Evaluating a Trumpet, What's your process?

trumpetchuck12 · 12-29-2007, 12:44 PM

Tom,

I am curious to know what processes (steps) do you go through when evaluating a prospective trumpet you may buy.

Questions such as:
What type of things do you look for? What type of excerpts or routines you play to test to horn? Other equipment factors such as how you feel that day (is it the trumpet or is it me) or mpc used etc.,.? Do you do a different test on Bb as compared to C, Eb/D, or piccolo Bb/A trpts? How long should it take?

What makes one trumpet better than another? or is it just give and takes? New versus used etc.,.

I'm actually prospecting the market for a C and a D/Eb Trpt.

~Chuck

REUNITED · 12-31-2007, 08:48 AM

good question
i would like to know the
same thing

thomashooten · 01-02-2008, 11:12 PM

HI Chuck,

Great questions!

When I try out new horns, I try to keep it simple.

1) It's often helpful to go with someone that can give you some educated feedback.

2) I usually start with a simple scale or two to check for basic intonation and sound. (for C tpt) I make sure the top g isn't too sharp and the high C isn't too flat (for example)

3) Pick about 3 excerpts that require different qualities from the horn. (soft, technical, and loud)

4) I would make the excerpts short and try to take some breaks if you plan on trying a number of instruments.

As far as how I feel: at this point I feel like I play consistent enough to know if the horn will work or not or if it's my chops. However, I would still have to try the horn in the orchestra, to test for blend and projection.

Know your playing and use common sense. If you know you are going to be trying horns, don't take off 3 days before. Try to be in a groove if you can.

Good luck!

Tom

cbdmd · 01-11-2008, 05:53 PM

Hi,
I'm going to be in the Atlanta area next week and I've been trumpet shopping for the past two months, but haven't found the "one" i'm looking for yet. Can you recommend any shops in the Atlanta area, that would have a nice selection to chose from? Thanks for your time.
chad

tpetplyr · 01-11-2008, 11:24 PM

Carere Music (google it, it's a little north of the city) has a good selection and are great to work with. I bought my Artist C there and it was a great experience all around.

Stuart

cbdmd · 01-12-2008, 12:21 AM

Thanks Stuart! I'll be sure to check it out!

seansdadj · 01-18-2008, 07:29 PM

Sweet thanks!!

12-29-2007, 12:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
trumpetchuck12 New Friend Join Date: Mar 2007 Brand: B&S, Blackburn Posts: 7	Evaluating a Trumpet, What's your process? Tom, I am curious to know what processes (steps) do you go through when evaluating a prospective trumpet you may buy. Questions such as: What type of things do you look for? What type of excerpts or routines you play to test to horn? Other equipment factors such as how you feel that day (is it the trumpet or is it me) or mpc used etc.,.? Do you do a different test on Bb as compared to C, Eb/D, or piccolo Bb/A trpts? How long should it take? What makes one trumpet better than another? or is it just give and takes? New versus used etc.,. I'm actually prospecting the market for a C and a D/Eb Trpt. ~Chuck
	__________________ Trumpet Chuck (T.C.) B&S Challenger II 3125 Bb Trumpt B&S Challenger II 3136 C Trumpet Yamaha A/Bb Piccolo Trumpet Getzen 300 Series Eb/D Trumpet use Yamaha Custom 16C4-GP mpc on all Getzen Signature 2000 Bb Cornet use Sparks 2 mpc

12-31-2007, 08:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
REUNITED New Friend Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: nyc Posts: 3	Re: Evaluating a Trumpet, What's your process? good question i would like to know the same thing

01-02-2008, 11:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
thomashooten Pianissimo User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Atlanta Brand: Yamaha Posts: 91	Re: Evaluating a Trumpet, What's your process? HI Chuck, Great questions! When I try out new horns, I try to keep it simple. 1) It's often helpful to go with someone that can give you some educated feedback. 2) I usually start with a simple scale or two to check for basic intonation and sound. (for C tpt) I make sure the top g isn't too sharp and the high C isn't too flat (for example) 3) Pick about 3 excerpts that require different qualities from the horn. (soft, technical, and loud) 4) I would make the excerpts short and try to take some breaks if you plan on trying a number of instruments. As far as how I feel: at this point I feel like I play consistent enough to know if the horn will work or not or if it's my chops. However, I would still have to try the horn in the orchestra, to test for blend and projection. Know your playing and use common sense. If you know you are going to be trying horns, don't take off 3 days before. Try to be in a groove if you can. Good luck! Tom

01-11-2008, 05:53 PM	#4 (permalink)
cbdmd New Friend Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 12	Re: Evaluating a Trumpet, What's your process? Hi, I'm going to be in the Atlanta area next week and I've been trumpet shopping for the past two months, but haven't found the "one" i'm looking for yet. Can you recommend any shops in the Atlanta area, that would have a nice selection to chose from? Thanks for your time. chad

01-11-2008, 11:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
tpetplyr Pianissimo User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Georgia Tech Posts: 105	Re: Evaluating a Trumpet, What's your process? Carere Music (google it, it's a little north of the city) has a good selection and are great to work with. I bought my Artist C there and it was a great experience all around. Stuart

01-12-2008, 12:21 AM	#6 (permalink)
cbdmd New Friend Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 12	Re: Evaluating a Trumpet, What's your process? Thanks Stuart! I'll be sure to check it out!

01-18-2008, 07:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
seansdadj New Friend Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 8	Re: Evaluating a Trumpet, What's your process? Sweet thanks!!
seansdadj New Friend Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 8

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