naive buyer

rmcgarry · New Member Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 1

I have immersed myself in opinions and prices on trumpets in the last several days. I’m looking to buy a trumpet for my wife. She was a pretty good player, but her horn was lost/stolen in the moving process. I’m looking for some advice and you guys seem to be quite honest and knowledgeable. I’m looking to spend $400-$500 for a decent used horn. I know she has always wanted a silver horn so that is what is what I’m looking for. I found a Holton T602S Silver plated Bb trumpet for $395. It comes with a Pro Tec case, Bach 7C mouthpiece, valve oil, etc…

Is this a decent horn? Is the price reasonable? I appreciate any input.

karlose · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 4:05 pm Post subject:

The Holton T602S is just a silver plated Student line horn. For the amount you are wiling to spend, you can definitly find a pro horn. I have NEVER spent more than $600 on a PRO horn and I have had many! Take a look at pawn shops and ebay. Also here at the TH there are sometimes good deals on horns.

The Price for that Holton is a little high I think...being that it is a student horn. Hope this helps and good luch in your search!

_________________
Karlos A. Elizondo
San Antonio, TX

Marcinkiewicz™ Rembrandt™ "MIC GILLETTE" Model: SC3X.351L RLP Trumpet

F.E. Olds & Son "Clark Terry" Flugelhorn

"SHUT UP AND PLAY!!"

Yoder · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 4:22 pm Post subject:

Well, being a ZeuS dealer may I recommend the ZTR 250?

Here is are some reviews and quick stats: http://www.trumpetreview.com/showproduct.php?product=148&sort=8&cat=71&page=1

And here is where you can get one" http://www.co-bw.com

Granted I am a ZeuS dealer, but it is a lot of horn for the money and is why the band directory at the school where I work is endorsing it for the beginners over all other horns.

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http://www.co-bw.com/

Gilligan · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 7:07 pm Post subject:

I'd second that on the skip the 602 horn. It is a basic student model.

For about 600 I'll bet you could find an LA Ambassador, send it to Kanstul, have them add a new 43 lead pipe, amado water keys, a round tuning slide and scratch lacquered finish.

DO a search on Ambassador modifications. There are some great posts on this.

jophst · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 7:33 pm Post subject:

For $400-$500 I would aim on getting a nice used Yamaha intermediate model ... either the 4335GS or the 5335G Allegro model. They play better than some pro line horns today and they are very consistently made also.

If not that, you may find a Getzen Eterna used in that price range as well ... outstanding horns for the money!!
_________________
Bb - Yamaha Xeno 8335RGS
Picc - Yamaha 9830 w/PVA
Flugel - Yamaha Shew 6310Z
Laskey's 68MD,68C,PIC,68F,68DB

_Ford850 · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 8:10 pm Post subject:

Yea, what Josh said.... The Getzen 700 is a wonderful horn, it is on the bright side but really sings and has a personality, a great horn for the price. Another great and undervalued horn is the B&S 3137/2, it is essentially a Bach 37 but less expensive. Good luck, are you sure you want to do this without her "help"?
_________________
Mark LaSavio
Calicchio R1S2
Duda modified F. Besson
Getzen Renaissance
Conn V One C
Getzen 3850S cornet

Rich G · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 8:28 pm Post subject:

You can find a Getzen Eterna 700 or 900 for around $500, silverplated, both wonderful playing horns with great valves. If you get lucky, you might be able to find a Benge 3X, I bought one silverplated for $550 and it was a terrific pro horn. I would steer clear of a Holton 600 series horn, they are very undistinguished student horns. If you can find a Holton Symphony T-101 - that is an outstanding horn. A Bach Mercedes can be a great horn and is the same as a Bach Stradivarius except for the two piece bell. You might also find a Blessing ML-1, a very underated horn. There's a lot out there. I wouldn't spend money on an Olds Ambassador when you can get an Olds Special or Studio for around $500, both superior horns. The best playing trumpet I ever bought for $400 was a Donald E. Getzen (DEG) "signature 2000", absolutely incredible valves and bright, vibrant sound. You can do better than you may think for $500.

bdev · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 8:47 pm Post subject:

Rich G mentioned the Olds Studio. I have an Olds Studio that I am about to list on ebay....rmcgarry...if you are interested please send me a personal message and I'll send you info on this horn. It is nickle-silver and was made circa 1968.
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Schilke B1L / GRe65M/e65S
Yamaha B.Shew Flugel / GRe65FD
Olds Super Trumpet (LA 1946) GRe65MX
Reynolds Emperor Trumpet (1961)
Bach Strad 37 Trumpet
Holton 25 Cornet / Bach 6
MDT Morrison Trumpet (wind controller)

WFUnix · Veteran Member Joined: 14 Aug 2003 Posts: 433

For just a little more money you may want to look at this. Disclaimer: I don't know the seller but his feedback looks good.

http://cgi.aol.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=16214&item=3766390510&rd=1

old geezer · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 4:24 am Post subject: new horn

First and formost your wife should play the horn before you buy it, it is her horn. My wife and I both play,[she is the good one-I am just average]
and we do not like the same horn. I was going to sell my L.A. Benge ML because it plays too stuffy she picked it up this week and it plays very open for her. My L.A. Benge MLP plays great for me but she thinks it plays stuffy. What I am saying is that there is no right horn that fits everybody, so take her with you and each play the horn( you can listen to the tone and guide each other besides getting a little one on one. Good luck and happy hunting. old geezer Dave
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L.A. Benge 2ML 16389
L.A. Benge 2MLP 11745
K. Allman 1414
Yamaha Mike Vax 450573
Yamaha 231 Flugel 15383
Olds Amb. Cornet 50734

wardsd · Heavyweight Member Joined: 12 Mar 2003 Posts: 504

$400-$500 would get a Olds Super, which is more of a pro horn than the Olds Studio. I would look for a good Super.

Steve