gmcmurry

This will probably be the first "new" horn I will have purchased in 30 years. I play a vintage Olds Recording I have had since the 60s. Not thinking of replacing it at all. As far as I am concerned it is perfect.

I do a bit of arranging and have a terrible Selman C that I use to pound out a trumpet part now and then. Quite honestly, it is making me sick. Its time for me to get something that I can actually stand to play. Actually I would like to enjoy playing it.

I would be looking in a $1000 to $1500 price range I think. I also like larger bore if that is an option for C-key trumpets.

BTW - Do any of you play C-key trumpets all the time?

I would love any advice here.

Greg

__________________

bagmangood

The standard c-horn (for better or worse) is a bach strad c, and I think getting one used would be at around that price. Most c-trumpets are large bore (maybe someone could say why). Regardless, there are a lot of c-trumpets out there and more than a few are rather good.
and for your second question, I played my c-trumpet almost exclusively this year, only picking up the b-flat when I was playing chamber music

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

Solar Bell

Welcome to TM Greg!!

I like your website!

Enjoy your stay,


-cw-

__________________
Chuck Willard
The Willard of Oz

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

Vulgano Brother

Hi Greg--your sandbox is a really cool one!

My C is my default instrument--not all the time, but most. I tend to be a big fan of American and German instruments, but that is more prejudice than anything else. I'm guessing you want something that sounds like a C trumpet, responds well, plays in tune and has valves that don't go on strike. My inclination would be towards Getzen.

The fact I've been playing the same Getzen C for thirty years, may have something to do with my reccomendation; although the bell and braces and receiver have been changed, the valves still go up and down everytime, and I can get it to sound like just whatever I want. It is paid for too.

Have fun!

__________________
www.letsbuildhope.org

gmcmurry

Thanks everyone for getting back to me. I must admit that I have had a soft spot in my heart for Bach trumpets. After all I played a Bach MP on my Recording forever... No, really my best friend that I started playing trumpet with in elementary school played a Silver Bach when we played together in High School and I thought it was cool looking. I did think my multi-colored Recording was better looking.

There are several 239 C Bach trumpets on EBAY. Clearly I can probably find one that is in great condition and in my price range.

What's the deal with the models that come with a Bb slide? Is that something worth considering?

Thanks again..

Greg

__________________

Vulgano Brother

I'm sure there are other, better similes, but putting a Bb slide on a C trumpet is like putting training wheels on a bicycle.

It still works, after a fashion, but response, good looks (and above all, intonation [which bikes don't have!]) are all compromised.

Go for the 239, by all means, and enjoy!

__________________
www.letsbuildhope.org

shoehorn

I had no idea that some of you use the C trumpet as a main instrument. Surely it's not like, say for example, the difference between a saxophonist using the tenor over the alto? Would there be any issues with a beginner starting on the C trumpet as opposed to the Bb?

Vulgano Brother

One issue is playing with others. The C trumpet has pretty much the same "out-or-tune" notes as a Bb, but most sound a step higher. A beginner playing out of tune on a Bb and a beginner playing out of tune on a C at the same time would sound pretty horrible. Secondly, since almost all music is written for Bb trumpet, the beginner would have to have a whole different fingering chart.

In the German Lutheran Posaunenchor tradition all parts are in C (for reading from hymnals and to keep the trumpeters out of the beer-swilling town bands) and they learn fingerings accordingly. A low C, for example, is fingered 1-3. Those town band-trained trumpeters who join a Posaunenchor often buy a C trumpet, and good as they are, often struggle with intonation.

It is a Bb world out there.

__________________
www.letsbuildhope.org

gmcmurry

The only thing I have been using my C horn for is to work out a part when I am arranging. Since trumpet is my main instrument, when I work on my trumpet parts it is much easier to knock one out on the C-key while tinkering on a keyboard with my left hand.

My current C trumpet is one of those $200 Selman pieces of junk. I hate it so much. But, since I seem to be doing this more and more, I want to get a REAL instrument. One that feels good when I play it. (btw - Selman my valves stink)

Ultimately I still prefer to transpose and play with my Bb horn. After all, that is the standard for most jazz and popular playing.

I hope I will love my new C-Key trumpet but I don't really want to use it as my main instrument. I still think it better to keep thinking in Bb.

I just want a C trumpet that is good enough that it would play as well and that I can enjoy as much as my lead Bb horn.

After all, I don't play for a living, but I do live to play.

Greg

__________________

shoehorn

Thanks for that explanation, I didn't even think about the different fingering.