Hunting for a Horn

[Kevin Wang]

I've been on the hunt for a good quality professional Bb trumpet for a long time. My parents want me to earn the money myself and I can understand that, but I'm not too sure which brand to get.

The only high quality brand that I'm aware of in Beijing is a dealer that offers Schilke trumpets. Seeing they will be the only horns that I'll be able to test, I think I'll be buying one of them (either an S32, B5, or B1 depending on which one I like the best if I try them), though it will definitely be used (or else it would be too expensive!

I was a little interested in the Courtois Evolution IV but since I have no chance to test them I can't have any opinion of the horn. All I know is that it's slightly heavier then most horns and that it has a "rich, dark sound." The thing that intrigues me about the horn is really its looks, its reputation, and especially the gap regulator (thanks to Austin Horns who gave me the tips).

Ray Vega (great guy that he is) told me that the Stomvi USA was a great horn and seeing the price, it really is! A pity I can't actually test the horn. Btw, Ray I was Original_Username from TM.

I thought about a Stage 1 Vintage at some point, but the price kinda scared me. I'm planning on testing one of my school's music teacher's horn which is a vintage Bach Stradivarius to see whether Bach is an option.

I'm a tad bit wary of buying vintage trumpets despite the fact that they could be equal or even better then a modern horn. I'm worried that since I can't really test them and that they could be really weird when I have to play them. At one point I thought about a Selmer K-modified or Radial or an Olds Mendez. Recently though I saw two vintage horns which really caught my eye.

http://www.newyorktrumpetcompany.com/used.htm <--I saw a rare Scherzer Piston Trumpet on NYTC when I was browsing. I know that Scherzer is owned by JA Musik so the parts were probably made similarily to B&S trumpets, but I really don't have any idea what they play like. Anyone have any ideas?

http://www.doctorvalve.com/4saleCourtois397.html <-- Dr. Valve also has a 1920 Courtois trumpet in absolutely stunning condition. Again, I have no idea how it plays and could use some advice.

So essentially, I'm having trouble deciding on which horn I should get. I'll happen to post a lot more information once I test a few Schilkes and my school's music teacher's Bach Strad. Any and all advice is welcome!

[Brad Wilcox]

It seems like you are exploring some very good brands, therefore you are on the right track. As you will see if you go to my Trumpet City page, I am an NYTC guy and certainly am extremely fond of the Stage 1 line (and Felix!!)....but might also encourage you to "at least" explore BSC trumpets. Mr Kato has a page on TC (bsc trumpets). Fine instruments. The point is to explore all that's out there (though it can be mind boggling these days). You have to know what kind of sound you are after..and what genre's you seek to play mostly. Find a horn that matches.."you". Sure, all the factors (feel, resistance +/-, ease of play, tuning, feedback/projection) are important...but it's how these factors match how "you" play and what you need. Do you know the old Charlie Parker adage, "Learn Cherokee in all twelve keys...now forget all that and just PLAY".?? I suppose choosing a horn is similar...learn what you can about models and what you are after...then forget all that (brands) and choose what works for YOU.

Best of luck to you. You sound very excited....hope you are having fun.

[Richard Oliver]

It's all guesswork until you blow them. That said, it is fun to speculate and bat ideas, facts, and tall tales back and forth.

I peeked at Ebay today. Saw Bach 37's from $800 on up. And the $800 is a buy it now price. I'm not the seller, and don't know him. Just mentioned because it provides a price point. A low one at that. Toss in a valve alignment and sprucing up, and we're staring at $1,000 give or take a bit.

Don't forget "Marketplaces" at TM and TH. Who knows but you might find a seller who'll give you some room if you want to return it. And, you may have the advantage of knowing the seller perhaps.

Do know that if you keep at trumpet, you may wind up buying and selling a few over the years.

I bought a '58 K Modified when I came back to the horn after decades. Still have it. Great horn. Like so many horns are great horns. Got compliments from section mates when I played it. Cost $680 two years ago. Was a buy it now price. Maybe a high price if lowest price possible be the standard. But she had been well loved and cared for.

Have fun trying the Schilkes! Have you scoured Jim Donaldson's "Schilke Loyalist" site? He's got some advice as to which way to head from Schilke A to Schilke B when it comes to wanting more/less resistance etc.

[Kevin Wang]

You bet that I read the Schilke Loyalist site. Really good info on all the horns.

I'm following Jim's instructions and starting off with the B5.

[Greg Zent]

Kevin,

Assuming there are no Jupiter or Yamaha dealers near your home then your best bet is to try all the Schilkes you can and buy the one that plays best for you.

Greg

[Dale Schmidt]

I reccomend you try the Jupiter XO Series of trumpets. I own and play a XO 1602 and simply love it. It is low cost but very well made. The pistons and slides are flawless. It has a very open very easy high register. And, it looks good also. Looks like a Back Strad.

Happy Hunting.

[BrassUniverse]

Kevin,

I did not understand quite what would you play on that pro horn? Do you look for all around horn, or some kind of specialty - commercial, lead, orchestra, solo or something else? This is important to know when you go for a Model X of Brand X. There is so many brands and models out there, so everyone of us may recommend horn X, but more important is what exactly you need.