whstrpt

Hello everyone,

I'm new to these forums and I joined because it seems that many people have quite a bit of experience with the trumpet. I was looking into getting a new trumpet and I would like some feedback. I currently play lead trumpet in my high school's advanced wind ensemble, as well as marching and jazz band. I've been playing trumpet for about 6-7 years now and have been using the same crummy student trumpet that I got when I started. So far I've been looking into three trumpets:

King 2055 Silver Flair
Getzen 590S Capri
Jupiter Tribune 1010S

I dont know much about the last two, but I hear the Silver Flair has a good reputation. As for the Getzen and the Jupiter, I was attracted by the price, as well as the two bell options for the Jupiter.

Obviously as a student, I am looking for not necessarily the very best sounding instrument, but a decent sounding one at a reasonable price. I'm looking to stay under $1000 and would prefer not to have a used instrument. If anyone else has anything to say about these trumpets or would like to make any other recommendations, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

jazzinbb

I've never played the current version of the Silverflair, but have read many posts from people indicating it's not a good choice - Now a vintage (60's) Silverflair, I have played. Bright and very good projection.

Getzen Capri - I played an early 80's model. It has the awesome Getzen valves, and has what I consider the "classic" getzen sound - Not as bright as the older Severinsens', but a good brilliant sound. The intonation on the Capri was a little wierd and the sound above the staff tended to be thin.

Never played a Jupiter, but I think you can do much better.

If I may recommend the Kanstul Custom class. You can buy a 700 series for about $1k (Call PickMusic). If they still have it, ask about their Pick610. It is a Kanstul 610 that they finished in shotblast silver - I think they were asking about $800 for it. The Kanstul 610 was marketed as an "entry level" horn - It is sooo much better than any intermediate horn I ever played (including the Kanstul 700 or 900 series). Sound is very much like a Bach 37, just a tad brighter. If they don't have any, or if they sold their special 610, go to Kanstulmusic.com (This is Jack Kanstul's website). He sells the Kanstul 610 as the "Custom" for $800 and he offers a payment plan.

Frankly, for the money, I don't think you can find a finer horn. It's good enough to use on Pro Gigs (I have and so have others). Go to TrumpetHerald and search for Kanstal AND 610 - Rave reviews...

I've heard a lot of good things about Jack's service. If you buy the horn from him, he offers a lifetime warrantee, and will take the horn on trade-in (offering the full purchase price) towards a Signature line trumpet later on. The folks at PicKMusic are also very good to deal with and have great prices as well - The Pick610 is really cool looking in shotblast silverplate.

Now, if you don't mind buying a USED horn, I have a Kanstul 610 for sale for $400 - It's 2 months old and in great shape. Don't worry, if you don't want to buy used, then buy it from PickMusic or Jack Kanstul instead. Fact is - You can't buy a better horn for the money than the Kanstul 610.

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Lead; Follow; Or get outta the way

whstrpt

Thanks for your input. I've read that the new silver flairs have been inconsistent so I'm not sure about it. I plan on being able to try out these horns before making a final decision. I'll also take a look at that kanstul you mentioned.

jazzinbb

Jack Kanstul offers a trial period, unfortunately he only sells thru the web, so there isn't a store to visit. Pick Music is in PA, so you could try it before you buy it - I think they also offer a trial period.

I'm confident if you do get the horn from either of them - You won't be using their trial: You'll be keeping the horn.

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Lead; Follow; Or get outta the way

Dave Mickley

I would also look at the Getzen 700, I played a friends and it really suprised me at how good it played,as good or better then most Bach 37's. Dave

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rowuk

Don't forget Yamaha!
-always a great deal for the money-very consistent, very well built, resale also OK

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

whstrpt

Do you know any particular models that you can recommend?

rowuk

Any of the 4xxx(semi pro) or 6xxx(pro) range. They have normal brass(brighter sound) and gold brass(darker sound) versions laquered or silver plate. Even worth considering second hand.

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

Foxytrpt

I had the chance to play the new King Silver Flair. They are not bad, very responsive. The Getzen Capri isn't that bad either. The Jupiters aren't bad but will be (personally) my last choice out of the 3. (Ouch I forgot my main horns ARE made in Taiwan)

But you shouldn't limit yourself though your choices aren't bad. Just stay away from Tri Star, Monique, Lark, Selman (Selmer??) etc.

Somebody mentioned Yamaha. Can't go wrong there.

Goodluck!

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Reverend

I've heard (haven't played one) that the Fides Pioneer is also a very good instrument that can be purchased, new, under $1K.

Anyone tried one? Do you agree?

Thanks!

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Michael Guevara, DMM
Cinco Ranch Conservatory of Music
www.cincoranchmusic.com
Golden Trumpet Ministries
Authorized Stage 1 and Fides Dealer, Texas and Southern US