TromboneChat

What can you tell me about the Bernard Marston valves on the Mount Vernon horns? History behind? How do they differ from other Bach rotary valves? Were they made on request or on all Bach instruments with valves for a while?
How do you recognize one? And who is/was Bernie?
Thank you!

Bernhard "Bernie" Marston was an independent instrument rotary valve maker, who made valves for Vincent Bach during their Mt Vernon period, and also made valves for the F.E. Olds company that were used in their French Horns. I believe he was based in California, and his valves were more open than the Bach-made rotary valves on trombones, and a bit more desirable.

This is an article I found from a 2005 interview, which has some interesting information in it as well : http://rouses.net/trumpet/OLDS_VALVES.html

He also made valves for Carl Geyer (legendary Chicago-based French horn builder).

Thank you!
What’s the difference in physical appearance between the Marston valve and the regular Bach rotaries? In other words, how do you recognize one? Pictures, anyone..?

There was a thread here on this a while ago… some characteristics were a slightly different valve cap and the pentagonal interface on the spindle, IIRC.

Cheers,
Andy

elmsandr wrote: ↑Tue Sep 12, 2023 6:57 am There was a thread here on this a while ago… some characteristics were a slightly different valve cap and the pentagonal interface on the spindle, IIRC.

Cheers,
Andy

This should be the thread: viewtopic.php?t=23231

I can find a bit online, but mainly only listings of horns that have Marston valves, and not a detailed description, except that they are a bit larger than the in house valves.