Hi Dad,
My good wife and I have raised 3 kids and have 2 grandkids so I feel your pain.
The suggestions, so far are valid and I own an Olds Ambassador cornet and trumpet. Neither were as cheap to purchase as others have experienced. Getting one serviced for playing will set you back more than a a few bucks.
There are some wonderful new student model trumpets out there such as the Getzen 300, the Yamaha 2320 or Kanstul 700. forgive me if I have not listed all the possibilities. Any of these will see your son through to college. He will not be the odd man out with some old beater cornet that he will be embarrassed to pull out of its, hopefully not smelly, case. Children are sensitive to brand names whether we agree or not.
All the stated intentions are good. I humbly suggest supporting your local music retailer with a rent to own program and start your son out right out with a new student model trumpet. Warranty included.
How many adults out there are willing to buy a used 1958 Nash Rambler. They were "built like tanks" and are pretty cheap if you can find one.
Shiny, new, mmmmmmmmm! Think adults which way you would go.
Cheers,
Brian
