Holton, Model 111, EE flat sousaphone, 3 piston, 1951

200514[1]

Tag #: 200514
Serial #: 222191

Bell Diameter Bore Size
24″ .662″

Comments:

“FRANK HOLTON & CO. / 111 / ELKHORN, WIS. / USA” on bell. Ornate floral engraving around identification marks.

7 thoughts on “Holton, Model 111, EE flat sousaphone, 3 piston, 1951”

  1. Jason said:

    Greetings. I own a Holton 111 E-flat sousaphone. The serial dates it to 1928. It has been lovingly cared for and is near mint condition. I use it for trad jazz gigs. All parts are original but I am looking for a back up neck and bits. Do you have any suggestions about where to look? The second bit accepts a European shank mouthpiece. I can’t really find much online. Thanks for your advice

    Reply

    • simonettitubacollection said:

      Hello Jason. That sounds like a very lovely instrument. Unfortunately, no one has really been making E-flat sousaphones since the 1960s, so it is harder to track down parts. Your best bet is probably to have something custom made.

      Reply

  2. Jason said:

    Do you have evidence of any other working Holton 111’s besides ours?

    Reply

    • Leonard Dintenfass said:

      Hello, I also own a Holton model 111 from 1950. It’s in fair condition but plays well if I use heavy oil on the piston valves. I bought it a few years ago from a seller in western Pennsylvania. It had the original gooseneck but no bits. I had a local repair shop in Indianapolis find some old bits (unknown brand) that fit. It plays well in tune and doesn’t seem to have any problem notes. I play it occasionally in a local German band.
      Regards, Leonard Dintenfass

      Reply

      • Jason S said:

        Hi Leonard! Thanks for writing. I have since learned that mine is actually stamped 118. It has all original everything. I don’t think it was ever played much. I really enjoy the horn but now also play a King1240 in the trad jazz band I’m in. Here’s me on the Holton:

      • Jason Swalley said:

        Correction. It is a 118.

  3. Leonard Dintenfass said:

    Hi Jason, I enjoyed the YouTube video of the Stone Arch Jazz Band! I recently had Mark Metzler of Elkhart, IN restore the valves of my Holton 111 and it plays much better. He also redid the gooseneck for me and eliminated some leakage that was coming from the old gooseneck and bits. Best Regards, Leonard Dintenfass

    Reply

Leave a comment