any ideas where to buy a good intermediate trumpet for a cheap
What makes can anyone recommend

Frumpybabes,

Would I be right in thinking that you're after suggestions for trumpets within a certain price range, irrespective of whether they are classified as 'intermediate' or not. If so, what is your budget, and would you consider second-hand?

Regards,

Mark.

Hi frumpybabes,

The Intermediate line of trumpets tends to be more of a marketing concept than a distinct difference in quality of trumpets. Sometimes a trumpet that has a price that you would consider roughly acceptable for an "Intermediate" trumpet is actually an entry level trumpet either made in a more expensive factory or being sold in a more expensive shop. I live in Hertfordshire and there is an Assisted purchase scheme which I used and found very helpful. With regards to what manufacturors, Stomvi, Yamaha, Getzen or Bach are names that I would recommend. But of course these manufacturors all produce student level trumpets as well as more expensive models. I know this is a bit vague but I don't really think that the "Intermediate" line of trumpets you seek necessarily exists.

I would be very interested to hear what instrument you eventually decide on. (I opted for a Bach Omega) and swear by it!

Stephen

it is for my son. He is gr 4/5 and at the moment the Amanti is no good in tone and he can't physically play in tune. Need something better. Like yamaha I have ebeen told but which model 1335 2335 4335 no more than £300 would prefer £200 would be using assited purchase again.

help please anyone

Would you consider second hand then? (NOT off Ebay though!!!!!) When you get around the idea that you're playing a trumpet that was someone else's (and it's always nice to have a new instrument) you can often get some very good playing trumpets at very reasonable prices. It might just be worth a look. Some pro models that just don't look very nice because the lacquer's come off or something can go quite cheap and still be well worth the money from a playing point of view.

I'm not at all familiar with the Yamaha range of trumpets (too many numbers for me! but generally speaking you get what you pay for with trumpets. Buy the best you can afford and it'll save you money ultimately. But I wouldn't go only on my advice, I'm only 16!!!!

I would be interested to know how things develop for you though.

Stephen

Frumpybabes,

I have bought three trumpets (a Callet Soloist from the U.S.A, a Bach Strad from Canada, and a B&H Sovereign from Devon) and one cornet (a Smith & Watkins) via eBay. I have also bought a Yamaha 6310Z through Loot.

I saw pictures and satisfied myself that the sellers were genuine and that the descriptions were adequate. I have been very happy with all of these purchases, so don't discount using these services if you're considering buying second hand (probably the only way you're going to get a half-decent instrument for the money you're talking about).

There are plently of reputable second-hand instrument dealers out there as well, but it would probably cost a bit more.

If you want, I could have a look on eBay and make some suggestions for you - let me know.

Regards,

Mark.

QUOTE (fuzzy-felt @ Jan 2 2005, 06:19 PM)

I have bought three trumpets (a Callet Soloist from the U.S.A, a Bach Strad from Canada, and a B&H Sovereign from Devon) and one cornet (a Smith & Watkins) via eBay.

A Callet Soloist and a Bach Strad are NOT intermediate trumpets!!!! how much did you pay for them?? presumably they are all Bbs???

Stephen

What would you class a Bach Strad as then?
I'm so clueless when it comes to models, my teacher advised me on my Strad.

Stephen,

You're right about the Callet Soloist and Bach Strad not being 'intermediate' trumpets. They would be classified as 'professional' models (as would be my B&H Sovereign and Yamaha trumpets and Smith-Watkins cornet).

The point I was making was more to do with being open to the likes of eBay as a source for finding a suitable instrument. My experiences with eBay have been very positive.

I paid the following for these second-hand trumpets (with hard case and mouthpiece - all bought within the last 18 months):

Callet Soloist £600 (eBay - pretty good price)
Bach Strad. £400 (ebay - extremely good price)
Yamaha 6310Z £400 (Loot - very good price)
B&H Sovereign £250 (eBay - not bad for the condition)

My son and I both play, and we both really like the Yamaha.

I bought the Bach for a friend, but I borrow it off him every now and again as it is a lovely instrument - perhaps the best of the lot in certain respects.

I wasn't too keen on the B&H at first, but I'm beginning to warm to it.

This post should answer your question too, Fliskirk.

If anyone has had a bad experience with second-hand instruments perhaps they could let us know about it.

Regards,

Mark.

QUOTE (fuzzy-felt @ Jan 4 2005, 12:12 PM)

The point I was making was more to do with being open to the likes of eBay as a source for finding a suitable instrument. My experiences with eBay have been very positive.

Understood, I agree with you there are indeed exceptional deals. I'm still a little unsure still about ebay though (I saw a very nice Getzen Signature with mutes, stand, case, mouthpiece AND gigbag for £200 (DEAL!! )) but there are also some REALLY rubbish instruments out there. Some company seems insistent on plating their instruments with nickel rather than lacquer or silver. Anyone any ideas on whether or not that's a bad move?

Stephen

yes I have been checking out ebay. I have bought 3 violins on ebay before and I have looked at trumpets but I waiting for a good bargain. That is why I need some names to look out for

keep the names rolling

QUOTE (frumpybabes @ Jan 5 2005, 06:54 PM)

keep the names rolling

Have a look at the poll I started for some manufacturors. Obviously these also make beginner trumpets, but they are generally reliable names.