TrumpetGirl7

Hi,
I'm planning on upgrading to a professional trumpet and have been told to look at Bach Stradivarius model 37's and Yamaha Xenos. I tried one of each while I was at music camp this past week and am not sure which I like better. I would like to try the trumpet out before buying one but if this is not possible, I would like to see if anyone has any information to share about either or both of these brands of trumpets. I have been told that Bach has a slightly better tone than Yamaha, but that the Xenos are much more consistent than the Strads, so if I were to get one online I would be better off getting a Xeno.
So, I just wanted to see what everyone on Trumpet Master had to comment about these brands.
Thanks!

trumpetnick

Getting a pro horn online is not very wise. As you said, Bach are inconsistent, but do not limit yourself just to the 37s. Xeno are more consistent, but tend to have lighter sound. But these are not the only acceptable brands. You can look at Schilke, Selmer Paris, B&S, Weril, Stomvi just to start. If you can afford a more expensive horn you can look into custom builders like Eclipse, Spada, NYTC, Possegger, Monette, Taylor, Schagerl, Thein, Kuhn just to name few. But even in this case testing before buying is recommended.

__________________
Spada Bach B flat 72, leadpipe 2L/DWMM1.5C
Spada Bach C 256, leadpipe 2LQ/DWMM1.5C
1956 Olds Ambassador Cornet
Spada Custom Piccolo

If you don't know where you are going, you 'll end up someplace else

cornetguy

Play before you buy what works for me might not work for you. I have tried the Xeno and didn't care for it, (thought it was a step backwards from the Mark II) But other people really like them. Try a bunch of horns out. Check through the archives there several threads with suggestions for buying a horn.

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Per aspera ad astra

Dale Proctor

If you have to buy online, buy from a store that has a good return policy. You'll have to pay the shipping both ways if you return it, but that way, if you don't like the horn you buy, at least you won't be stuck with it. I hear the new Bachs are much more consistent than in the past, although I've never played a "bad" one.

__________________
"Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away." - Sir Thomas Beecham

Olde Towne Brass
www.otbrass.com

Brass Band of Huntsville
www.brassbandofhuntsville.org

rowuk

If you play before you pay, consistency is of no issue! Only YOURS has to be good!

As far as comparing the tone, comments about the quality get me riled up. The only comment that is acceptable when comparing pro horns is "I like xxxxx better". Both models have a large following in various types of playing venues and only PREJUDICE leads to ruling one out over the other.

Limiting your options to those two companies may be doing yourself a great disservice. There are other accepted brands with "standard" sound:

Kanstul, Getzen, NYTC (our own Felix here at TM), B&S Challenger2, Schilke all are at a similar price and offer at least equal value. Take your time, try everything out. It is YOUR money and YOU should do enough playing to be sure that you made the BEST possible decision!

In any case, let us know what you did and why!

Good Luck,

Robin

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

richtom

I could not agree more with the above post from Robin.
Living in the Chicagoland area, I know many top players who play the many various manufacturer's instruments and the variations within the line.
I can report that some of those instruments - in my opinion - were not all that "good", but in their very capable hands sounded great and made life easier for them in all playing situations.
If you like it and the horn allows you to blend, improve, and most importantly makes playing fun, it doesn't matter what anyone else's opinion of that horn is.
In an old Olds ad, the great Rafael Mendez said, "I play the horn that suits ME best". That is something more players should remember.
Good luck in your search.
Rich Tomasek

Ed Kennedy

Add Kanstul and especially Sonare to the list of horns to try.

stchasking

Since you talk about band camp I assume you are a high school student.
I will suggest you stay with Bach strad. They are made in the USA.

Getzen's Eterna which is made in the USA.

Schilke is made in the USA.

Yamaha is back in Japan.

When you get out of college you can look at all the off brands.

__________________
"I was performing professionally at age 17 and have never had a real job." Allen Vizzutti

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Dale Proctor

Whether you intended it or not, that struck me as pretty funny...

__________________
"Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away." - Sir Thomas Beecham

Olde Towne Brass
www.otbrass.com

Brass Band of Huntsville
www.brassbandofhuntsville.org

Trumpet guy

I thought all Conn-Selmer companies had their instruments made in America. NYTC is also in America.

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Daniel Lan
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Bach Strad Bb 37
Bach TR300 (marching)
Berkeley Cornet
Berkeley Picc
Jupiter JST314 Soprano Trombone
Olds Ambassador Fullerton Trombone