Originally Posted by Adam Smith

Hi,
I have been looking for horns for quite a while and am so frustrated I just want to stop. I am a college player and need a horn to play in jazz (big band and combo) and also symphonic stuff. All-around horns seem to be what people are looking for. I got a demo of a harelson muse and it was fantastic but I didnt buy it because I didnt get to play it in any of my playing situations and the bell was bent so I probly didnt get a correct representation. Also I dont want a really heavy horn right now. I really wanted a more "custom" horn but have kind of goten over that now. Many people have been pushing yamaha and I was thinking about getting the bobby shew or a xeno. I am sure they are good trumpets and will last but I dont know if I want one. Does anyone know how well the Stage 1 trumpets and selmer concept tt or chorus 80j will work for "all-around" stuff? If anyone has any suggestions of a good horn, that would be great. I just need a horn that is of good quality, will last, and can be played in multiple situations. Also, I dont get a chance to play many horns, especially more "custom" horns. This has been a large factor in the delay of the purchase of a new trumpet.