Holton Brasswinds at The Mighty Quinn Brass and Winds
After performing professional engagements with Sousa’s great band, Frank Holton opened up a small shop in 1896, selling second hand instruments and his secret recipe of Electric Oil trombone slide oil. By 1907, a skilled horn maker had been hired to begin making what was introduced as the “Holton Special” trombone, and the production of Holton instruments required the construction of a factory on the West Side of Chicago. As business grew, the “Holton Harmony Hints” catalogue expanded to include trombones, cornets, valve trombones, and mellophones.
Business continued to grow, and Holton’s instruments became the choice of top professionals including Vincent Bach, first trumpet for the Boston Symphony in 1914 (before he began building his own instruments in 1918). In 1917, Holton signed an agreement with the city of Elkhorn, Wisconsin to build a factory. In the agreement, a provision was made that if Holton paid out $500,000 in wages over seven years to support the community workforce, he would be granted the title to the land and building. Holton met this obligation in 1920. Production of top line professional instruments continued to grow. In 1929, Holton introduced a complete line of school grade instruments under the Holton Collegiate name.
In 1964, the Holton Company was sold to the Leblanc Corporation. During Leblanc’s ownership, Holton would rise as a leader in low brass manufacturing. With the support of well known artists such as Philip Farkas and Ethel Merker; Holton’s French horns became increasingly popular. Manufacturing of Holton instruments was retained in Elkhorn, Wisconsin until 2008 when it was relocated to Eastlake, Ohio.
Discover the unmatched craftsmanship and innovation of Holton at The Mighty Quinn Brass and Winds, where we specialize in online sales of professional instruments. Holton instruments continue to excite the musical mind and provide today’s musicians with the finest instruments on which to experience the joy of music. Our curated collection features the best Holton has to offer. We are proud to be an Authorized Holton Dealer.