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Originally Posted by blu_knote  I need HELP!! I thought I was fairly knowledgeable about trumpets until I starting seriously surfing the web in search of "The Perfect Horn". I like playing jazz and blues but would like a versatile horn for all playing arenas. Sound and Function are my primary concerns but Harrelson and Monette have caught my eyes. I also like the Zeus line. Anyone have suggestions on what to get. Help me shop!! (Monette is out of the question-- too much $$$. But I am willing to spend up to $2500 because this is a long time investment and will get MUCH use. Plus thats all my wife will let me spend.)
Thanks in advance for your help! |
My first advice is to purge the idea from your head that a specific instrument is better suited for this or that genre. This is just plain BS!
The second advice is to get out of your head that HARDWARE solves any problem.
The third thing is to consider what actually makes that sound that you percieve to be Monette or Harrelson. If it isn't a live UNAMPLIFIED concert, you hear more sound engineer sound than player. This applies especially to CDs!
So what to do? Define a period of time, like a YEAR, where you will play EVERYTHING that you get your hands on - EVEN a MONETTE if possible. You owe it to yourself to try EVERYTHING, even if it is out of your price range. Try and play all of those horns in larger spaces like a hall or church. Almost every trumpet plays stuffier in small rooms. Try and play for at least one other pair of ears that you trust. Take notes on your and their opinions. NO MOUTHPIECE CHANGES DURING THIS TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2.5 grand is a lot of money and it never ceases to amaze me how quickly people are willing to lay it out on the counter after only TRYING a couple of horns.
$1000 is enough to get a decent instrument. Any more than that you should know why - there are valid reasons, but they are different for everyone. I presently have 12 trumpets that all get used depending what I am playing. There are situations where each one is NOT optimal - including the Monette.
It is yur money and the decision should be based on your experience! You will get a ton of recommendations here from people who do not know you or how or what you play. We do not know how much or seriously you practice. I think it would be easier to recommend a wife than a trumpet..................
Play before you pay!