Alan McLucas
Freelance Cornet Player
I was excited to find an 'Al Hirt' cornet from the 1960s that was in near new condition except for one thing: at some stage somebody had accidentally sat on it then tried to straighten the bell by ramming a broomstick down its throat. BRUTAL! Al Hirt had been actively involved with Holton in the development of a limited production run of 'Special' trumpets and cornets. To achieve the unique Dixieland sound some exotic materials were used in parts like the bells: we believe that the bell in this cornet has Berrylium as an alloying element - this gives the bell its brilliant resonant sound. I thought nobody could repair this bell. I was so concerned that I was prepared to sacrifice my Sterling Silver King 'Silversonic' cornet to get this one working. As each day passed, I waited for a phone call from Morrie to say that the bell had cracked as he tried to repair it (because the brass was so hard). AMAZINGLY Morrie repaired the bell, and revived the cornet. It is like new and sounds brilliant throughout, especially in the upper register. Morrie, you are a genius.