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Originally Posted by uatrmpt Phil, Mike, Bud, Pat, etc., etc., etc. (just insert a pro that plays on Bach) all have the playing ability to overcome the limitations of any horns that come their way. They also all have within a short distance the resources to try a large amount of horns so that they might find one that fits them best. I'm curious, specifically to PH, how many horns you tried before you settled on your current Bb. I'm not specifically referring to quality of the horns you tried, but just how long it took you find one that's right for you.
Some of us, on the other hand, are limited to whatever the local guitar shop has on stock; or, in my case, whatever horn the local music shop brought out to my high school band room.
I was a college music major (music ed); and, for me, trumpet playing was a chore in college (a means to an end -- the degree) and is slowly becoming a hobby, now that the drudgery of hashing my way through etudes is over. I know that I'll never be a world class performer, or even a performance major; however, my playing is sophisticated enough to appreciate a high caliber instrument. I can immediately tell a difference between an Eclipse and my Bach, or a Lawler and my Bach, or even a better Bach and my Bach. My goal as an amateur player, who has a limited amount of time to spend on the horn, is to have an instrument which I will not have to fight against, an instrument that can insure all of the problems in my playing are me and not the horn. For me, Bach isn't that horn. I do believe in the that there is something special about a good Bach. A great Bach, in the hands of a great player, cannot be beaten; however, any Bach in the hands of a poor to average performer will expose your weaknesses and then slice you to the bone with them.
If you read my list of horns, you will note that I didn't include Bach on there. That is because I feel that for the majority of trumpet players -- those who will never go beyond high school or college band, or even those who will keep playing, but not be a music major, there are better values when you consider price vs. quality vs. sound/playability. In my part of the county, Strads are going for $1700-$2000+, especially if you finance. A Yamaha or Getzen can be had for much less and the quality will be spot on. Heck, Schilkes only go for around $1900. So, other than the sound, why Bach? |
well, im not sure where to start a reply to this, but i'll give a good whack at it. I will be the first person to agree that there are tons of trumpets, that can make your job easier as a trumpet player, but many of them don't have the same sound as a bach. I would hope most trumpet teachers agree, that you always can bring your playing back to working on your sound. Now a trumpet player entering the college atmosphere is going to be facing numerous tasks. Biggest is learning how to play in an ensemble and blend with other trumpet players. The most standard professional equipt out there is a Bach 37 and a Bach 229.
As far as price goes. Bach strads are selling on Ebay, TrumpetHerald, and Trumpet master from 750-1200 everyday. Their cheap, buying a brand new trumpet is like buying a brand new car. Why? Plus, If you have 5000 in your pocket, you have the liberty to buy a horn, you don't like it, sell it. Almost every High School band director in the country tells their kids to upgrade to a Bach 37, the thing will sell if you don't like it.
The Pros can play whatever they want. Nobody is going to tell Mike Sachs that he can't play a Getzen, he plays a Bach because he loves it, it sounds good. Just why Chris Martin plays a Yamaha Artist Series. You can't argue with that. These guys could play whatever they want, but they are above that level, they know what is importaint. Response, Intonation, and Feel are all aspects in their playing. But Sound always comes first.
In a masterclass i went to with Mr. Sachs he always stressed that you never give up your sound. You want to be a trumpet player, you go in the practice room and bang it out. You can Fix wrong notes and you can fix bad intonation. But equipment wise, go with the great sound.
I'm sick and tired of a microwave trumpet world. Buying a 5000 trumpet will not make you sound good on Mahler 7. I do understand trumpet playing is a hobby for some, but that doesn't mean find the quick route to things. There are no shortcuts for trumpet playing. Bang it out, work on playing efficently. I heard bob o'neal play a double A on a mouthpiece in a lesson once. You think it matters what horn he plays on? The point is, if you can't play it, you can't play it. The equipment can only change so much. Go with the standard, go with something that isn't going to break your wallet, and something your can depend on. Just by a bach, and go hit the practice room.