comeback_honker

Hello. I'm yet another one of the 'comback players' and I don't pretend that my ability at this point is DESERVING of a new horn. But one of the few advantages of getting older is having more disposable income :)

Anyway I currently am using my Olds Ambassador from the 70's that I played as a kid, and it sounds great. However I'd like to own a few horns, and am thinking of buying a second horn.

From my initial research, I am intrested in finding either a used Conn Connstellation, or a Bach Strad, both in the $1000 range. Do the experts here have any recommendations? My goal is eventually to play modern jazz and Funk, I'm not much into classical music.

I assume that as with used luxury cars, buying new doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but am open to suggestions.

Flathead75

Man if you want to play jazz or funk I'd check out some of the newer custom horns. I saw a Lawler for $1075 and I'd think that would be a better horn than an older factory horn. The ones I have played were inspiring. I haven't been playing for a few years and after playing one 3 years ago, I can't get it off my mind. I just bought a used Model T, and I have a Lawler flugel that I picked up 4 years ago. It is the best I have played. I should also note, I have been bitten again and am back playing and excited about it.
Not trying to down any other customs out there, just noting what I have seen in that price range. Taylors, Harrelsons, Inderbinen's would all be great, but not for close to $1000! I always felt like the better the instrument the more you will be inspired to play, so get the best you can and practice!

RGood

Not sure where you're located - but if you're anywhere close to Northern New Jersey - worth a trip to Dillon's - they have a whole wall of used horns you can try - not to mention a huge stash of new usually on-hand.

You can check out their new and used horn inventory on-line too:
Home

Place always makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop when I get to go there!

Good luck.

__________________
It's a new year - let's have at it!!!

Kanstul 1525 Flugel
Yamaha Bobby Shew 6310Z Flugel
1967 Getzen Eterna (my 2nd - still going strong after all these years)
1961 Olds Special (my 1st...battered, bruised, & passed around but back home)

comeback_honker

I live in the Northern California Area, but work has been known to take me out to NYC/NJ. I'll try to hit the place next time I'm out there. Never heard of that custom horn Lawler, but that's why I'm posting here ... I've been out of the loop for quite awhile! Thanks.

nieuwguyski

More locally, you could try Hornucopia in San Carlos -- about 20 miles south of San Francisco. Sandy maintains a fairly impressive inventory of vintage to older trumpets. If you show up on a slower day you can take horn after horn into the lesson studios in the back and try them out. Even if you don't end up buying anything, you can do a lot of playing research and find out if a Connstellation, vintage Bach, Committee, or something unexpected really floats your boat.

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John N. Nieuwguyski

Claude Gnocchi

I agree w/all the previous posters...some really good advice. I'll add the Jaeger trumpet to their advice. I bought one a few months back & love it! (more than any other "pro" horn, including about 35 other horns I own!)

rolling360

A good old Getzen Eterna 900 or old Severinsen model never could hurt. Great horns at great prices. I will also agree with a used Lalwer if you could find one within your budget.

bagmangood

A&G music in the east bay (oakland) has a good selection
Bronstein music in the South San Francisco has wall to wall horns
Also look around on this site and trumpetherald in the classified section and you may be able to find what you're looking for :)

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Bb: Courtois 305 "Elite"
C: Bach C180-239 (Akwright conversion),
Cornet: Conn Wonder (1900)
Picc: Selmer Paris, ~1971

walldaja

There's something to be said for spending some time going through pawn shops. With the current economic crisis there's a good chance you'd find something nice there. There are deals out there to be found and looking is almost more fun than having--love the chase.