice case and Holton Mouthpiece
Holton Collegiate Cornet 1959 - Reconditioned - Nice case and Holton Mouthpiece Bore.460 - Serial# 318 . Here is a nice playing Holton Collegiate from Elkhorn Wisconsin. 90% lacquer, I repaired the tuning slide which was severely stuck, dented water key housing on the tuning slide has been repaired.Brand: Holton$34.37 shippingFinish: LacqueredCustoms services and international tracking providedCornet Used Holton C602 with Case No Mouthpiece
Holton C602 Cornet. -Model: C602. -Made by Holton. -Great cornet for beginning players! -Lacquer has areas of major wear, several dents and scratching on the bell.Brand: Holton$70.89 shippingFinish: LacqueredCustoms services and international tracking providedVintage Holton 'C-602' Cornet; 1970, Brass Lacquer, Original Case
The serial number, 490166, dates it to 1970. It has wear in the common spots, but it is in good condition overall. There is signs of a bell dent repair. The slides are all free and the valves are quick.Top Rated Plus$81.05 shippingBrand: HoltonFinish: LacqueredHolton Cornet with case and mouthpiece needs work
Holton cornet with mouthpiece and case.Brand: Holton$67.76 shippingCustoms services and international tracking providedHolton Collegiate Cornet with Case and Mouthpiece
Holton Collegiate Cornet w/ Case. Includes a Bach mouthpiece. Solder repairs have been made on leap pipe (pictured). Includes hard case - fair condition - hinges and latches functional. Case believed to be original.Brand: Holton$58.62 shippingCustoms services and international tracking providedVintage Holton Collegiate Cornet 1958 Holton Mouthpiece Elkhart WI
The trumpet has a serial number of 314446 on it which makes from around 1958. The trumpet body and valves appears to be in good condition. The cornet is 17.5' long (with mouthpiece in place, by 7' wide. ).Brand: HoltonWas: Previous Price$185.00or Best OfferNice used Holton Cornet with 7C mouthpiece and case!
Includes hard shell case and Mouthpiece as well as an Ultra Pure lube kit! Used Trumpet in good condition, fully playable and recently serviced. Nice quick valves, and smooth slides.Brand: Holton$31.81 shippingFinish: LacqueredCustoms services and international tracking providedHolton Model 29 Cornet 1948 - Reconditioned - Original Case & Accessories, No MP
Holton Model 29 Cornet 1948 - Reconditioned - Original Case & Accessories, No MP Bore.462 - Serial# 183 . Very Good condition and excellent playing Holton pro cornet. 90% lacquer showing general signs of use, excellent valves and compression, all slides are smooth.Brand: Holton$35.99 shippingFinish: LacqueredCustoms services and international tracking providedHolton Cornet in Great Playing Condition, Elkhorn Wis.
Free & fast valve action. All tuning slides are free. Very little scratches. Does have lacquer loss and a dull finish. Serial #223181. Original mouthpiece but non original Bundy case. make Supersized seem small.Brand: Holton$75.40 shippingHolton Collegiate C602 Cornet - Reconditioned - Original Case and Bach 7C MP
Holton Collegiate C602 Cornet - YamaHolton Stencil - Original Case and Bach 7C Bore.458 - Serial# 002 . Very similar to the Yamaha built Conn cornets. Very nice players with with a large 5.125' bell flair.Brand: Holton$38.17 shippingFinish: LacqueredCustoms services and international tracking providedVintage Holton T602RC Student Trumpet with Case for Parts or Repair
Sticky keys, dings and scuffs. This unit will need a good tuneup before being put into regular use.Brand: Holton$48.11 shippingCustoms services and international tracking providedHolton Collegiate C602 Cornet - EXCELLENT - Nice case and Holton 7C Mouthpiece
Holton Collegiate C602 Cornet - EXCELLENT - Nice case and Holton 7C Mouthpiece Bore.458 - Serial# 854 . Here is a very nice looking and playing Holton Cornet. 95% lacquer, mainly missing lacquer in the tuning slide crook over all this horn shows as Excellent!Brand: Holton$38.48 shippingFinish: LacqueredCustoms services and international tracking providedHolton C602RC Cornet
Serial # 014849. In nice condition. Has a few minor signs of use upon close inspection, but no major dents or lacquer wear. All slides and valves move freely. Has a Faxx mouthpiece. The original case is also in good condition.Brand: Holton$69.85 shippingHolton Model 29 Cornet 1946 - Ready to Go! - Horn Only
Holton Model 29 Cornet 1946 - All Brass Model Ready to Go! - Horn Only Bore. 462 Serial# 156 . Horns bell rim has been repaired and the tail required work as well. All components are moving nice and in good shape.0 bids$54.44 shippingEnding Monday at 10:10AM PDT19h 22mBrand: HoltonFinish: LacqueredCustoms services and international tracking providedHolton C602 Cornet sn 480763 w/ Holton Mouthpiece and Case
This is for a used and partially defect Holton colligate cornet model c602, serial no.480763 with case and Holton mouthpiece. Overall it is in good shape except the pipe with small crack and separated(needs repair/soldering), few other aged related issues such as marks, scratches, dings etc., valves and slides move smooth.Sold as is, non working, for parts, final sale.Brand: Holton$70.00 shippingFinish: LacqueredHOLTON Courtuires New Proportion Cornet
This is a rare find. It has a unique sound and unique contour.Brand: HoltonHolton Model 29 Cornet 1948 Case and MP
All functions seem to work. Sliders are free and functioning and the coronet passs air. Will try to find a player to test it.Brand: Holtonor Best OfferFinish: LacqueredHolton Collegiate C602 Cornet, Good Used and Ready to Play Condition.
Valves are all free as are the slides. Has good compression. Very minor scratches if any. Very minor dents but quite a bit of lacquer loss. Serial #464203. Original case and mouthpiece are excellent.Brand: HoltonHolton Stratodyne Cornet Used.
Holton Stratodyne Cornet Used. . Condition is Used. Circa 1959 As is.? Lacquer issues, case is in good shape.? As is. Has first valve trigger.? Comes with Holton 6 mouthpiece.??0 bidsEnding Tuesday at 1:59PM PDT1d 23hBrand: HoltonVintage Frank Holton Chicago 27 Cornet mouthpiece MP Fair used condition
FRANK HOLTON MODEL 27 CORNET MOUTHPIECE IN USED CONDITION. The item is in nice shape for it age I would say. The pictures should give a good look as to the condition.Brand: Holtonor Best OfferCornet Holton Collegiate 1949
0 bidsEnding Thursday at 10:09AM PDT3d 19hFrom CanadaBrand: Holton50's Croydon Cornet Brass finish tweed case plays OK as is Holton Stencil ? w/MP
This is a CROYDON. It says nothing else on it that I can find no country nothing it does have a serial number and if it is a holton and if it has a holton serial it would be older that the 50's The original lacquer finish on this shows Much use with nicks and scratches and much finish wear.Brand: Holtonor Best OfferFinish: LacqueredFrank Holton Chicago 'New Proportion' Cornet With Mutes Serial Number 8742
Serial number is 8742. Up for your consideration is a New Proportion Made by Frank Holton 'Chicago' Coronet. I am no pro, but this seems to be in great playing condition!Brand: HoltonHolton Cornet C602
HOLTON C602 CORNET;. This horn is playable.0 bidsor Best OfferEnding Tuesday at 9:28AM PDT1d 18hBrand: HoltonVintage Holton Trumpet T612R For Repair Or Parts
Th e ho rn s ee ms t o be i n go od c on di ti on, it h as s om e de nt s on t he b el l as s ee n in t he p ic tu re s. Th ei r is a n ex tr a pl as ti c mo ut h pi ec e wh ic h is a k el ly -5 C, the or ig in al m ou th p ie ce i s 7C.0 bidsEnding Thursday at 11:46AM PDT3d 20hBrand: Holton
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- $100.00Make Offer - Cornet Used Holton C602 with Case No Mouthpiece
- $95.00Make Offer - Holton Cornet with case and mouthpiece needs work
- $199.00Make Offer - Holton Collegiate Cornet with Case and Mouthpiece
- Vintage Holton Collegiate Cornet 1958 Holton Mouthpiece Elkhart WI+$91.20 shippingMake Offer - Vintage Holton Collegiate Cornet 1958 Holton Mouthpiece Elkhart WI
- Vintage Holton 'C-602' Cornet; 1970, Brass Lacquer, Original Case+$81.05 shippingMake Offer - Vintage Holton 'C-602' Cornet; 1970, Brass Lacquer, Original Case
- $159.95Make Offer - Holton Model 29 Cornet 1948 Case and MP
- $79.001d 18h
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