Month: December 2010
Recommended Student Trumpets
So, you’ve perhaps rented a trumpet for awhile and now are ready to buy a new horn for your child. Great!
If your child is just starting out, then I recommend a student level trumpet. In my view will serve its purpose very well, in addition to costing far less than a professional level model.
For new student trumpets, I can recommend that you consider these models:
– Getzen 390 Series Bb Trumpet
These trumpets are all tried and true, from highly respected brands. You can expect these trumpets to last many years with proper care.
As a rule, I cannot in good conscience highly recommend any of the trumpets that sell for significantly less than the horns mentioned above. If however your budget does not allow for one of the top recommended trumpets, there is one lower priced horn that I would categorize as “worth a try if the top models are too expensive”:
– LJ HUTCHEN Bb Trumpet – This is a relatively recent entry that has received surprisingly positive reviews from a number of sources. I have very limited experience with it and so cannot personally speak about it with confidence, but it seems to be a cut above the other trumpets in this price range. If you decide on this horn, please be aware that trumpets this inexpensive are likely made of somewhat lesser materials than the top recommended horns. So, it becomes even more important to take meticulous care of them as they will likely not tolerate a lack of maintenance well.
Also remember that there are many quality USED trumpets available!
In case you’re concerned that a student model will hamper your child’s ability to advance, fear not. I personally feel most of us, given a blindfold test, would have a difficult time distinguishing between the levels. The important thing is, as always, to take whatever you’ve got and PRACTICE it. As the saying goes, an advanced player on a student trumpet will still sound like an advanced player, and a beginning player on a professional trumpet will still sound like a beginning player.
Oh, and silver vs. lacquer finish? Doesn’t really matter. The main difference is silver costs a bit more, and, in my opinion, looks cooler. So, I say whichever you think your child is more likely to practice with!