Should I get a pro horn for a 5th grader?

[david johnson]

I have two top-line demo horns and they are great. Don't neglect a search in that classification. I started my son on a Getzen Capri. I don't play Getzens myself, but they are good and have great valves, as does Schilke.
I prefer medium-large bores, so check on the bore size! Whatever you choose, remember kids drop horns.

[ldwoods]

Just more food for thought. Do NOT blindly purchase brand x, y, or z just because someone else (or many other people) say it is great. If at all possible, have you son play several different model of trumpets and find one that he likes the best. The one he finds easiest to play, sound good on, and has good natural intonation.
_________________
Larry Woods
LDWoods

[Liberty Lips]

[yourbrass]

[Croquethed]

FWIW, somebody just put a 37 up in the marketplace for $1450 with a small ding in the bell.

[Rhondo]

I got a nice late ‘60s Olds Ambassador on eBay for $320. I have it as a back up horn for my used 2017 Strad. Even having the Strad I also enjoy playing the Ambassador, and truth be told, it feels less delicate and more trouble free than the Strad, as well as being lighter and smaller.

The Strad has great projection and sounds better, but if I didn’t have it, I could be perfectly happy playing the Ambassador as my only horn, and it sounds good as well.

There are a few good honest sellers on eBay who will accurately describe the condition and playability of the horn they’re selling, and also allow returns.
You could pick up something like an Ambassador or similar initially, and still be able to get a used Strad or Yamaha or any number of well regarded horns as well. So the Ambassador or similar could be your son’s primary horn or the one replacing his Amazon model,, or the back up he takes to school.

Dealers like Horntrader or Centex Brass and others are another option. They usually offer something like a 7 day return policy. They also have a selection of different horns and price ranges available, with descriptions of each one on their website, and will answer questions if you ask. Horntrader even demo plays many of his horns he sells on his site and on YouTube..

[LittleRusty]

[spitvalve]

[JetJaguar]

A used pro is a good move. A new pro later if he continues to blossom.
_________________
1938 Martin Handcraft Imperial #2 bore, 38 bell
Bach 7C mouthpiece

I'm looking for a Connstellation 5C-N or 5B-N mouthpiece
www.jazzscales.org
The Coady Strengthening Exercises: http://coady.coolwarm.com

[Rhondo]

“It's time for my two cents. At his young age he has shown that he can respect an instrument enough to not use it as a hammer or a samurai weapon. That said, don't pay $3500 for a new Bach Strad. Get him a nice used horn, any one of which others have suggested here already. If he continues to practice, improve and show interest in being a trumpet player, then in four years or so reward his hard work with a new professional instrument. That will give him something to look forward to and work toward, and by then he will have the experience to be able to try out different horns with some context as to what horn would suit him best.”

“Best post of this whole thread.”

Except at least to me motivation ought to be having fun and a sense of accomplishment enjoying playing, being able to do more and better, whether the horn is old or new, as long as it’s capable.

[yourbrass]

[Jerry]

[Rhondo]

[benzo277]

Speaking from my own experience, when I was in middle school I was quite diligent in taking care of my instrument. I would wipe it down with a cloth after every class and take the valves out of the casing to oil them. Band was my only activity for the majority of the year during this time. Then when I went to high school my schedule became more chaotic. I became more involved in other activities outside of band and as such my instrument started to deteriorate. Now I was very into trumpets in middle school. I browsed the old TM forum quite a bit but even I slacked on my trumpet upkeep. Not to say your son would do the same but it is a very real possibility that as he goes into high school he will simply not have the time to give a professional instrument the time and care that it needs. I believe it would be best to get a high quality horn that can take a beating as some other people have suggested.

[aquaries]

My 2 cents, I agree with spitvalve and Rhonda. An Olds Ambassador from the 50s to 60s is a great value. Note that Rafael Mendez when his Olds Mendez was unavailable went to the local Olds store and picked an Ambassador to use that night in concert when he could have picked a Mendez. In those days Olds quality was same top to bottom. There are a lot of them for sale. Even pros keep one as a beater spare for events like parades, outdoor events when they don't want to expose the "jewelry" to a potential mishap. So even when he moves up to a "PRO" horn, he can keep the Olds as an economical spare.
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1960 Olds Mendez
1965 King Super 20 SS

[mograph]

[Chuck's Committee]

Get him a used Shilke B6. Mine took me from 10th grade through the USCG band and beyond. Schilkes are very pretty and light weight too. I play a Martin Committee nowadays.
_________________
Chuck Cox
1949 Martin Committee Deluxe #2 bore
1951 Martin Committee Deluxe #3 bore
1953 Martin Committee Cornet #2 bore
Do something with every note you play. Sometimes the rests are more important than the notes

[jondrowjf@gmail.com]

Before you buy or try out any new trumpets, talk to your child's teacher and band director. They are good sources for used and can recommend a trumpet for your child. Are any particularly brand and model dominating the school band?
How long are your child's fingers? Is the weight and the length of the trumpet an issue? What mouthpiece does your child have?
Do agree with other posters, that a 1st slide ring is essential. Modern professional trumpets have a fixed 3rd slide ring. The repairman at the store could adjust the fixed ring to fit.
I have owed many student, intermediate and two professional trumpers. An intermediate trumpet is alright but professional trumpets are much better. The two professional trumpets , I have owed are the Getzen Renaissance (similar to 900 series ) and the Canadian Brass trumpet . Loved the Canadian brass trumpet.
Yes buy a professional trumpet. Used or new from a local music store. If possible take your child's trumpet instructor or band director.

King 603 student cornet
Tromba Shephards crook cornet.
_________________
Jupiter 520 M shepherds crook cornet
Yamaha 2300 cornet
King 603 cornet
Denis Wick 4 W classic gold short shank mouthpiece
Getzen 4 B short shank mouthpiece

[Brassnose]

In case no none has suggested it: you might want to talk to the kid about the whole thing, too He might have his own ideas, good ones among them.
_________________
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

[Liberty Lips]

It would be nice at this point if the OP let us know what the family decision is.