txharp3

Hello everyone,

I am a comeback trumpeter, and seeking a new horn. At the moment, I am borrowing a King 600, which is in fairly decent condition. However, since I am starting lessons next week, I thought it would be best to purchase my own horn, and one that I can grow into over the next couple of years.

I have narrowed down my options to following options:

Jupiter Tribute 1200S Trumpet
King Silver Flair 2055S Trumpet

I do realize that both of the horns are not the "best" on the market, and I can purchase a used professional model for the same price or cheaper. However, I really want a new horn.

With that said, is there anyone that can provide feedback on the aforementioned horns and their suitability for jazz, funk and soul music?

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

Ted

Brass crusader

Hey~
Like you said, you can get a used professional model horn for the same or less...I play a variety of new, vintage, and too old to be "new", but too new to be vintage horns.
Do you want a new horn because of the appearances? Personally, I'd rather have a horn that looks like hell and plays great, than some new shiny thing that plays well.
Ultimately, it's up to you, and whatever you prefer is the best for you.
However, vintage or used older horns can be a little more unique, but you really should play each one before you consider buying. I'd avoid ordering either of those horns off the internet, you should try to locate a good store by you, and play as many different brands as you can. I've got nothing against modern horns, I play one, but I agree with you that for the kind of price you're looking at paying, you could probably find a very lightly used horn of a higher quality than these two.

Like I said, this is strictly my biased opinion, and whatever works best for you, and whatever you like is the best horn for you.

Best of luck

txharp3

Thanks for the reply. The advice is very sound.

I must admit that I love new, shiny instruments. From guitars to basses to keyboards, I have always purchased new. Granted, from a bugdet perspective, it is not ideal. However, when I do purchase an instruments, I take very, very good care of them and keep them looking like-new.

At this time, I could afford a new, professional trumpet. However, until I am gigging with the horn, I do not think it is a very wise purchase for me. I just want something that is good enough to last me for a few years and upgrade to a professional model later, after I get a sound understanding of which trumpet is best for my playing needs. At this time, I cannot make such a judgement.

With that said, it might be a good idea to keep playing the King 600 student trumpet over the next few years. Lol.

zkfan

I'm a comeback player, who also has an eBay habit. Nothing beats actually trying a horn out, but I have been able to purchase several pro level trumpets in fantastic condition for under $1,000. Why would you spend more than that on a trumpet of lesser quality, when only you will know the used horn is not new? Also, if you plan on upgrading, resale on student level horns won't be very helpful to you, unlike a used Pro model.

Examples? This year I picked up a wonderful Yamaha 6335HS trumpet for $645... one small dent from a mute on the bell and a scratch on the leadpipe, otherwise looked new. I also used "buy it now" to pick up a French Besson Brevete for $935, previous owner played in a Marine band... only wear is slight wear on the silver plate on the first and second valve caps from oiling. Both of these horns would meet or exceed the capabilities of what you are looking at, save you money on the initial investment and have resale much closer to what you spend, when you want to upgrade.

Budget start? I have a '63 Olds Ambassador in very good condition, plays wonderfully and cost under $175. I have better, newer, fancier horns, but find myself playing that one most frequently.

I dream of new trumpets, but can't justify the cost. I'm strictly an amateur and wouldn't dream of going Pro. With the horns I have and the community band and church playing I'll be doing, I don't anticipate being held back because I don't have a horn of adequate quality! Many pros play the exact trumpet models I own (and some of mine were owned by professionals).

Good luck on you quest. Ultimately, you should get the horn you want to play, so you are more motivated to practice!

txharp3

Thanks for the reply, zkfan.

By the way, it is nice to see another Michigander on the boards!

zkfan

Hey, txharp3, since you are in Michigan, if you are within an hour or two of South Bend, Indiana, it would be well worth your time to go to Woodwinds and Brasswinds. They are very helpful and will let you try out any number of trumpets with no pressure!

Think we'll get rid of the snow before July 4th?

79connvictor

I have to agree there are a lot of really great horns out there, no matter what your budget. That being said; I played a King 601 or was it 602 silver trumpet in high school that my mom bought for me. It was the only new horn I ever owned. I took excellent care of it, but it really didn't look any better than the others' who also took pride in their trumpets. But if it is a new horn you want I don't blame you. Though I think I would play the 600 for a little while yet, or go out and get a inexpensive but decent pawn shop horn. Spend some time then looking for and playing as many really good horns as you can get your hands on, read all the forums to see what the pros say, and then decide on a horn you want. The idea of buying a new horrn to get you through until you know what you will want later sounds kind of goofy. Have you ever played a schilke horn? very unique, and it might just have the right kind of sound you'd like for the playing you want to do. Just saying..

txharp3

Actually, I travel to South Bend for business on occasion. I know the area a little. I will be sure to drive there soon. It is roughly a three hour drive from where I live.

txharp3

No, I have not played a Schilke yet. The only trumpet I ever owned was a Reynolds trumpet that my parents purchased for me in the sixth grade. I played the horn through high school, and sold it shortly thereafter (about 20 years ago). With the except of the Reynolds and the King 600 loaner, I have not played any other trumpets.

MFfan

Here's another old Michigander on the forums! I hope we get rid of the snow a little earilier than July 4th! I have been tempted to drain my snowblower several times, as it usually doesn't get much use, except this year! Sort of getting the itch to crank up the mower and rake up the leaves I didn't get to last fall! Good luck to txharp3 on the horn search for whatever works best! Up till a couple of years ago, I played a Strad for 22yrs, got bored, discovered Ebay and Forums, and my horn list resulted and lots of fun, despite a couple of duds along the way. Now if I can just afford a couple of Ambassadors........