TromboneChat

Is there documentation on the history of Williams trombones? What year did Earl split off from Wallace and make his first horns?

I’m about to receive an early Earl W model 6 which reportedly is in immaculate condition. The owner has asked me to help find a new home for it.

Most any interested buyer for a Williams 6 will probably already know about the history of the company. I know, that was no help...

The Williams and Wallace partnership apparently dissolved between 1932 and 1936 (based on the old Los Angeles city directories). Based on admittedly limited information, it would seem that Earl continued making the W-W pattern trombones under just his name for some time afterward.

As far as I know, the true "Williams 6" didn't appear until after WW2.

I'm aware of "pre-4" (.490, I have one) and "pre-8" (.525) horns, but not any "pre-6" (.500).
Anybody else know?

If you haven’t seen this yet it is some interesting history: https://www.robbstewart.com/williams-history

Also this podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1169810/1230 ... l-williams

Hello,
Did you find a home for this horn yet? I am looking for an Earl 6 or 8.
All the best!
Roger

That horn was sold several weeks back.

There’s one on eBay, but the price and condition don’t (yet) line up.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/364391627333

DaveAshley wrote: ↑Fri Aug 04, 2023 11:10 am There’s one on eBay, but the price and condition don’t (yet) line up.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/364391627333

For sure - something pretty questionable happened to one side of that bell

ithinknot wrote: ↑Fri Aug 04, 2023 1:56 pmFor sure - something pretty questionable happened to one side of that bell

I've seen bells kinda like that when people are not careful at all when they put the mutes in. They always angle it the same way so the dents built up over time. But dang never THAT bad.

ithinknot wrote: ↑Fri Aug 04, 2023 1:56 pm

DaveAshley wrote: ↑Fri Aug 04, 2023 11:10 am There’s one on eBay, but the price and condition don’t (yet) line up.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/364391627333

For sure - something pretty questionable happened to one side of that bell

Something pretty traumatic, I'd say!

Listed by an eBay seller who calls himself "Slappy's Vintage"

Doug Elliott wrote: ↑Wed May 10, 2023 3:08 pm I'm aware of "pre-4" (.490, I have one) and "pre-8" (.525) horns, but not any "pre-6" (.500).
Anybody else know?

Doug, I believe mine is a "pre-6" or were you referring only to Williams horns only and not any Wallace Williams ones. Reference link below.
viewtopic.php?p=182486&hilit=wallace+williams#p182486

Wallace Williams horns definitely count, I've just never seen a .500 bore.. I'd love to try that horn if we're ever in the same area. Let me know where you are. It sounds great.

I have a “pre-4” in slide tuning. Maybe around 1940?
I converted it into a .500. It’s a very long story!

Doug Elliott wrote: ↑Sun Aug 06, 2023 12:41 am Wallace Williams horns definitely count, I've just never seen a .500 bore.. I'd love to try that horn if we're ever in the same area. Let me know where you are. It sounds great.

Hi Doug, I'm in the Oklahoma City area. My son is in San Antonio Tx. So if you are ever in these area let me know in advance and I can have it available to play.

I was just in San Antonio exhibiting at TBA, and I'll probably be there for TMEA in February. If the time works out I could make OKC part of the same trip.

Doug, The trombone will be available for you to try out at TMEA in February. I will private message you with the details.

Got it. I'll contact you closer to that time.