Quote:
Originally Posted by Jude  Franc-ly (now we're even), I don't think I could have resisted brushed silver. With gold trim, you say? But first I want to ask rowuk how he teaches his beginning students to select a horn before jumping at the first pretty thing I see. Unless something really pretty that sounds really better than what I have shows up first, of course.
........ But now I have to get back to my scales. |
Jude,
many times I have nothing to say about the first instrument. If it is absolutely not suitable, our local wind band has instruments for rent. I do not believe in any old thing for beginners.
If the horn you have works, and it obviously works well enough or you would not have wanted to go back to your scales, you have time to save up. That time of anticipation, research, dreams will increase the actual EMOTIONAL value of the next horn manifold. My suggestion is to play EVERYTHING that you can get your hands on. Take notes, mental or written. Post your findings here in a positive, informative way! When the time is right, you will be ready. If you are not sure, just ask questions!
I played a Chinese horn last night. The brand was FASCH and it had a red brass bell and leadpipe (or they were laquered that color, I am not sure) and a cool hard shell gig bag. It was new and the valves were not oiled, but I was impressed. Well built, easy blow, in tune, reasonable projection. Everything I think a student horn should be. Under $400. The wind band is going to buy it to rent to "beginners". I try and play them all before we lay down any cash, and I check them when they come back from rental (I am not the only instructor). It is a good source of income for the band and the kids get quality instruments for the first couple of years until the parents decide to buy something.