Trumpet Recommendations, anyone?

[nycbg]

I'm no spring chicken - far from it. Still, after playing piano for several decades I got this trumpet bug.
So, which model would you recommend for an advanced-age-beginner?
Preferably under $1000 .
Many thanks.
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Ars longa vita brevis

[kehaulani]

Used Getzen Capri. But buy (and pay a little more) from a reliable dealer (search list on trumpetherald.com) who has a liberal return policy in case something goes wrong or you just don't like it. Often well below $1,00.00.

BTW, this is a well-worn topic. Perhaps you could do a search for more info.
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"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn

[Brad361]

Lots of choices out there. Getzen, as Kehaulani mentioned, you can find a Yamaha Xeno in decent shape for that price, Olds Studio, maybe Olds Super, plenty of Kanstul models, King Silver Flair 1055 (generally regarded to the later 2055)....there are tons of choices.
I would also suggest you contact someone like Trent Austin, his shop is Austin Custom Brass, or possibly Jim McCombs at Dillon Music, these guys are well known for being reputable dealers. The problem with buying used, if you’re not trumpet-experienced, is you might not know what possible problems to look for, these guys should help steer you in the right direction.

Best of luck, have fun!

Brad
_________________
When asked if he always sounds great:
"I always try, but not always, because the horn is merciless, unpredictable and traitorous." - Arturo Sandoval

[WxJeff]

Oh, boy. This is going to be fun

Welcome to the forum. You have just asked the penultimate question of trumpet players. heh. You might browse the Horns section here unless you're subject to sensory overload.

Since you're in NYC, check out Josh Landress' store and web site as well as Dillon Music in NJ for some price range research. Second the recommendation of Trent Austin out in Kansas City. He has a very nice web site, lots of high quality used horns, and superb customer service.

[nycbg]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Will look these models up.

Given all my years of INexperience, I'll probably be bugging you guys with questions galore.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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Ars longa vita brevis

[nycbg]

OK, here I go again...

I have checked your recommendations and some of them are clearly outside my budget (e.g., Yamaha Xeno, Kantsul, J.Landress store ...).

Getzen, on the other hand, looks affordable although the price range is somewhat baffling - from $250 to 1,900).

However, I have run into an ad for:

B&S 3137 G-L Challenger Alto Trumpet for just under $700. The price is unbelievable when compared to online stores.

Any opinions?
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Ars longa vita brevis

[Brad361]

[JayKosta]

You would also benefit from a good hands-on introduction to how a properly functioning trumpet should operate - the moving parts, and the general overall construction - so you are in a better position to evaluate the condition of ones that you are considering.

15 -30 minutes with a friendly local school band director, or adult amateur player should be enough - not to 'lean how to play', but just 'mechanics' of the trumpet as a physical tool.
Or go to a local music store that has demo instruments, and hopefully someone there would give you similar info - basically by asking "what should I look for, and expect, in a trumpet?". Similar to if you go to Home Depot and ask about some type of expensive powered tool.
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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'.
Oh ya, watch the conductor - they set what is 'on time'.

[delano]

This one?

https://www.pawnamerica.com/Product/B_S_3137_G_L_Challenger_Alto_Trumpet_25225009251

It's a Bach 37 clone and a very reasonable one, it's a good beginner/intermediate horn. The price for this second hand one is hmmm, ok for a trader. They go new for 1249 euro at Thomann in Europe. This one looks not bad, a few spots on the bell, no signs of red rot, the condition of the valves is unknown, maybe you can ask them. Should not be a problem.

BTW I don't know why they say alto trumpet, it's a normal Bflat horn and the type indication is Challenger I, (there is also a much more expensive ChallengerII).

[Dave_3]

I'd probably call Trent Austin, at Austin Custom Brass. He has a boat load of used trumpets in your price range, and can probably make some recommendations, too.

https://www.austincustombrass.biz

.

[Brad361]

self deleted
_________________
When asked if he always sounds great:
"I always try, but not always, because the horn is merciless, unpredictable and traitorous." - Arturo Sandoval

[cgaiii]

As a good all around horn, the Yamaha YTR-6335 is generally available used in your price range. I use one as my backup horn -- played it tonight outside in the rain (well under a portico) for a church service. Very serviceable horn, professional grade. Usually can find with patience for around $800 or so. Look around be patient.
Not seeing any around at that price right now, but they do come around. They are fairly common.
If you can try it, all the better.
_________________
Bb: Schilke X3L AS SP, Yamaha YTR-6335S
C: Schilke CXL, Kanstul 1510-2
Picc: Kanstul 920
Bb Bugle: Kanstul
Bb Pocket: Manchester Brass
Flugel: Taylor Standard
Bass Trumpet: BAC Custom
Natural Tr: Custom Haas replica by Nikolai Mänttäri Morales

[nycbg]

Thank you, Brad, JayKosta, delano and cgaiii!

You guys are amazing!


1) I have started researching "ALTO" trumpet vs. Bflat. It says that it has a generally "lower tone" which sounds enticing since my ultimate goal is to buy a flugelhorn ... some day, when and if I ever master the basics on a regular trumpet.

2) I agree 100% with JayKostaand I have already reached out to a private instructor in my area (Queens, NYC). Plan to heed his advice and - probably - purchase the model that he recommends the most. But I'll definitely keep my ears (make that, eyes) open for whatever advice I can find here.

3) delano, YES, that's the one. Would you recommend buying it? I still plan to consult the instructor as I would also sign up for 5-10 intro. lessons.

I am hopeful that I'll be able to make reasonably quick progress as I am musically educated. I remember, many (really, MANY) years back how my bassoon teacher was floored after he heard me play F-major scale after only two lessons. Hope I can repeat that feat

What a great "lounge bunch" you guys are! Thank you again and happy holidays to all!
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Ars longa vita brevis

[JayKosta]

[nycbg]

I will remember your words, JayKosta. Too bad you're not closer by, although you're in the NY state.

Again, THANK YOU, good soul!

If you're celebrating Christmas today - All my heart goes t you and your family and friends.

My X-mas (not that it really matters) falls on January 7th. Don't ask me to explain. It's a long, very loooong, story!
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Ars longa vita brevis

[delano]

First, the 3137G-L is NOT an alto trumpet but a regular Bflat.
Second, for a grand's budget there are a lot of horns for sale
Third, the 3137G-L is a good beginners horn but not better than a Yamaha 6335 (very good horn BTW) and others, maybe Getzen 700S or so (NO Sp!!).
Fourth, if you only want to play for fun and you want in the end a flügelhorn why not buying a flügel now? You can have a new Austin Custom Brass doubler's flügel for around 700 dollars and you can learn the basics on it very well. It has the right specs and seems to be a good playing horn anyway and of good quality, I live in Holland so I have unfortunately no experience with it.
Learning to play on a flügel is no problem I think, I know a lot of (good) players who started on flügel.
Be prepared that the trumpet/cornet, flügelhorn belong to a very select group of extreme difficult to learn instruments.

[JayKosta]

[Brad361]

[JayKosta]

[Brad361]