Choice of Horns

NYTrumpet2018 · Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2019 6:31 pm Post subject: Choice of Horns

Hello,

I may have the chance to purchase either a:

1) Martin Troubadour 1920's
2) Martin Handcraft Dansant 1927
3)Martin Handcraft Imperial 1935
4) Conn Constellation 38B 1959

Is there any reason I should choose anyone over the others?

vwag · Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2019 6:44 pm Post subject:

Number 3 from what I’ve read on this forum, but don’t have first hand experience.

Tenring · Regular Member Joined: 18 Aug 2019 Posts: 80

3 or 4 better all around horns.

theslawdawg · Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2019 7:34 pm Post subject:

4!

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HERMOKIWI · Heavyweight Member Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 2618

I have some pre-1930 trumpets in my collection. They produce a somewhat tinny bugle-like sound common to trumpets of that era. There is a lot of nostalgia associated with that sound but if you're looking for a horn to play regularly then this era of horn is, to me, too dated in sound quality for that purpose.

So, that leaves the Martin Handcraft Imperial and the Conn Connstellation 38B.

I don't have a Martin Handcraft Imperial and have never played one but I do have two Martin Committee Deluxe trumpets. I like them a lot. My understanding of the Martin Handcraft Imperial is that it has some similarities to the Martin Committee. It's an excellent trumpet players love.

I have a Conn Connstellation 38B. It's a big horn physically, with a very wide wrap and a big bell (although it's a small bore). It's an excellent trumpet but ergonomically it's much bulkier than the Martin Handcraft Imperial and the Connstellation 38B has a 1st valve slide trigger, which I find awkward.

My choice for a daily player would be the Martin Handcraft Imperial.
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HERMOKIWI

kehaulani · Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2019 10:20 pm Post subject:

Conn Connstellation 38B is a great horn. In fact, I played the exact same 1959 model. So did my teacher who studied with Schilke and played it as first trumpet in the Honolulu Symphony, too.

Here's a sampler with different styles by Don Jacoby, Have Conn Will Travel,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBXzw7Llhpk&t=1438s
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"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird
"Well, even if I could play like Wynton, I wouldn't play like Wynton." Chet Baker

Yamaha 8310ZII "Bobby Shew" Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet

theslawdawg · Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2019 10:35 pm Post subject:

NYTrumpet2018 · Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2019 5:54 am Post subject:

Thank you to everyone for responding.
I will narrow it to the Imperial and 38B.

How do those two compare to a Bach Stradivarius and Yamaha Xeno?
Has anyone had any dealings with GammonBrass.com?

Thanks

Yamahaguy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 3993

kehaulani · Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2019 8:11 am Post subject:

Mike Prestage · Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2019 8:55 am Post subject:

I'm not sure what to make of Jacek. I've done a couple of trades with him (it's pretty cheap to ship stuff between the UK and Poland) and been happy both times. His eBay listings don't tend to inspire much confidence though. Someone on TH recently linked to a really bizarre one of his which is supposedly a Polish made Kanstul. I don't know enough about the whole Kanstul situation to say for certain it's fraudulent but I'd assume it was until proven otherwise.

If you've set your heart on a vintage American trumpet, the US is one of the best places to buy it from, even if you don't live there! All older horns are risky though unless you're able to play test them or buy from a very reliable source. If you go for the safer option of a used but modern, mainstream horn, you also have great options in the US. I've had eBay buyers for horns in some pretty distant places including in the Americas, but never the US. I think there's a good reason for that

Mike

HERMOKIWI · Heavyweight Member Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 2618

NYTrumpet2018 · Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2019 7:53 am Post subject:

Thank you again for all the replies.

I think I may go with the Conn 38B that is advertised on here in the marketplace.

If anyone knows any reason they can see that it looks bad and it would not be a good buy please let me know.

Thanks.

Mike Prestage · Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2019 8:40 am Post subject:

You're welcome. I've just found two on the marketplace. IMO the one at $850 would be worth a shot if you really want a 38B and can't find one locally. I wouldn't touch the other one unless I could play test it or there was some serious flexibility on the price. The asking price is a scary amount for what could turn out to be a relacquered horn with worn valves.

Mike

NYTrumpet2018 · Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2019 10:16 am Post subject:

Thank you again...

It is not that I have my heart set on a 38B. I am looking for a pro level trumpet that isn't going to cost me an arm and a leg; I know that is asking for a lot. I am hoping to find something around 1,200 or less and that 38B looks ok...I don't know

JayKosta · Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2019 10:32 am Post subject:

What horn are you using currently? And are there features or differences that you want to get?

It might be worthwhile to visit a music store that handles used instruments to try a variety. Call several stores to verify what they have available for testing, and do an easy day trip.

Jay
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Most Important Note ? - the next one !
KNOW (see) what the next note is BEFORE you have to play it.
PLAY the next note 'on time' and 'in rhythm'.
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Mike Prestage · Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2019 12:01 pm Post subject:

kehaulani · Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2019 12:25 pm Post subject:

Ed Kennedy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Posts: 3195

kehaulani · Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2019 2:44 pm Post subject:

Don Jacoby and Conrad Gozzo in the same band?

_________________
"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird
"Well, even if I could play like Wynton, I wouldn't play like Wynton." Chet Baker

Yamaha 8310ZII "Bobby Shew" Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet