Value of a Jupiter horn???

[praisebandman]

Hello, I'm currently considering buying a Jupiter valve trombone but cannot find any comparables online to see if the asking price is fair or not. The owner has let me try it out on a trial basis and now I need to make a decision to purchase it or not.

There is no model number / name on it. It is reported to be about 15-20 years old and the serial number is C99642. It was used by high school jazz students and so has a moderate amount of scuffs / scratches / blemishes and a few minor dents. The valves and all slides work fine. It has a decent tone to it. (My wife says she likes the tone better than my old Yamaha YSL 354!)

For those of you who buy / sell horns - OR - you who have recently purchased a valve trombone after doing a lot of searching / looking; can you please give me your opinion of the value? Thanks so much!

[Posaunus]

Probably <$500.

Older Jupiter trombones do not have a great reputation. But if the valves and tuning slides are good. ...

[spencercarran]

The valve trombones I see readily available on a quick check of ebay are either old and beat to pieces or dubious Chinese imports.

Posaunus is right that older Jupiters are not highly regarded, and the market value if you ever want to resell it is low. The value to you depends on your needs and your budget - if it's in good condition and makes the sounds you want it to make and you can afford it, then it's probably fair enough.

[Doug Elliott]

I have a Jupiter valve trombone that plays quite well.

[praisebandman]

Thanks everyone for your input; I appreciate it.