Tough Decision to make

administrator

I'm looking to get back into trumpet. I really want to do it, this time. It's been more than 7 years and I'm antsy to play again.

I am now doing much better, financially speaking, than I have in the past. I am very grateful to be where I am. I want to buy myself a nice horn. I'm torn between two.

I have been thinking of picking up a Blackburn or a Yamaha Chicago. Both are great and a used Blackburn is about the same price as a new Yamaha. The Blackburn is a "dream" horn I have always wanted since I was in high school. When I went to ITG conferences, Blackburn was there and I always liked their horns the best.

Now, however, Yamaha has been producing some crazy good horns. Last time I played one I was just stunned with how good it is. This is the new YTR-9335CHS I think is the model.

The other thing is, too, that when I was in college I was 100% classical. I wanted to be an orchestral guy. That didn't happen but I still love music and want to maybe branch out, be more versatile.

So now, I am torn. Do I go for a custom, boutique "dream" horn, or the solidly reliable Yamaha?

barliman2001

@administrator IMHO, you should go for something that will really represent you as a musical individual. I've got nothing against Yammies; but I am repulsed by their predictable, reliable sameness. Many people like that; but for me, it just means that you are predictable and not an individual. That is why I have given up on new horns altogether. There was a time when I had a full set of Stomvis (Bb, C, D/Eb, picc) and really liked them; but then, I happened upon a 1940s Buescher Aristocrat, with the result that I now play the Buescher, and an old Courtois for a D, and a 1970s Besson for an Eb, and the Stomvis had to go on. With these old horns, I always got the feeling that somehow I am continuing tradition, that somehow those guys who played these hooters before me are still alive in their horns...
As to getting yourself an instrument - you can't go wrong with, say, an Olds Recording or Studio (have both - can be used anywhere.) Or you can go for a 1980s Selmer or Courtois... the possibilities are endless. Get yourself a cheap solid horn first to get back into shape - Olds Ambassador, or a 4000 series Yammie, or a Stomvi Forte, or an intermediate Getzen - and then work up until you are back to being able to say which horn you now want and what is suitable for you. IME, as soon as you are ready for it, the right horn will find you. It's not the other way round.

GeorgeB

@administrator

I have some great horns in my collection. Each has its own characteristics that I love, but one stands out amongs them all, and that is the 1940 Olds Recording I added recently. Whatever kind of music, from classical to country, you want to play, the Olds just gets the job done. I know this sounds crazy, but it is as it plays itself and you are just along for the ride.
George

Kehaulani

A word about individualism. First a caveat. I have always been, at heart, an improvising jazz musician. And my related equipment has usually been compatible with that aesthetic.
But if I was playing a predominantly orchestral and small-group music with some detours playing "Pops" repertoire, my choice in an instrument would not be the same.

Today's classical music (American) has certain expectations in sound and equipment. Yamaha and Bach with some side excursions to Schilke et al.

If you are primarily looking to playing in large, classically oriented and related ensembles, one of your considerations is how you blend with the other players and there is an understanding of what that is.

I do not know Blackburns, but regarding that, or any other horn, I would consider your goals and expectations, as well as the expectations of your colleagues and musical directors in making your selection.

administrator

These are all great responses. I think I may take a trip to our friend Jamie's gallery, or perhaps Austin Custom Brass and find my "dream" horn there.

The point about Yamaha's being all the same is duly noted. However, part of the reason I like them so much is how easy they are to play. I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of "character" in my sound in order to make playing easier. I don't practice enough these days to muscle through all the quirks of a horn. Get my drift?

The other thing with a Yamaha is you can buy one, sight-unseen, used or new, off the Internet and worry about nothing. I don't feel this way about any other brand except for perhaps the boutique brands like Blackburn, Monette, etc.

administrator

@georgeb said in Tough Decision to make:

@administrator

I have some great horns in my collection. Each has its own characteristics that I love, but one stands out amongs them all, and that is the 1940 Olds Recording I added recently. Whatever kind of music, from classical to country, you want to play, the Olds just gets the job done. I know this sounds crazy, but it is as it plays itself and you are just along for the ride.
George

I don't think that's crazy at all. I have known several people who feel that way about them.