Assuming that the Olds Ambassador is the BEST student trumpe

musicmork · Heavyweight Member Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Posts: 1530

I would have to admit that after owning and playing several Olds Ambassadors...I must admit that they are the best all around student horn ever made.

So...assuming this is true...what horn would come in second?

I'm gonna vote a PAN AMERICAN (built by Conn)... small bore...and excellent responsiveness.
_________________
MARK /aka "musicmork"/ aka " The Creator "
TRUMPET: Getzen , Olds
MOUTHPIECES Bach 3-C, Schilke 13a4a
CORNET: Holton Galaxy (Awesome horn)
KEYBOARDS: Kurzweil PC88MX,Yamaha S-30, Casio Privia 575R

horndevil · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 1:54 am Post subject:

I like the Besson 600. Good sound and intonation. 1st thumb saddle and 3rd ring. It does the job well and the valves are excellent. It even works straight out of the box after a 6 month lay-off.
_________________
Haagston US3 Bb Trumpet
Conn V1 Flugel
Willson Celebration Cornet

Ian Barnes

plp · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 3:38 am Post subject:

A 3 way tie between the Holton 602, Getzen 300, and Besson 600. The used ones I've picked up are all good quality in construction, although with used horns there are so many variables to consider as far as condition. I've found sadly the only ones I don't pursue anymore are the Conn Directors. The ones up to the early 1960's were good builds, but time has taken their toll and let's remember, these are student trumpets. The ones from the late 60's to the early 70's were a series of design changes, and we all know about the UMI years. I just don't spend the money on them anymore.

The single best of the bunch would be the Holtons. Well built, good valves, and good laquer.

Gilligan · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:20 am Post subject:

I would think another student horn designed by Foster Reynolds.

_________________
TRUMPETS
1914 White (King) Liberty Bb A
1932 Holton New Revelation Bb A
1917 Vega Standard Bb A
1954 FA Reynolds Roth
CORNETS
1946 FA Reynolds Roth
1952 Olds Ambassador LA
1906 Buescher (My 1st eBay wallhanger)

[ This Message was edited by: Gilligan on 2004-08-01 18:05 ]

radiobob · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:21 am Post subject:

I would second the Holton 602 and the Getzen 300, both a very good horns. My bach TR300 is pretty darn good too, and has the best valves, very smooth and reliable. I have a '50's York stencil that plays nicely, though doesn't slot very well, and a Blessing Standard that's pretty good too. I've read the the Reynolds Medalist is the same thing as an Ambassador but haven't tried one. The Conn Directors seem to be the second most popular behind the Ambassador, if Ebay is any gauge.

Bob

Arainach · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:42 am Post subject:

Any Yamaha Student Line. I have a YCR-231 Cornet and a TRY-4320ST Trumpet that are fantastic horns. I've also played a pile of 2320s and 2335s that are fantastic horns.

connloyalist · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:51 am Post subject:

Well, allow me to give you my Conn Director story.

A 1964 Conn 15B Director. Bought by my aunt Dorothy for her son (my cousin) to learn to play on. Then went to her daughter, who played it as well. It sat in a cupboard for a couple of years. Bought by my father for me in 1979. I then learned to play on it. I have used that 15B Director with my band marching, in concerts, indoors, outdoors, in 90 degree heat and in weather so cold the valves froze (the first was frozen down, the 2nd and 3rd frozen up; the band was marching during carnival ("mardi gras") in Germany. I could only play a low Bb, F or D. It was still cold when I got home hours later).

It has had bad dents taken out of the bell bow. It has had a nylon cleaning brush (the type you thread and pull through) burned out of the leadpipe because it got stuck there. It's monetary value is probably not more than $50. But the valves are smooth as can be, excellent compression, all the slides move free and nice including the 3rd slide which I use a lot. And no leaks. The constuction of it allows me to use a support which I need these days due to health problems, so I still play it.

We have a lot of history together, ol; 15B "C95735" and I.

Regards, Christine

mheffernen5 · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 10:40 am Post subject:

I have a Holton T602 as most people know. I think it's ok, but I'd agree with the Olds Ambassador, and I think a King Tempo would be a great student trumpet.

silverstrad · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 11:38 am Post subject:

I agree wholeheartedly with the Conn Director. Its a fantastic horn. M07923 has treated me well. Also the King 600 and 602 (trumpet and cornet, respectively) are nice horns as well. The King is a tank. Not possible to dent without aid of WMDs.

BJToile · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 11:51 am Post subject:

BUNDY BABY!!!! Yeah Right!

I would have to say the Getzen 300. I still use this horn on occasion.
_________________
Brandon J. Elliott
___________
'65 Connstellation 38B
Strad 198 Limited Edition
'55 Special
'54 Ambassador
'56 Ambassador
Getzen 300

NTlead · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 2:45 pm Post subject:

Bach TR300s are pretty sweet. I like playing it more than my Strad. That's not saying much.

musicmork · Heavyweight Member Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Posts: 1530

Hmmmmmmmm I forgot about the Holton model.

I had once played a Bach student horn and hated it.

Does Dave Monette make a student horn? LOL

bigaggietrumpet · Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2004 7:32 am Post subject:

I would have to say the Bach Omega, basically a Strad with a two-piece bell, and then the T602. The Omega is just a lot easier to play in my opinion, and the valves are worlds better.
_________________
Michael Smith
There is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace- Sherlock Holmes

Olds Studio/Laskey 80B/Schilke 14
Olds Ambassador Cornet/7

tptscream · Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 7:13 pm Post subject:

King 600/601, or Conn Director. Blessing Scholastic is ok as well.

Perry D'Andrea · Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 11:16 pm Post subject:

A tie:

1. Yamaha. Every student model I've played, whether three-number or four-number, consistently played great, far better than most any other student trumpet. Bigger, broader tone than the Ambassador; not as focused.

2. I also have a mid-60's Holton Al Hirt Special (T602) that surprisingly plays and sounds great, as well. Feels very solid and well-made; absolutely superb 100% trouble-free valves.

3. Yes. The Reynolds Medalist. Their "Ambassador" model. Don't laugh. I have a late 50's model. It's the horn I keep in the trunk of my car at all times in case something calls for a horn on the fly. They're DIRT cheap (I got mine for about 70 bucks on ebay), and this one plays nicer than the majority of Ambassadors I've played. Certainly a very open feel with a full, uncolored tone.

Personally, I believe the Reynolds Medalist, not the Ambassador, is the true sleeper of 'em all.

The Yammie used to be the easiest to get your hands on.. Before ebay triggered all the Ambassadors to come out of the woods, I always recommended "any Yamaha you can afford" to students, and whether it came from a store or a pawn shop, they were always good horns and really affordable.

PD

_________________
http://www.perrydandrea.com
http://www.perrish.com

musicmork · Heavyweight Member Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Posts: 1530

Perry,

I went to your website and listened to a few tune-skis......very cool stuff .......very original.