Any reviews of Phaeton Pocket Trumpet PHTP-3000?

kallen

I'm thinking about trying out the Phaeton PHTP-3000 (or PHTP-3030 in silver) pocket trumpet, via online order, since that seems to be the only option these days. Anyone have any reviews or recommendations on this horn? Alternatives?

Also, if you have one, what are the dimensions of the hard case?

Thank you for any info you can provide.
_________________
Yamaha 8335G
Yamaha 8310Z
Yamaha 6330S-II Cornet
Yamaha 631FH Fluegelhorn
Warburton 5M/6*, 5FL

Shawnino · Veteran Member Joined: 27 Jun 2020 Posts: 255

Sorry I have not played the horn.

Phaeton are made by Hoxon Gakki in Taiwan, and I am a fanboy of theirs, esp. of their pocket trumpet. Their house line is Carol Brass and they make a second line for ACB in the US and Neil Fulton in the UK to customer specs called Manchester Brass. They make/have made valve blocks and more for boutique builders.

Whilst I would go-with-what-I-know (mostly Carol), I don't think Hoxon Gakki would risk their second business' reputation as a white label builder/oartner by creating poor-quality horns. If you think you're going to get good customer service on the Phaeton and the price is competitive, why not?

kallen · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2022 5:24 pm Post subject:

Thanks, this is useful info. It helps to know how all these brands are related. I will probably check out Carol Brass as well.

Stradbrother · Veteran Member Joined: 13 Apr 2015 Posts: 160

Phaetons are great.

It’s CarolBrass quality (which is very good), mixed with some intense cosmetics, and assembled in the Chicago area.

I can’t speak on their pocket trumpets, but their style of horn is very much on the “jazz combo” side. Excellent tone and smooth slotting. It won’t snap into partials like a machine, it’s sorta smooth and loose in a good way if that makes sense.

I know Phaetons don’t get a ton of attention out there compared to the Jupiters and Eastmans out there, but they’re a small boutique brand that focuses more on building a solid horn than pumping out advertisements.

I know they look kinda wild, and for many folks, that can be a red flag, you might think they’re compensating for something, but they really are nice gigging horns.