| Tom,
I really don't think there's such a thing as a "starter" Monette. For one thing, they're just so dang expensive that you should really go into it saying "I'm about to spend a lot of money on an instrument that will be the last one I ever buy" (or last C trumpet I ever buy, in my case).
My recommendation is to call up Monette and ask to speak to Tom Rainey. I had several conversations with Tom over the course of a few years before I got my horn and it really helped me feel like I was making a well informed discussion. Tom is a great guy, and he won't try to pressure you (their waitlist is always astronomically long, so why would he need to?).
You could also go the used route. You could probably find one on thompsonmusic.com that would be a little cheaper than a new instrument and retain its resale value better so that when you can get your money back when you finally decide to get one from the shop.
Hope this helps,
Jimi
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