Acceptable Trumpet for beginning Student (Inexpensive/Free?)

howardpo · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2003 10:56 am Post subject:

Hi all,

My 9 year old son is starting trumpet in band this year. He's really excited and wants a nice piece of equipment, but we can't really afford it. Does anybody out there have something they're willing to sell, or possibly donate? I'd hate to buy one of the cheapo brands because it is all we can afford and possibly have him quit because the instrument is giving him problems.

Help,

Howard

Tootsall · Heavyweight Member Joined: 05 May 2002 Posts: 2952

It's been said a zillion times. Olds Ambassador. Ebay, $100 to $150. Built like a tank, plays like a pro, lots of 'em around.

trickg · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2003 11:15 am Post subject:

When I was in the process of aquiring a horn for my son to play on, I play tested a decent selection of new and used horns. The best one of the bunch was a used King, but the one that I ended up getting for him and a close, close second playing wise (very similar playing characterisitcs) was a Holton 602.

But also, to go along with what Tootsall said, we (I) play tested a couple of Olds Ambassadors that were very decent as well, and decently priced.

I bought the Holton for a couple of reasons.

1. It played very well
2. It was new and shiny (I know, I know. But I remember being the ONLY kid in band with a cornet, and it was a real beater.)
3. It is put together (IMO) better than other student model horns.
4. I could't beat the price. I'm friends with the owner of the music store, so I bought it for cost plus shipping, plus a percet or so. At that price, it would have been silly for me to rent to buy, and it wasn't substantially more than what the used horns were selling for, although I'm sure I could have gotten him to swing me a deal on one of those too.
5. It played well enough that I would have no reservations about taking it on a gig. It's a little tight in the upper register, but it would be manageable.

My $.02, for what it's worth.
_________________
Patrick Gleason
- Jupiter 1600i, ACB 3C, Warburton 4SVW/Titmus RT2
- Brasspire Unicorn C
- ACB Doubler

"95% of the average 'weekend warrior's' problems will be solved by an additional 30 minutes of insightful practice." - PLP

jophst · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2003 11:17 am Post subject:

Used Student Line Yamaha's (the newer ones) aren't bad either ... I think 2320's .... pretty consistent just like their pro-line's. This is another great bang for the buck just liek the Ambassador's.

Good luck!
_________________
Bb - Yamaha Xeno 8335RGS
Picc - Yamaha 9830 w/PVA
Flugel - Yamaha Shew 6310Z
Laskey's 68MD,68C,PIC,68F,68DB

donalson · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2003 11:40 am Post subject:

i to agree w/ the olds horn... just find one that is purdy... i remember as a kid how differntly the kids that got a nice horn vs those that played their older brothers old marching horn (which was beat beyond hell and looked like it came out of the lower extreams of ones body) played the horns... the kids w/ the nice horns practiced much more frequently... ultamatly making them the better players of the groups

i'd however ask the band director about a cornet... they may not be the "cool" horn to play but for a beginner they are by far the better choice... i still don't see why bands push the trumpet over the the cornet especaly for beginners.

mark
_________________
mark aka donalson
Play it with a passion

Cheechoo · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2003 11:55 am Post subject:

Howard,

If you end up with a horn and no mouthpiece, let me know. I will donate a good one for the cause.
_________________
Charlie Proctor
San Jose Sharks PuckMan

drunkiq · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2003 12:23 pm Post subject:

trumpet gear head's student trumpet buying guide:

http://www.dallasmusic.org/gearhead/Student%20trumpets.html

-marc

Bootleg · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2003 2:51 pm Post subject:

i believe it's best if you get an old's ambassador, however, if you feel your son will practice a lot harder when seeing a shining new horn, then u might as well spend an extra $50 or so and get him something newer.

it probably won't play as well as the ambassador, but if your son takes care of it (ie, no dings and scratches etc), when your financial situation improves, you can resell your olds and get a newer horn or perhaps a pro horn if he's really into it.

best place is to look around ebay. lots of good deals there
_________________
"If brute force doesn't solve your problem, then you're not using enough!"

Tim80 · Heavyweight Member Joined: 11 Nov 2001 Posts: 1415

I can't advise what to buy. But a friend bought his son one of those Indian made trumpets on ebay. It was total crapola. Stay away from anything made in India or China.

Tim

Seinman · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2003 12:14 am Post subject:

I noticed Kanstul Music are advertising a Bach copy for $800, and an offer for 20 payments of $40 to buy it. If it is like all the other Kanstuls then you can't go wrong. Your son will have a shining new horn made by one of the best and you only have to shell out $40 a month. HTH