1961 burbank benge MLP TRUMPET SN 4574

1961 Burbank Benge  MLP Bore Bb trumpet

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This is a vintage Benge trumpet made by the original Benge company in Burbank California.    It is a very early  MLP or Medium Large Plus (.464) bore Benge.   

Nothing is known of the history of this trumpet and it has not previously been recorded  on the Benge Resource website.  What can be determined from an inspection of this trumpet is that it has been relacquered in the past and the work was well done.  The engraving on the trumpet is very good with only minor signs of wear.    The lacquer is very good with only minimal signs of wear.  The leadpipe is clean and clear with no signs of red rot.  There is one discolored area on the mouthpiece receiver but it is adjacent to the brace and there is not corrosion on the interior, so this is likely acid bleed from the relacquering.

Interesting that on these early MLP models, the "P" is not located along side the "ML" but is stamped below and centered.  There is not a bell number marked on the connecting ferrule, so it is assumed to the the standard 3 bell.  

The valves do not contain the serial number on them and are monel as opposed to nickel plating that was being used by Benge at the time, so they are replacement valves that were likely supplied at the time the horn was restored.  The valve compression and action is excellent, so again, the work was well done.

All parts appear to be original with the exception of the valve pistons and a "wrap around" saddle has been added to the 1st valve slide.

These items are all shown in the photos.

 This trumpet is  an early Burbank MLP and has the great sound that made these Burbank Benge trumpets so desirable and popular for commercial work in the 60's and 70's.