Backup Horn?

Steve A · Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2018 6:07 am Post subject: Backup Horn?

Hi all,

I'm thinking about buying a backup Bb trumpet to keep that my mother's house for the times that I go to visit her, but don't want to pack instruments, etc. I'd probably be playing it every month or so, and would just be looking for an instrument to keep muscle memory and conditioning in good shape - I'd never be looking to perform on it.

Are there any instruments that don't cost an arm and a leg that could be left for 4-6 weeks without being played, or valves oiled, etc., and that would be ready to go when I want them? (And are reasonably in tune, etc.)

JayKosta · Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2018 6:40 am Post subject:

For storage like that, I recommend using 'drug store' mineral oil on the slides and valves. It won't get hard or gummy/gooey like slide grease, or dry-out like regular valve oil. Just put a few drops of regular petroleum-based valve oil on the valves and it should be ready to go.

Jay
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Manuel de los Campos · Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2018 6:44 am Post subject: Re: Backup Horn?

Pete · Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2018 6:58 am Post subject:

Olds Amassador. Excellent low end horn for that purpose.

Pete

kehaulani · Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2018 7:41 am Post subject:

I would get a Getzen Capri.
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Ed Kennedy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Posts: 2666

Any functional name brand student horn. Use a long-lasting non-volatile valve oil. I like Hetman. Or. do as some of my band directors do over the summer. Pull all the slides and valves and leave the horn apart when it is going to sit for a long time.

HERMOKIWI · Heavyweight Member Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 1853

Another vote for the Olds Ambassador. A quality instrument built like a tank and they're plentiful (which means it's easy to find one at a low price).
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shofarguy · Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2018 9:30 am Post subject:

Sandovalves!

https://sandovalves.com
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Flip Oakes Wild Thing Bb Trumpet in copper
Flip Oakes Wild Thing Flugelhorn in copper

There is one reason that I practice: to be ready at the downbeat when the final trumpet sounds.

Andy Del · Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2018 9:59 am Post subject:

ANY reasonable instrument can cope with not being played for a few weeks, so this is not a concern. just blow excess moisture out and oil after playing.

As to what brand? Whatever you like. A connoisseur will want the same as their everyday horn. If you have 2 of your go-top axe, leave one at Mom's. I have an Olds recording cornet at my beach house, and will ply on that if I am there and not taking a playing break. It's also useful for sitting in with the local brass band!

If you are on a real budget, then a cheap instrument can do. On a REAL budget, you pack your main horn and take that with you.

Really, this is a first world problem...

cheers

Andy
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brassmusician · Veteran Member Joined: 25 Feb 2016 Posts: 270

Never mind having the backup horn at your beach house or your mum's. Have it on the gig! Different situation I know, but this made me think of gig last Sunday when in the middle of the concert a colleague's third valve slide slid out onto the concrete floor, bent it and so horn was unplayable. Fortunately the 2nd trumpet player had a spare horn with her so a quick switch was made. Who takes a spare horn to a gig? - made me think twice - plenty of gigs where it could save a lot of trouble, even if the chances of it being needed are pretty low.
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Brad361 · Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2018 1:21 pm Post subject:

Crazy Finn · Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2018 2:01 pm Post subject:

Backup horn? More like Backup horns... Even my backup horns have backup horns.

Might be time to cull the herd, soon.
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BGinNJ · Veteran Member Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 324

Holton T602 is a sleeper backup horn that's newer and cheaper than an ambassador. The newer, UMI version of the king silver Flair is more expensive, but underrated as a near-pro horn.

Ed Kennedy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Posts: 2666

I'm a brass reparteur. I have several school band directors who routinely, at the end of the school year, have the kids take the horns apart, all slides and valves, wrap them in a cloth and leave them in the case like that until school resumes in the fall. It costs me money because they NEVER need to have me pull stuck slides and valves, and valve caps. I recommend this for any hiatus where the horn is going to sit dormant for a time.

BTW considering suitable backup horns? Just about any name brand student, intermediate, or beat-up but playable pro horn (Getzen Severinson?) you can find should float your boat.

cgaiii · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 9:39 pm Post subject:

I keep two backup horns, both old horns I used to play. I have an Olds Ambassador that I got new after a rent to own period in the 1960s when i was in grade school. I also have a Yamaha YTR-4335 that I played after the Olds. They are quite different from my main horn, but they certainly can be used in a pinch. If it looks like rain and I have to play outside, one of them comes out.
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