Although the York factory has
been closed for over forty years, all that
remains is their legend
and the fine instruments they produced,
especially the two tubas Arnold Jacobs used
during his career. The York logo is a fine
example of the art of engraving from the early
part of the twentieth century. We now have T-Shirts
and Embroidery of the
York logo available.
Brief
History of York*
James
Warren York was born on November 24, 1839, in
Exeter, New Hampshire. He first worked for the
Boston Musical Instrument Manufactory and in
1882 moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan where he
first played in a music pit. He then owned his
instrument manufacturing company until his
retirement to California in 1917. He died in Los
Angeles on February 9, 1927.
York manufactured a full line of
brass instruments, both under its own name and
proprietary brand names. York briefly
participated in two partnerships, Smith &
York (1883) and York & Holton (1885). In
1884 the company was known as J.W. York and
Company. In recognition of his infant son
Charles E. York, he renamed the company York
& Son in 1887. York further changed the
company’s name to York & Sons in 1898 to
include his other son, Frank W. York. Both sons
were active with the company until about 1913.
In 1897, Alfred J.
"Bill" Johnson became the company’s
foreman. In 1913, Johnson, along with John and
James Duffy, formed a stockholding company, and
when the York family relinquished all interest
in the company in 1926, Johnson became a
co-owner. The company was then known as the York
Band Instrument Company. In December 1940, York
was sold to Carl Fischer Musical Instruments and
Johnson left the company. During World War II
the company manufactured munitions. After the
war, York produced student-line instruments. In
1971, Tolchin Instrument Company who then owned
York, closed the factory.
Fruit of the Loom
never looked like this! Black 50% cotton/50%
polyester shirts with satin silver print. The
front is a large York logo and the back features
the full engraving with all the scrollwork.
Sizes are F (M), 3/4 (L), 4/4 (XL), 5/4 (XXL),
6/4 (XXXL). Ever see a REAL tuba player
with a half size tuba - that's why we don't have
these in small sizes!
Embroidery
We stock
patches with the York logo - great for your gig
bag!
