The Holton Collegiate trumpet, launched in 1930 by the Frank Holton Company, was designed to provide students with a durable, affordable brass instrument without compromising tonal quality. Initially produced during the Great Depression, the Collegiate filled a critical need in growing school music programs and remained a mainstay through the 1970s—eventually revived by Conn-Selmer in 2004.
Holton, founded by professional trombonist Frank Holton in 1898, evolved from a slide oil supplier to a respected brass manufacturer by the time it moved operations to Elkhorn, Wisconsin in 1918. The Collegiate trumpet reflects this legacy with thoughtful design choices tailored for students: a slim "peashooter" body, an angled second valve for comfort, and reliable top-sprung pistons with external springs. While it omits modern student features like a first valve saddle or third slide ring, the extended third slide compensates for low-note tuning, making it both playable and practical.
Its bright yet warm tone and classic craftsmanship continue to earn praise, especially for 1950s-era models known for their build quality—many considered rivals to professional instruments. Whether you're a beginner, a band director seeking reliable student horns, or a collector of American-made brass, the Holton Collegiate remains a respected and enduring choice.