What to Look For, What To Avoid

This is so important! One of the first things I do when meeting a student for the first time is to do a check to make sure the student is playing on a decent horn. Trumpet playing is a lot more fun on a horn that does not impede a student's progress. Here is a checklist you can use when shopping for a horn.

1)  Buy or rent from a shop you know and trust, staffed by people who know band instruments well. For those in Surrey, Whiterock, Langley, & Delta, B.C. I recommend Tapestry Music.  Even if you live further afield, a trip to these guys is well worth it. Dave, Jan, and Bob are brass players. They know what they are talking about. They will not sell or rent you crap. They will give you the straight goods. 'Nuff said!

2)  Price. Most stores will be very close in terms of pricing and rental options. If however, price is a big consideration, then you might get a better deal on a used horn. In fact, used horns can sometimes be even better than new!

3)  Try to get an experienced trumpet player to play test the horn you have selected to buy. (Hint: I have been known to hang out at Tapestry Music once in a while!). This is not so critical if you are renting, (you won't have to live with a bad choice forever!) Even two identical models from a reputable manufacturer can have big differences in playing characteristics! If you just don't know anyone qualified to help you with this, then point #1 becomes very critical. See the list below for recommended manufacturers.

4)  Don't fuss too much about mouthpiece selection. The 'piece that came with the horn (probably a "7c") is fine and is a good beginner size. (See the article on the lessons page for more on mouthpieces). Also try to make sure the horn comes with a hardshell case, as opposed to a soft sided "gigbag" that many pros use, especially if it is a horn you are going to buy. This is usually not a concern for rental instruments... music stores are not exactly anxious to let their rental instruments leave in anything but a hardshell case!!

As a guide, here are some names of manufacturers that, in my opinion, you can trust to make good instruments most of the time.

Good :

• Holton
• Bach (student models) especially the TR-300. See the update below.
• Getzen (student models).
• Selmer
• Bundy
• Yamaha (student models)

Update :

I recently tried a Bach TR-300 Student model horn. I was between lessons at Tapestry Music where I teach. I randomly grabbed a brand new horn from stock and gave it a go. I was extremely impressed! Good response, OK valves, nice fit and finish. Based on this one random sample I'd recommend this model. It's not a pro level horn, but it's a decent horn that will not hinder a student. I have also tried the Bach TR-200 and did not like it as much, (it was just OK), so make sure you get the TR-300!

Really Good (Pro-line Trumpets):

• Bach Stradivarius model. Not my personal fave, but Strads are the acknowledged standard in pro-line trumpets. Another nice thing is that they are readily available new and used in many different configurations, so getting the one that is right for you is not difficult.
• Besson (pro models, especially the French Besson & Meha models)
• Conn, especially older used models such as the 38B Connstellation, and the new Vintage One model
• Yamaha (especially pro models such as the "Z" series or the "Xeno" series
• Getzen (pro models such as the Artist, or Eterna). Getzens are known for their nice smooth valve action.
• Courtois ( Usually sold as LeBlanc). If it is French made there will usually be a Courtois logo somewhere on the horn
• Stomvi. Really nice trumpets made in Spain.
• Olds. Now out of production. The proline models were great and the Olds Ambassador student model was probably the best student model horn ever made. So many of these were made, you still see them for sale, (used of course).
•  

The Best of the Best:

... but you'll probably have to go on a wait list for 6 months before you have the privilege of placing your order, wait another 6 months for the horn to be built, show the secret sign and handshake, synchronize your special decoder ring, and bring a truck full of cash to pay for it all!

• Monette
• Marcinkiewicz (I dare you to say that 3 times fast!)
• Schilke
• Calicchio
• Jerome Callet

There are lots of other good makes, but the brands listed above have been around for years and have been fairly consistent.  Most are likely to be in stock (except the best custom models), at local music stores. The store should be able to tell you the differences and advantages between student and pro models, and if it is worth the extra expense. If you need an opinion on something not listed here, ask your local trumpet player/teacher, band instrument retailer, or drop me an e-mail and I will give you my honest opinion.

The WORST. These are some of the brands you must avoid at all costs:

• Bessons. Note the "s" at the end. A total ripoff of Besson. You see these occasionally on e Bay.
• Avoid Besson trumpets made in India. They are just barely adequate and you will want to upgrade almost right away.
• Antigua. You can occasionally get a good one, but generally poor. I have seen examples of these that have literally fallen apart due to shoddy assembly and soldering! Strangely enough I have heard that the Antigua woodwinds are OK...  go figure!
• Tri-Star brand, or any horns from India. These pieces of junk are suitable only as wall decorations in a Red Robin restaurant. eBay is infested with these.
• Millenium. Not very good at all.
• Any trumpet on eBay advertised as "Beautiful silver trumpet with case only $49.95" Usually, no brand name is given. I know, the picture of the horn looks shiny and impressive, but trust me, don't do it!
• You've probably noticed a thread developing here so I'll say it: avoid eBay as a source for your first horn. If you don't know what you're doing (and even if you do), you can get burned.
• For the love of all that is good, please don't buy a trumpet (or any real musical instrument), at your local department store, big box chain store, bargain store, or any other non music store. I mean, you wouldn't buy fine wine at a Home Depot would you?

   

 Hope this was useful,

Regards,

Terry