Upgrade to intermediate or wait for used professional?

[mikepodorski]

I'm a Craigslist/ Facebook Marketplace junkie, I'm impatient, and I like collecting. Needess to say, the cards are stacked against me on this one. I see decent intermediate trumpets come up from time to time for cheap, mostly parents that got taken for an overpriced trumpet from our local band music store that just sits now. I currently have a Jean Paul TR430 (which plays fantastic) and a Holton T602. My original thought was to play these until I got to a point where I was good enough to buy a used professional trumpet. Is it worth the money to upgrade in between, or to just save my money?

Also, Does anyone "flip" trumpets? Buy good deals and fix/resell for profit?

[Crazy Finn]

Well, I'm bad at the flipping, because I don't sell stuff.

What's a "decent" intermediate? That would be my question. I'd say a Getzen Capri (esp the cornet) or better (ie Eterna or some other models), or a Yamaha Allegro. Maybe, I'm missing one...

Lots of "intermediate" horns are dressed up student horns. The Allegro is a lot like my old 6335, which was Yamaha's pro model in the late 80's - early 90's, so that's a good one that I've played and liked. There's several other makes that make intermediates I don't care much for.

A good used professional horn can be found at a good price if patient. I don't know what the current market is, but I bought my Selmer Radial and Benge for less than $400 each between 8-10 years ago.
_________________
LA Benge 3X Bb Trumpet
Selmer Radial Bb Trumpet
Yamaha 6335S Bb Trumpet
Besson 709 Bb Trumpet
Bach 184L Bb Cornet
Yamaha 731 Bb Flugelhorn

[OldSchoolEuph]

Everyone has different ideas what "intermediate" means, and I think you will find a fair number of people who feel a solid T-602 plays as well or better than a lot of new "intermediate" models (not all, again, it depends what you call "intermediate".

Personally, I think you should upgrade when you find a horn that is an upgrade. That either means having access to try, or going through the trouble of buying and selling. I know, a pain either way, but really you will know better than any of us what is an "upgrade" for your situation.
_________________
Ron Berndt
www.trumpet-history.com

2017 Austin Winds Stage 466
1962 Mt. Vernon Bach 43
1954 Holton 49 Stratodyne
1927 Conn 22B
1957 Holton 27 cornet
1985 Yamaha YEP-621
1975 Yamaha YEP-321 Custom
1965 Besson Baritone
1975 Olds Recording R-20

[Dayton]

In my experience, Intermediate or Step Up trumpets are often not enough better than student trumpets to justify the expense. There are exceptions, such as the Getzen 700S Eterna II, which is an excellent trumpet.

I have not played the Jean Paul trumpet, but the Holton is a solid horn. I played my college audition on one, and played it for about half of my first semester until I picked up a Bach. So, as long as the Holton and Jean Paul are in reliable playing condition then you are probably better off waiting for a used professional trumpet.

Good luck!

[deleted_user_687c31b]

From what I've read so far, the difference between a student and an intermediate horn is far smaller than that of an intermediate and a pro horn. And while buying trumpets is fun, it's also expensive and prone to disapointment. Do your reasearch, try different horns so you'll at least be able to tell what you'll like in a horn. You may end up playing best on a horn that isn't considered 'pro' at all.

Also, is Jean Paul a French, Canadian or Chinese brand?

[HaveTrumpetWillTravel]

I had a Bach TR200, which I found for $225 (I think) and sold for $75 more. I liked it quite a bit. I also am not good at selling and tend to regret selling on trumpets, even though I have too many. I have a Benge I wish I'd bought and also a Jupiter XO that were both in the $700-800 range at the time. I think you can't go wrong on instruments like that. I do see the Yamaha 4000 series for sale sometime. I think it's a fine idea to buy when you see something you like and also think about upgrading in the future.

[Maarten van Weverwijk]

I would strongly recommend looking into Yamaha ytr-4335 or ytr-3335 trumpets.
Both are excellent intermediate instruments (way better than the ytr-1000/2000 series) that won’t break the bank when new, but can also be found regularly on the used market.
The ytr-4335 has a very full and warm sound with great pitch, whereas the ytr-3335 has a slightly lighter blow and sound. Both are incredibly well made for the money and keep their value pretty well.

FWIW, I use both instruments (having two of each) in my repair shop as courtesy trumpets and clients are generally pleasantly surprised when playing them.

Edit:
I just found out that the retail price in the US of the ytr-4335gii lacquer is over twice the price we pay here in Europe; $1575 vs €625 (ytr-3335 is even €110 less).
How on earth did thát happen?

[jondrowjf@gmail.com]

I am the poster boy of impatience. Lost track of how many horns I have owed. Owed many intermediate horns and agree not much difference between most intermediate and student horns. To me the, Holton 602 trumpet is no better than a student horn. I have owed, Getzen 390, 490,590, 700 S Eterna trumpets. The only intermediate horns that I found different from the rest: Getzen 700 S Eterna trumpet. But to me something was still lacking. Sold it and then I bought a Getzen Renaissance professional trumpet. Vast difference between the two trumpets. Extremely happy with this trumpet.Did a best offer from ebay. So the total cost of trumpet including shipping and taxes was $800.00 dollars. $721.00 dollars for trumpet without taxes and shipping.
My recommendation would to wait to buy a professional trumpet. Yes I flipped many horns. Did make a profit for the trumpet repair man.
_________________
Jupiter 520 M shepherds crook
Denis Wick 4 W classic gold short shank mouthpiece
Getzen 4 B short shank mouthpiece
Vincent Bach 5 B short shank mouthpiece

[cheiden]

If you have the budget for a used intermediate horn then I'd probably recommend selling one of your existing horns for $300-400 and using the extra amount to score a used pro horn.
_________________
"I'm an engineer, which means I think I know a whole bunch of stuff I really don't."
Charles J Heiden/So Cal
Bach Strad 180ML43*/43 Bb/Yamaha 731 Flugel/Benge 1X C/Kanstul 920 Picc/Conn 80A Cornet
Bach 3C rim on 1.5C underpart

[Bflatman]

Ok lets forget solutions that work

All we want in here is a good chat

[wilder]

save your money

[cheiden]

[Dayton]

[OldSchoolEuph]

I would urge the OP to use sold listings on EBay and make some calls rather than rely on our memories of prior horns. Gold has gone up over 50% during this crisis, the dollar is down 10% against European currency in the last few months, and additional deficit based stimulus on the scale of an annual Federal budget will continue to shift the value of dollars. Supply and demand for old horns is in flux, and the cost of labor is as well. Past experience is not a good guide to future cost right now.
_________________
Ron Berndt
www.trumpet-history.com

2017 Austin Winds Stage 466
1962 Mt. Vernon Bach 43
1954 Holton 49 Stratodyne
1927 Conn 22B
1957 Holton 27 cornet
1985 Yamaha YEP-621
1975 Yamaha YEP-321 Custom
1965 Besson Baritone
1975 Olds Recording R-20

[Lawler Bb]

In my experience of 30 years as a career trumpet player, 17 years as a trumpet teacher (beginner through university level), and a few years as a music store employee, intermediate instruments are one of the greatest scams in the industry. 95% of the time they are student level instruments that have one or two "upgraded" features and probably a fancy paint job (silver vs lacquer). There's nothing intermediate about them, except for the inflated price tag.

A used professional instrument (this is a loaded category, too, but a whole 'nuther can of worms) is far and away the better choice. Just stick to professional instruments from the long time reputable manufacturers, not just an unknown brand/company that claims to have a professional instrument.
_________________
Eric Sperry
www.ericsperry.com
www.facebook.com/EricSperryTrumpet/
www.instagram.com/milwaukeetrumpet/

[jondrowjf@gmail.com]

There is a used Getzen Renaissance trumpet on eBay that needs some repair. Asking price is $600.00 dollars. Give a low bid price and you may get it.
_________________
Jupiter 520 M shepherds crook
Denis Wick 4 W classic gold short shank mouthpiece
Getzen 4 B short shank mouthpiece
Vincent Bach 5 B short shank mouthpiece

[VetPsychWars]

A great hidden gem are Buescher trumpets with serial numbers between 300,000 and 400,00. All professional horns, usually available inexpensively. Not uncommon to find with valves worn out, because people played the heck out of them, but better chances you get one above serial 340,000, about, when the valves were nickel-plated.

If you find one, PM me and I'll tell you if it's worth buying.

Tom
_________________
1950 Buescher Lightweight 400 Trumpet
1949 Buescher 400 Trumpet
1939 Buescher 400 Cornet
GR65M, GR65 Cor #1

[Bflatman]

Ok never mind

[LittleRusty]

Dude,

Respectfully, you need to post a TL;DR. I cannot bring myself to read the novel.

[jondrowjf@gmail.com]

Bflatman. I read all of your post. Very interesting and well written.
_________________
Jupiter 520 M shepherds crook
Denis Wick 4 W classic gold short shank mouthpiece
Getzen 4 B short shank mouthpiece
Vincent Bach 5 B short shank mouthpiece