Differences between grades of instruments

[OldSchoolEuph]

@flugelgirl said in Differences between grades of instruments:

I really don’t think vintage horns had a higher quality level for intermediate vs. pro - some of those were still no more than fancier plating. A Martin Committee in perfect condition will not make you sound like one of the greats if you are a marginal player,

No horn will make you sound like one of the greats if you are not - but an Oswal or an Aere might make one of the greats sound like a beginner!

I can't accept the idea that there is no difference between a Yamaha 4335 or 5335 (both fine intermediate horns) and an 8335 - I've played them. There is a big difference.

The same follows for equating a 1961 Holton Galaxy to the same year's 51LB or Stratodyne. There is a huge difference in playing characteristics even though the Galaxy was an amazing horn for the price.

This gets even more pronounced if you compare a Schilke MII to a B or S series horn.

All of these intermediate examples are good horns in many respects, and a skilled player will sound great on them. But that skilled player can sound great on a pro horn with less effort.

And, all of these intermediate examples still also differentiate from student horns markedly.

[flugelgirl]

@oldschooleuph no one said there isn’t a difference between pro and intermediate. I merely stated that I don’t think there is a huge difference in intermediate horns of the past vs the present. Of course there are a few exceptions. Of the current intermediate models out there, my favorite is the Jupiter 1100 series - they are much closer in playability and build quality to the XO series than they are to the 600 student model.
I do, however, think there is a difference in quality of student horns from past to present, and unfortunately build quality is generally much worse to suit a lower price point. I like a vintage student model as a starter horn, but ONLY if it is in good condition. So many have become so worn and damaged after years of use and abuse that they are no longer an acceptable option. My first horn was a VERY used King Cleveland cornet - my mom paid way too much for it, and I still have no idea how I played it successfully for as long as I did! It plays so badly that I kept it to make sure no other kid ever got stuck with it. I’m pretty sure it was a terrible player even when new! It will become a lamp this summer.

[Dale Proctor]

@flugelgirl said in Differences between grades of instruments:
“...My first horn was a VERY used King Cleveland cornet - my mom paid way too much for it, and I still have no idea how I played it successfully for as long as I did! It plays so badly that I kept it to make sure no other kid ever got stuck with it. I’m pretty sure it was a terrible player even when new! It will become a lamp this summer.”

My first instrument was one of those, a brand new one around 1963. I didn’t know any better back then, but after playing it again a few years ago (my youngest brother now has it), I’m really surprised I stuck with playing cornet at all. That thing is terrible!...lol