John Bailey

I'm beginning to search for a new trumpet. I'm not in a hurry and would like to audition as many of the Bach Stradivarius and Getzen Custom and Artist models as possible. I often travel from Northern Michigan to Chicago. It would be easy for me to stop in Elkhart, Indiana at the Bach factory and make the short drive to Elkhorn, Wisconsin to the Getzen factory. Do the factories have showrooms where a person can try out the different models? I'm presently playing a Getzen Super Deluxe trumpet. I would like something a little less bright (in tone) and new.

Thanks, John

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John Bailey
Getzen Super Deluxe Tone Balanced
York Cornet

rowuk

You will probably find that a well sorted music store would give you more opportunities to compare trumpets. You could then compare the Bach and Getzen.
Buying from the store also gets you after sales service that the factory cannot provide (very desirable). If you can check out New York, Felix Vayser and his NYTC are one of the best places in the world to get advice and a deal!

Google is also your friend (just a quick search on Music Store and Chicago):
Music Stores - Chicago, Illinois

Other TMers will have specific people in your area to talk to.

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

Al Innella

Check out the Woodwind & Brasswind Music Center in South Bend Indiana ,they carry the brands your looking for plus many more.

michaelm2

I've been to the Bach factory several times. It will require an appointment through a regular dealer and they request an idea what you are looking for. They will have a room ready for you with several examples of what they have in stock that matches your request. If you choose one it is then billed to your dealer and you can take it with you. They are reasonably accommodating but the selection is probably smaller than you would expect.

Happy hunting,
Mike - Cleveland

bagmangood

If you're driving through,
check out Edwards Instruments - Getzen's custom shop
Edwards Instrument Co.

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Bach 180S-37
Bach C180-239 w/ Akwright tuning bell conversion
Monette B2S3&C2S3, Bach 7DW

John Bailey

I know the advantage of buying from a store. Living in Northern Michigan prevents me from trying out many instruments locally where I could get the best service. The music stores don't carry many of the models I would choose to audition. I was hoping to try different instruments out at the factory and then order from my local store. It doesn't sound as though that's the way it's done.

Thanks anyway, John

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John Bailey
Getzen Super Deluxe Tone Balanced
York Cornet

Jimi Michiel

John,

I think many others will agree with me--when picking out a Bach, you need to choose a specific horn, not just a model. You can play a hundred different Bach 37 trumpets and they will all play differently. It defeats the purpose of going to the factory and trying out a bunch of horns if you're just going to go home and give your local dealer a model number. I've found Getzen horns to be much more consistent, but even so, just ordering a specific model is a real crapshoot.

-Jimi

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Jimi Michiel

And PS--This is just my opinion, but I'd take a Getzen over a Bach any day.

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RGood

John -

If you are in Chicago - you might check out Chicago Brass Works -

Chicago Brass Works - About Us

Haven't tried their horns - but they sure look awesome.

As to the Bach Strads and top line Getzens - both great horns - but I just love those Getzen valves - the Getzen Custom line are really nice horns. And if you can afford the Edwards line - they are great too.

Good luck on your search.

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

John Bailey

Thanks guys, you've given me plenty to think about. I've got a lot to learn about this, so I'll keep your suggestion in mind while I search.

Thanks again, John

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John Bailey
Getzen Super Deluxe Tone Balanced
York Cornet