The Over the Shoulder (OTS) Craze
June 8, 2008 by Robert Medley
Filed under Collecting
As the recreated Civil War band interest continues, the search for over the shoulder instruments has increased at a fever pitch, driving the prices higher and higher. I know one collector who rates his OTS horns on playability, using a scale of one to ten. Not a bad idea really as it allows him to use his best sounding instruments in performance and his band performances are superior to most other bands.
Of course, not many bands are afforded the luxury of a surplus of OTS horns. They have to use what they have and what they find out there on the market is few and far between.
There was a time shortly after the Civil Was when OTS instruments were a glut on the market and makers scrambled to unload their stock,offering horns at bargain prices and options like converting the horns from OTS to bell up and bell forward configurations.
The OTS horn is truely unique, but more plentiful than other configurations. But for now, the OTS reigns!
Having a surplus of OTS horns is indeed a luxury. The prices have inflated to the point where I recently had to turn down the opportunity to purchase an OTS alto from a private seller, because the fair market value exceeded my available cash. (Happily, I was able to connect the seller to another collector/bandleader who needed an alto complete his performing set of OTS horns.) I am one of the fortunate collectors who has been able to acquire enough of these (10 of various sizes) to field a small band equipped entirely with OTS horns.
Unless you have unlimited funds, the only way to get these for a reasonabe price these days is to do an awful lot of legwork hunting them down. I have acquired several via inquiries from visitors to my Civil War band’s website, and others at local auctions. One was recently given to me on the promise that I would eventually have it restored and use it in performances. But this last situation is rare–most of them have cost me a pretty penny.
I would suggest this: forget about OTS horns, and let me have them all. (Just kidding!) Seriously, there are still enough of these squirrelled away in attics and old collections that with patience, a dedicated collector can eventually acquire a playable set of them. Also, don’t underestimate the appeal of trade bait; keep your eyes open for equally unusual/rare instruments that might tempt a collector to cough up an OTS horn in trade. It’s worked for me.
And above all, get to know your fellow collectors. They are generally a great bunch of people, plus you never know when one of your friends will take pity on you and decide to sell off some prized instruments from his collection. Good Luck! –Jeff Stockham