screamingmorris

For a couple of months I have been observing trumpets for sale on eBay and in Craigslist then doing Internet searches for info about those trumpets.
Which used trumpets under $500 are considered "too die for" that I should try if I ever get the chance to try one?
For example, I have read about people who regretted selling their Olds Ambassadors and their Holton Galaxies and their Silver Flairs.

Keep in mind that I am a 51-year-old tone-deaf amateur who returned to trumpet playing 4 years ago after a 30-year hiatus, and the only playing I do is in my kitchen where I have great acoustics but no audience other than complaining next-door neighbors. :^)
Nevertheless, I have enough of an ear that I can feel and hear the difference when I try a Getzen 300 and a Holton 602 and a Yamaha 2320 and a Bach 300.

Please specify brand and model, why you like its sound and feel, and how much such probably sells for used.
If I ever see and get the opportunity to try the type of trumpet you recommend, I might just buy it if I have the money at the time (miracles do happen).

- morris

Richard Oliver

Hi Morris, nice to see you here.

For under $500, my guess is the 22B crowd will weigh in.

My own vintage brand, the Selmers, cost a bit more. Mine ran $720 with shipping. If you can find a K-Modified or a Radial for around $500, it would be tough to not bid.

A Radial you well might snag for that price or less. I've read here that some have bought Radials for under $500 and are very happy!

My opinion of the student horns is that they are just that. I base it on my experience of playing them when they were new getting close to 30 years ago while working in a music store.

Good Luck,

Richard

Solar Bell

You occasionally find a vintage King Flair for $500.

That would be a nice horn for you.

It MUST be a model 1055 NOT a 2055.

A 1960s or early 1970s trumpet.

One way to tell is there is only one brace on the tuning slide.

That is a pro horn and would serve you very well.

Also, occasionally you can find a Getzen Eterna-Severinsen Model for that price.

Again, a 60s or 70s model

-cw-

__________________
Chuck Willard
The Willard of Oz

"Don't be afraid to see what you see."
Ronald Reagan

Dale Proctor

For under $500, I would look at the vintage Conn pro models, like the 22B suggested earlier, or a 6B, 8B, 10B, etc. Check out this link - it's very educational as far as older Conn trumpets and cornets are concerned. The Conn Loyalist

If you want to spend a little more, a Connstellation is nice, and I like the Olds recording trumpets also - they're beautiful horns. I bought a like-new 1960 Conn 6B Victor on eBay last year for a BIN price of $300, and it's a fantastic trumpet. Good luck!

__________________
"Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away." - Sir Thomas Beecham

Olde Towne Brass
www.otbrass.com

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www.brassbandofhuntsville.org

michaelm2

I've got a 1927 Conn 22b that I picked up for $75. It had a crack in the lead pipe. The horn plays so well I went with a patch rather than replacing the pipe and not knowing what I'd end up with. Also picked up an Olds Special (Los Angeles) like new for $350 that I'd put up against many horns today. I also have one from Fullerton that's nice, but not nearly as good.

bilboinsa

Another nod for the older 22B. If you save enough on the front side, consider a pro polish and refurb.

__________________
Doug Walsdorf

Schilke B2
Kanstul 1525
1927 Conn 22B New York Symphony

"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort."

VetPsychWars

You can get the vintage Bueschers for less than $300 on ebay. Look for a serial number less than about 360,000.

I had a pro play my Buescher 400 from 1949 and he was quite impressed.

Tom

meauxhorn

Spend a little more and invest in a Burbank or Los Angeles benge. They have great response and are a joy to play. meauxhorn

Eclipsehornplayer

A nod for the "Vintage" Silver Flairs! I love mine serial number puts it around 1964 or so! Great horn I bought for around 550.00 if memory serves me right!

__________________
Eclipse MHY Bb Trumpet with interchangable leadpipes
Bach 229 25A C Trumpet
Getzen Capri Bb Cornet
GR & Monette mouthpieces

Gary Schutza

My particular fave to look for would be a Holton RB 57. Fairly small bore, great valves, a large (5 inch?) red brass (almost copper) bell with a very late flair; made in the late 50's. I had one that was a very sweet playing horn. Was a joy to play, sort of the reason we play Bb's. Everything clicked. I don't know what they are going for these days, but it can't be much.

chip schutza