DEG Signature Alto

[MDF65]

I'm after information on a Donald E Getzen Signature 2000 Custom Series Alto Trombone. I've had one sitting in my cupboard for a while now and wanting to sell it, but have drawn a complete blank trying to find any info about it at all.

[Digidog]

I have a very vague recollection that those were made in a very small numbers - like no more than 20 or so. I may be mistaken or confuse your horn with something similar, but when I was on the lookout for an alto, I remember looking at Getzen as a viable option from hearing that some of their altos were really good.

I think it's best to check with retailers or manufacturers.

[CalgaryTbone]

I also have a vague recollection of those altos appearing on the scene in the late 70's/early 80's (maybe?). If I remember correctly, they were a larger bore than most (again, maybe?). One thing I know for sure, DEG isn't technically a Getzen - that company was started by a family member who left the Getzen organization and started his own company. Many of the instruments do share a similar design, and I believe they are/were based in Elkhorn as well.

Jim Scott

[BGuttman]

DEG was Donald E. Getzen, who set up his own company separate from the remaining Getzens. He was best known for bugles (as in Corps). Lots of DEG bugles out there. There also were some accessories, like the Slide Saver and the slide extender.

I don't remember any good remarks about the bugles, and I have no idea on whether this alto was good or not.

[octavposaune]

Some DEG altos were made by Weril FWIW, TIS large bore.

Benn

[CalgaryTbone]

Thanks Benn - that's what I was trying to remember in my previous post. I think they may have had a previous model, but like someone said in an earlier post, they didn't make a lot of them. There wasn't a big market for altos in N. America until the late 80's or even later.

Jim Scott

[hveene]

I've never seen any DEG trombones in Europe. I do have a DEG Signature Bb trumpet though. That was bought around 1990. Generally speaking, where I live (the Netherlands) DEG instrument are very rare and were imported via one trumpet player only. This particular trumpet though is a very nice lightweight trumpet. The DEG brand is still around it seams, but the only products they have on their website are flute lyres. Just my two cents.