FreshmanTrumpeteer

If I were to choose between this Getzen 940 Eterna Picc and this Yamaha YTR6810 Picc, what would I go with. To me, it seems like this.

Getzen 940 Eterna:

Pros: Brand New
Comes with Blackburn pipe
From WWBW which is pretty trusted

Cons: At new, this trumpet is the same price as the Yamaha, meaning it most likely won't be as good of quality

Yamaha TYR6810:

Pros: Is $1G at used, meaning it is most likely fine quality and also much more expensive as new
From a big brand (at least where im from, its much bigger than Getzen)

Cons: Is used, meaning it might not be in mint condition which i prefer at start
Is from evilBay, meaning you may get scammed

Thanks!

FreshmanTrumpeteer

Also Ive heard that the Getzen is a pretty good piccolo, especially if its your first one (which it will be mine, whichever one i choose), especially if it is combined with the blackburn pipe which its supposed to come with now anyways. But for some odd reason, I havent heard anything about the Yamaha, making my decision more difficult, so input would be greatly appreciated on this subject as well.

Schwab

Getzen. Price does not determine quality.

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dstrad

I have never played the Getzen 940 but I have read in previous posts that the Blackburn pipe helps with intonation issues. I have owned a Yamaha 6810 for about 15 years now. I can't say I've been happy with it. The horn has bottom sprung valves and the action is terrible. I'm sure the valve action on the Getzen is much better. I am looking to upgrade and will probably move to a long bell model. I would've upgraded years ago but I don't do as much piccolo playing as I used to. I would recommend going to a music store and trying both models even if you are buying on EBay. Get a feel for the models before you commit. A bad picc. can be a miserable experience.

Good luck.

rowuk

IMPOSSIBLE to answer without playing the horn. There is no trumpet more difficult to pick than a picc! I have colleagues very happy with that Yamaha model (the action issue was fixed by proper maintenance and synthetic valve oil).
A used horn in great shape has NO disadvantage compared to a new horn except for the guarantee. A used horn has proven itself, so the guarantee is not as critical.

The Getzen being new AND having a custom leadpipe will probably have more "modern" playing characteristics and sound. The valves are probably technically better, but that has to be matched by the other important playing characteristics first (sound and blow).

Buying a new Getzen has the advantage of Brett Getzen being accessible if everything else should fail. He stands behind his products!

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

clousemiester

I would not consider the Ebay horn just for that reason. WWBW has excelent policy for return, if your not satisfied. Again, compare that to The Bay!

dstrad

Rowuk - proper maintenance and synthetic oil have not helped with my 6810. It probably woul make a nice lamp though. I would go for the Getzen for the reasons already stated.

rowuk

DSTRAD, there must be some physical reason that your valves are not at least "good". A bottom spring is not optimal but still generally works OK. My Selmer also had bottom sprung valves and held up for 16 years. Sorry about your horn!
Getzen has a well deserved reputation for having fantastic valves. Brett explained why in a recent thread. At the end of the day sound and blow are the deciding factors. That is why you should NEVER buy a picc blind!

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

FreshmanTrumpeteer

Yeah well Im unlucky, as the only possible way at all for me to even try a piccolo trumpet is either travel for 4 hours to a music store that has a picc or take my chances and order from wwbw.com, wait for 45 days, then play the picc and return it to them, which really is just abusing their refund policy which i dont want to do.

If i were to eventually resort to the first option, which i most likely wont do as i dont want to spend 8 hours in my day driving, is there like a website or something that someone knows of that lists the music stores in a certain state. i live in Texas btw, so is there a list somewhere? I used to have a Brook Mays Music Store like 30 minutes away that had like 5 different piccs including the VBS, and even Schilke, but it closed down about 3 months ago.

@dStrad: yeah those long models look much nicer than the short ones, more like a Schilke. wish the 940 was like that. does the model have any effect on the sound of the instrument, or are the measurements for each model precise to where its the same?

misty.sj

You would not be abusing their refund policy. You will incur a restocking fee though. Read their return policy carefully. They are not the only ones who sell instruments either. Others might have more flexible trial programs.

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--Misty
Hit it hard, and wish it well. -- Claude Gordon

1925(?) Conn Cavalier Bb (s/n 14142)
2007 Barrington Bb student trumpet