Best C Trumpet under $1800

tknowlton · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 11:16 am Post subject: Best C Trumpet under $1800

Hi all. I am a trumpet teacher and I am in need of an affordable C trumpet recommendation for a student who doesn't have much money. I know that it used to be common to buy a Bach C trumpet and switch out the leadpipe. With the Bach strike and Bob Malone working for Yamaha, is that still a viable solution? If so who makes affordable quality custom leadpipes?

How good are the NON artist model Yamaha C trumpets? I play on the artist model Chicago C trumpet from Yamaha.

What other brands are good. The intonation has to be decent and with great tone quality.

Thanks.

batsomh · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 11:22 am Post subject:

I went through this entire thing recently myself. Initially, with both Bachs and Yammies at about $1800, I was thinking about picking from those. However, with the Bach strike, the Bachs are now about $2300 or so. I tried several Yamahas and they were good... but not superb. Too much resistance for my liking, though intonation was good. However, with the really good ones, Bach and Schilke, being more expensive, I decided to go a step up for the same price and went the route of Edwards; not an easy horn to get to by any means, but well worth it and for the same price as a Bach or Schilke. Anyway... that's what I've come to believe anyway.
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ADziuk · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 11:31 am Post subject:

I would check out the Sonare C trumpet. It is a B&S with a Blackburn leadpipe installed on it from the factory.

I don't know if they are available yet, but the price should be under 1700. I haven't played the c trumpet yet, just the 800 and 900 Bb models, but they are great. I have to say I would still prefer a Bach, but if I had student where $$ was an issue with the Bach strad, I would send them to the Sonare next no question.

Either that or you could try out a B&S straight up without the Blackburn pipe.
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Mikeytrpt · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 11:32 am Post subject:

If you can find a good used Bach C with a 229 bell, get some leadpipes from Cliff Blackburn. Cliff and Tina could offer suggesions on which of their pipes would be good. Problem is; even good used Bach C trumpets are going for a lot these days...

tpetplyr · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:03 pm Post subject:

WRT to the Yamahas, I prefer the 6000 series to the Xenos (8000) soundwise, and they're often also cheaper. Might be something to look into. I've also heard really good things about the newer Bachs, though I'm not sure if you'll be able to find them for less than $1800 or not, I don't really know the street price currently. Not following them since I got my Yam Chicago. Schilke makes great horns, but I don't find that they have the weight or breadth that I want in an orchestral setting.

Stuart
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Bandguy2134 · Veteran Member Joined: 10 Aug 2004 Posts: 177

ive been lookin at some bach C trumpets and how are the ones from the 70s-80s years?

Liberty Lips · Heavyweight Member Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 979

You may want to look at a Kanstul 1510A. It has a reversed leadpipe that's very similar what Malone was doing with his conversions, and it has a bell that's very similar to the Bach 229. I believe that it can be purchased new, in lacquer finish, for under $1800.

If you're interested in used trumpets, the Besson Classic C trumpet, also manufactured by Kanstul, is an excellent trumpet that came equipped with a Najoom leadpipe. These can be found on the used market (they are no longer being made) for less than $1000, sometimes for as low as $600.

brassartsunlimited · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:31 pm Post subject:

Trptguy · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:59 pm Post subject:

I am currently playing on the Sonare C trumpet. This horn is absolutely amazing!!! I had a Bach 229 25H that was also a very good horn, but just couldn't compare to the new Sonare. The trumpet is in tune throughout all registers and projects very well. I know the price will be lower or around $1800. Thus trumpet will certainly become a viable option for all trumpet players.
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sunburstbasser · Heavyweight Member Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 1194

Kanstul's C trumpets might be had in that price range, new, if your student doesn't go overboard on the options. Used they'll definitely be in that price.

What are those Zeus Cs going for nowadays?
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ltkije1966 · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 1:27 pm Post subject:

This is the summary I sent to my friend who is looking for a C trumpet:

USED TRUMPETS... from TH marketplace

$1000 - Yamaha C (older version) - This model is not made any longer, but at this price you can get modifications and still be in budget.

$1050 - Bach 239 w/ Charlie Melk Pipe The modifications made on this horn makes it a good value.

$1100 - SCHILKE C-2

$1200 - Yamaha Xeno - At this price you can get modifications and still be in budget.

$1275 - Bach 239 w/ Pilczuk Pipe - The modifications made on this horn makes it a good value.

NEW TRUMPETS...

$1100 closeout at wwbw.com & $1350 at tulsaband.com - Getzen 3070. When I called tulsaband.com one of their techs played it while I was on the phone. He said it was better than his C.

$1,750 - Yamaha Xeno at wwbw.com - probably want to change a leadpipe and/or tuning slide at about $150 each plus ±$85 labor for the leadpipe.

$1760 - Sonare - has blackburn pipe. Sounds promising. Osman sells them.

$2000 - Schilke (lead time may be an issue, they have some at Dillon)

NOTES:
A few things to look for:
• does it have a silver or lacquer finish? BTW- the finish does not make a big difference in sound. It may be important to the vanity of the student.
• does it include a mouthpiece, case or mutes? Especially if used.

Good Luck, let us know what you decide.
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KingSilverSonic · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 1:41 pm Post subject:

I found my MP+ Burbank Benge C trumpet on ebay for $850. It looks a little raggedy but is a very nice player. A bit bright so maybe not the best for orchestral work, but fine for solo, chamber, and church. I plan on having it refurbished after playing a wedding in October, which will probably include a Blackburn lead pipe.
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ertatta · Heavyweight Member Joined: 23 Jun 2004 Posts: 856

i agree with an earlier post and would highly recommend the Sonare C or any of the various B&S C trumpet offerings. as far as new horns go for under $2000, they are not gonna seem totally unfamiliar to a bach player and yet sound a hell of a lot better than a xeno in my opinion.
ofcourse if cost is no object, the yamaha artist models, laskey/pinc, & bach chicago C are the way to go IMHO.. but the B&S/Sonare horns are in no way shamed by these premium priced horns!!

James Becker · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 2:13 pm Post subject:

Regarding Sonare C trumpets, Yes there is a wait with delivery expected sometime this fall. Keep in mind that Germans take the better part of a month holiday in the summer. A total of 50 will be made with brass Blackburn mouthpipes and will be finished in silver plate only at this time.

There are a number of good reasons why only ten production models were made in the first batch. It was imparitive that the production models would measure up to the prototype and they did. Also, if any changes needed to be made this would be the time to address them. We have received terrific feed back at ITG and from artists that have tryed them. So far, so good. The first production models measured up and the next batch is in the works.

There will be no 900 sterling silver models made. In the developement stages there was great expectation that the sterling mouthpipe C trumpet would respond like the Sonare 900S Bb, but it did not. You can read Tina Erickson's post on the subject of mouthpipe materials here: sterlinhttp://www.trumpetherald.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=63176&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=20g

Since the Sonare C trumpet has turned out so well there will be no significant changes made. The only other options besides finish will be the availability to purchase a semi-rounded tuning slide and weighted caps.

I hope this is helpful.
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jpetrocelli · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 2:22 pm Post subject:

Shameless Plug -

I am selling a fantastic B&S C trumpet on eBay right now that has an Osmun alignment and Custom Osmun leadpipe on it. There was a Bach 25H on it that Dillon Music installed, but other than that Jim Becker is the only person to ever work on it. It's a great horn, and the reserve is well under $1000.

FYI, Jim Becker is a master. The creation and installation of the leadpipe was by far the most dramatically good thing I have ever experienced in equipment.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=001&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=110144997171&rd=1&rd=1
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Dan O'Donnell · Heavyweight Member Joined: 01 Jan 2005 Posts: 2287

Just a suggestion...Try a Kanstul 1510 C Trumpet before you buy!!!

It has a copper bell helping to make a BEAUTIFUL tone.

As for the intonation...by FAR the best of MANY horns I play tested (while comparing them against an electronic tuner) prior to buying a new silver plated Kanstul 1510.

You can get a new silver plated one for less than $1,800.

Just recently, a laquered one was on E-Bay for about $1,200.

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James Becker · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 3:13 pm Post subject:

MattyMcC · Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:23 am Post subject:

I would have to say, buy used. I'll go out on a limb and say that you're more likely to buy a used C in good condition, if for no other reason than it does not typically go through the same abuse a daily-driver-Bb does.

Another suggestion that I think I saw further up on the board, is to check out B-stock and demo models. I have a friend who got his C and fluegel this way (both Yamaha) and he got quite a deal on close-to-new horns.
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Robert Rowe · Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:40 am Post subject:

You guys are all "lost-in-space".

Seriously.

I have seven (7) C-Trumpets, including many of those mentioned here.

The best, and "pick-of-the-litter" is a vintage Cousenon Monopole "Conservatoire" C-Trumpet. Has looongish Eb/D-style bell, 1st trigger (becomes habit-forming to correct typical C intonation issues) and "underslung" 3rd slide throw-ring.

Some time ago, I brought this horn to Dillon Music in New Jersey, to "A/B" it against a Monette C-Trumpet I was considering.

Not only me, but other customers whom I asked to try it, all commented that the Couesnon horn was superior in every respect.

The Monette -- $4000
The Couesnon -- $400 (eBay)

The horn has an absolutely gorgeous tone, especially for the Baroque repertoire, and sounds "Heavenly" when played in a large church or cathedral.

"Runner-up" in my stash of C's, is a silver, N.O.S. Getzen Custom-Shop "Canadian Brass" C-Trumpet. It's a "semi-balanced" configuration (valve-block forward), with 5" bell. Nine-Hundred American dollars!

Yogi Robt
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Bourbon City · Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 5:08 am Post subject:

IMO, the best C trumpet under 1800 dollars will be a used one. I recommend an older Bach, mid 70's to early 80's.

Check out the HornTrader at www.HornTrader.com. I've bought from him before and have been very happy. I just checked his site and he has many C trumpets under your limit. He has a Mt. Vernon Bach C trumpet for 1900 dollars if you can stretch your budget just a hair.

Enjoy shopping.
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