When buying used horns...

[Jafuentes3]

What are things you are usually cautious about when you buy an used horn?

It is my first time playing trumpet but unfortunately I am in a really tight budget.

Some people have suggested plastic trumpets. What are your experiences with these?
Also, someone suggested buying used trumpets. Someone is selling a Holton T602 (which I understand it's good!) Apparently he says that the valves are sticky. Is this easily repairable? Worth the buy?

Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you!

[ruotjoh]

I would stay away from plastic trumpets. Some of them play ok but that's not something that you want to use as your primary horn. Buy some well-known student horn in good used condition (Yamaha 23XX, Olds Ambassador etc).

First thing you should check is the valves. If they are sticky even when cleaned well then stay away from it. Sticky valves, stuck slides or any visible dents around them will probably lead to problems. Some small dents in the bell or crooks are easily fixable by your local repair tech and doesn't affect playing that much.

Always try before you buy. If possible, play some scales and and listen sound and intonation. If everything works and you're pleased what you hear then it is a good horn. Even better if you can get a pro player to test the horn for you.

Good luck!

[blbaumgarn]

I want to echo a bit on what rootjob says. I bought a trombaabout 6 weeks ago and it is OK. the plastic horns will blow free and sound relatively trumpet like with a metal mouthpiece in. You will need to have your own metal ax. Of all the horns I have played over the years I favor Getzen for their valves and sturdy build. From the 300s, 400s and other intermediate lines of horns they play well and they just work. Yamaha makes great beginner horns and some of the 2320s can be found for very reasonable prices. Let a local shop give you a try on used ones they have. If you find one in person that you like and it has a good sound whatever you spend on it you should feel more comfortable from the start. Good Luck and enjoy yourself in your search.

[Jafuentes3]

Thank you for your reply! All of the ideas here were extremely helpful for my search. I will update with the results as soon as I get my hands on a horn.

[cheiden]

On a budget, I'd look no further than a lightly used Yamaha student model. They are very sturdy and consistently made. Unless it's been really abused it's hard to go wrong.

Ignore plastic or cheap no-name imports.

If possible have an experienced player preview any candidate to screen out duds.
_________________
"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

[Robert P]

[DaveH]

Who would seriously suggest a plastic trumpet?

Kazoos and recorders that are often used in elementary school music programs are made of plastic.

I've been playing trumpet for about 55 years, and have never heard of anyone seriously playing a plastic trumpet, nor suggesting that anyone attempt to do so.

If you are on a tight budget, you certainly don't want to throw your money away on a plastic trumpet.

[Turkle]

Just make sure they've made more than 5 posts on this site before buying...
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Yamaha 8310Z trumpet
Yamaha 8310Z flugel
Curry 3.

[Dennis78]

The Holton t602/Collegiate is a great horn to get started on. I would buy nothing that had sticky or sluggish valves!
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a few different ones

[Jafuentes3]

Good news is that I didn't buy a plastic trumpet!
I found an Olds Ambassador (fullerton) for quite cheap online..
I will update once I get my hands on the trumpet and I take it to the shop.
Again, thanks everyone for sharing their experiences.

[blbaumgarn]

Lots of good advice above. Yamaha makes beginnner horns that work and they are out there at good prices. So are Getzens. They are made like tanks and their valves are always flawless. One should be able to find a used Yamaha beginner or intermediate for a reasonable price. I just received a prolevel horn, a Pfund on saturday that is in as new condition for $550. I scoured for months and took a shot on it. It plays very well and has had wonderful care. They are out there, the gems, I mean.

[cheiden]

[Jay2015trumpet]

Look for Accent 950 models-they're B+S Challenger I's in disguise. You can get one one on eBay most times for 500 or less. The Schmidt 37 is the same horn as well. Really good value for an entry level pro horn. (I prefer the B+S X line.) If that's too much, consider Kanstul 800 Internationals (300-500), or vintage models. I've had luck with C. Fischer and other Conn stencil brands as well as Holton Collegiate models from the early 60s. Beater grade Yamaha 2335s with decent valve compression can be had for 150-200.00.

On the subject of plastic horns, I did try a Tromba Bb in yellow that was ok; however, the top valve caps were very fragile and I had to overblow to get a full sound. Plastic just isn't going to replace anything anytime soon. But it might be ok as a gimmick at a jazz club or something..

[Crazy Finn]

[Jafuentes3]

Seriously, THANK YOU all for all the awesome information. Today I got my used Olds Ambassador back from the repair shop. So far, my trumpet player friends who have tried the horn say its perfect for what I want to do!
I will be more than happy to share some more information if there's anyone interested in something specific (repair costs, ebay experience, whatever) tomorrow will be my first day that I start playing trumpet. I am excited.

[dr_trumpet]

[Robert P]

[Richard III]

If it was mentioned, I didn't see it. The biggest thing is valve compression. $450 for a rebuild makes the new old horn expensive in a hurry.
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Richard

King 1130 Flugabone
King 12C mouthpiece

[Jafuentes3]

Thank you Dr. Lilly! I was not aware of that possibility. It sounds like something I will be able (and would like to do) in the future

[dr_trumpet]