Getzen Capri question

Conn6B · Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2008 6:14 pm Post subject: Getzen Capri question

The only reviews I have read about Getzen Capri cornet stated that the owners love it.
But those reviews might have been written by High School students who had never played any other cornets.

Anyone want to offer additional opinions of them, either pro or con?
Is a Getzen 500 series Capri cornet really better quality and sound than a Getzen 300 series cornet?
(Ignoring the 1st slide trigger, which I have no use for anyway)

- Morris

"the world's best no-talent trumpet player"

Tony Scodwell · Heavyweight Member Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 1961

Early on with Getzen [early sixties] the Capri was virtually the same as the Eterna with different top and bottom valve caps and less hand lapping on the slides. The Capri cornet was a shepards crook design and patterned after the good British horns. Getzen had a huge market in England then as well as most other European countries. I would guess they still do. I still have a beautiful Capri cornet which gets played everyday in my practice routine. I don't follow the current Getzen line up of horns very closely but I do think those horns are still in the line-up. Some very fine orchestral players used the Capri C trumpet in their orchestras at that time as well. Good horns, and I sure think they should be considered. I cannot speak much of the 300 series as I haven't played on any of them.
Tony Scodwell
Scodwell USA Trumpets and Flugelhorns
"Live In The Studio" by the Tony Scodwell Big Band now at CD Baby
Coming from Hal Leonard, "Big Band Classics featuring Tony Scodwell"

kanemania · Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 10:30 am Post subject:

I'm not a high school student, and although my main horn is a trumpet (Schilke), I've played a bunch of different cornets over the years.

A couple of years ago, I went down to Dillon's specifically to find a cornet to play in a 20's-style jazz band that I'd joined. Money was no object (I'd been saving for a while), so I played every one they had, new and used. The winner, far and away, was a fairly recent Capri that they'd stripped down to raw brass. Flawless mechanicals. Wonderful sound. And just $300.

As always, you've got to make the call on a horn-by-horn basis. But this one is a jewel.

etc-etc · Heavyweight Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 6180

Another good cornet in the similar price range is Yamaha YCR-2330II.

Conn6B · Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 10:37 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the comments about the Getzen Capri cornet.
I am in contact with someone who is selling one I can afford
(miracles *do* happen) and I am seriously considering buying it.

It would become my only instrument,
acting as my cornet with a deep mouthpiece
and acting as my trumpet with a shallow mouthpiece.

- Morris

dwindham · Veteran Member Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Posts: 313 Location: TX

I've got a Getzen 590 Capri I picked up from a local Brook Mays when it closed. I picked up for just around $100.

It's what I've got my 9yr old starting on to learn playing. The cornet is easier for him to hold and it has the great getzen valves. He'll be using it till he gets a little bigger then I'll move him to a trumpet.

I wouldn't mind playing on it but for cornet gigs I use my 1960s Holton Revelation cornet that is not a fair comparison.

Still a great little horn for the right price.
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Conn6B · Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 8:30 pm Post subject:

etc-etc · Heavyweight Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 6180

Can you try it out before buying? This would give you at least some idea what it is.

dwindham · Veteran Member Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Posts: 313 Location: TX

Well not to confuse ya but in my experience with "intermediate" horns they are just more flash and might play a bit better than student level but are not pro horns.

I have both the 590 capri and my old Bach TR200 from my high school days.

Both play fine but I don't regularly use either of em.

I much prefer the Yamaha 6335 I have to it but have kept it around for sentimental reasons and for a marching horn for my son.

A good pro cornet shouldn't be a hard find as they tend to not be in demand or bring as high a price as their trumpet counterpart.

I got the capri for the great getzen valves and cause of the price. I also got to play it before we bought it.

I also had a Conn 6B at one point and sold it but will probably wish I had it back at some point but it was a pro horn all the way.

Check out your local craigslist site and see what you can find there.

I got my Yamaha 6335 from mine for only $150

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1985 Bach 37 Strad
1984 Yamaha 6335S

etc-etc · Heavyweight Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 6180

Conn6B · Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 10:43 pm Post subject:

razeontherock · Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 10:50 pm Post subject:

Man, STEAL on a Yammie 6335 for $150! I've got a Getzen 300 cornet that's a heckuva player.

dwindham · Veteran Member Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Posts: 313 Location: TX

Both of you are making comments about "intermediate" cornets in "general".
I was asking about the Getzen Capri specifically.
I keep getting contradictory info about them.
I can get it at a great price.
I can't try it out before buying it.
If I can't get a definitive answer about their quality, then I guess I should play it safe and not get it.

- Morris[/quote]

While mine were in general I have direct experience with both an intermediate cornet and an intermediate trumpet and I agree with general masses here that the intermediate horns are not worth paying any extra for.

If your getting it a good price then its not a bad horn but I wouldn't compare it to a pro level horn.
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1939 Holton Revelation Model 45
1985 Bach 37 Strad
1984 Yamaha 6335S

etc-etc · Heavyweight Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 6180

My suggestion is based on the experience of trying out several new intermediate cornets by well known manufacturers, including two 782S cornets by Getzen. I cannot say whether the 782S is above or below the Capri model, as I have not tried the Capri.

lmf · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 6:22 pm Post subject:

Why don't some professionals play on professional instruments?

Best wishes,

Lloyd

238 Mt. Vernon · New Member Joined: 15 Jul 2007 Posts: 9

Some pros could make a garden hose sound good!

etc-etc · Heavyweight Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 6180

kn7000 · Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 5:21 am Post subject: Re: Getzen Capri question

Comeback · Heavyweight Member Joined: 22 Jun 2011 Posts: 1143

Welcome to TH, kn7000! Good to know that you enjoy your Getzen Capri cornet. I will be interested in what you think about your 4-valve Eterna after you have time to acquaint yourself with it. One of my Bb trumpets is a 1972 Getzen Eterna Severinsen, which I enjoy very much.
Jim

Bucaneer61 · Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 10:19 am Post subject:

I have a Getzen Capri cornet made around 1972. I've played for over 60 years now, and have played any number of professional cornets. My Capri is the equal of any horn I've ever played. The valves are superb, intonation and response are excellent. Many of my fellow players think the Capri I own is the easiest playing cornet they've ever played. I( don't think you can go wrong.

My opinion, for what it's worth.

Michael
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Selmer Radial Bb ML - Jan., 1972
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Getzen 580S cornet - c. 1973
Blessing Artist Flugelhorn, rose brass bell
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