Best C Trumpet

[gtr1023]

Hey there!

I know this topic has been discussed a lot in years past, but I want to see if things have changed at all!

I’m looking for a used C trumpet that’s good for orchestral settings for about $2000 and I’m decided on either a Bach or a Yamaha.

I’m curious as to what models you suggest looking for!

Thank you!!

[Christian K. Peters]

Hello,
For that money an older Bach 229/25A. Some will differ with a 229/25H. I have owned a 229/25A, Yamaha 6445 and currently have some Schilkes. My C5L is really nice, but more than your budget.
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Christian K. Peters
Schilke Loyalist since 1976

[Brassnose]

My C playing and experience is quite limited but I would not limit myself to Bach and Yamaha. If you have a budget (as you stated) why not check out the marketplace for other horns as well?
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2019 Martin Schmidt eXcellence
1992 Bach 43GH/43
1989 Kühnl & Hoyer Model 15 flugel
1980/2023 Custom Blessing Scholastic C 😎
1977 Conn 6B
1951 Buescher 400 Lightweight
AR Resonance, Frate, Klier

[zaferis]

A Bach 180L239 25C leadpipe (std.) (many have a 25H-bigger) is the old "standard" .. not terribly hard to find a used one within your budget..

IMO This is the sound.. you may have to deal a little bit with some pitch tendencies (open E's and 2nd valve Eb's often pretty flat). I just bought an old used one for less than 2K. Played it in church yesterday - THE sound.

Mouthpiece selection is key, different throat and backbore than your Bb.
And there are aftermarket leadpipes (Blackburn, etc) that can help with some of the classic issues. But I think ultimately change the tone too much to be worth the swap.

There are some great new ones, but beyond your price point.
I'm a Bach guy but just played a friend's new Yamaha (newest C - can't remember the model #) - it is excellent.
_________________
Freelance Performer/Educator
Adjunct Professor
Bach Trumpet Endorsing Artist
Retired Air Force Bandsman

[Mike Lockman]

My opinion is Bach. Many available in your price range. The industry standard.
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All Bach Strad
AFM 60-471
Phi Mu Alpha

[abontrumpet]

[dankeater]

Older Bach Models hold up really well and have really good build quality. I have a Bach 239 ML from the 80's and it plays like new. You should be able to find a similar model for your budget.

Although new specialty Yamaha models like the New York or Chicago are more popular, they are also much more expensive. Older Yamaha C trumpets do not play as well as older Bach models in my opinion.

If you can try out any C trumpet, maybe your teacher or colleague, do that first. $2000 is a lot of money to spend on an instrument, so make sure you like it before you buy.

Unlike what others are saying, I don't think mouthpiece will matter as much. If you already have the orchestral sound you want on your Bb trumpet mouthpiece, a good player will be able to make the same sound come from their C trumpet. They are different horns, but not as different as people treat them. Generally a more open backbore or throat will help, but don't expect a new mouthpiece to suddenly transform your sound (like how a lead mouthpiece won't suddenly make you play higher).

[Dayton]

[Winghorn]

Almost all the top orchestral trumpet players play Bach or Yamaha C trumpets. Also, so many classical trumpet soloists likewise use these two brands.

This is a pretty good recommendation, I would think. Or would taking the advice of posters you don’t know, and who may or may not be accomplished players, be a better way to select an instrument?

If you don’t have the money for a Bach or Yamaha professional instrument, the are other, less expensive brands to select from. Some these play pretty well. But the resale value will likely be less if you later decide on something different.

Good luck!

[Andy Del]

There are many other brands which can be played:

Schilke
Kanstul (including their Besson models) (I have 2)
B&S
Some older Courtois models
Shires
Thein (my go to)

to name a few. Of my 4 C trumpets, none are Bach/Yamaha.

cheers

Andy
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so many horns, so few good notes...

[david johnson]

Look into Bach CML 239, or Schilke C7

[abontrumpet]

[Trptbenge]

There is a French Besson Classic (Kanstul) in the marketplace right now. Those were designed in conjunction with Dennis Najoom. A very good C trumpet for the money.
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It's the sound that makes the difference!

[plunkett]

My Kanstul has been working well for me for many years - you might want to add it to your list!
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Pat Plunkett

[Gabrieli]

A couple of people have mentioned B & S already. I could not agree more. About a year ago I bought one second-hand for a very good price, intending to use it as a back-up to my Bach 229/25H.
I was amazed how good it was and found the sound and intonation better than the Bach so I sold the Bach and kept the B & S.
They cost about half the price of a Bach here in Germany.

[RL]

Fides symphony BBG C trumpet.
Not expensive but a really nice C-trumpet

[Louise Finch]