fernandojh2000

All my life I wanted to play trumpet, don't know the reasons. Seven or so months ago I decided to buy a pocket trumpet so as to be a secret student because of my age: I'm in my 50s. The pocket trumpet was a Jean Bapt. It didn't matter the quality of sound to me 'cause I red about building the "chop" primarily.

Reading in the internet I learned that Old Ambassador were good trumpet, and then I learned that the Besson were too, so....I bought one Ambassador S/n 693949 on ebay, I have not received it yet and I got a Besson s/n 472420 since I have not yet got the experience of knowing how good they are even if I play them I want your opinions guys in order to have an idea of what I have

Thanks

terrystrand

I have an Olds Ambassador that I have been playing since I got it new in 1965! They are great horns, a real work horse, even though they were 'student' instruments. I also have a pocket trumpet that I bought new from Ebay a couple years ago for about a hundred and fifty dollars. It is terrific also, though professionals scoff at them for real gigs. Just don't buy one that is shipped from overseas....it'll probably be poor quality. On a used horn, take it in to have the felts, springs, corks, etc. replaced and the whole thing cleaned. Might as well spend the seventy five bucks or so to get it put into first class playing condition. Best wishes and good luck.

fernandojh2000

Thanks Terrystrand!!!
The first trumpet I bought is a Jean Baptiste pocket trumpet
which I think is made in China. But with that little trumpet I manage to learn how to keep a "steady" stream of air flowing. I bought it from Sam Ash in NY city where I live. I paid $159.99 plus tax plus the books they subjected.

That day I decided to take the risk and buy the trumpet. Even I didn't know anything about trumpet except that they have to be blown to produce sound (sometimes music), I knew there was something wrong with the trumpet. (It was cheap compare with the $1000-2000 of others tempting trumpets they have)

You know what?... I have tried some other $300 trumpet and they have the same sound and difficulty in the blow as the pocket trumpet I have

I bought a blessing B126 for $220 at SOHO in NY City two weeks ago and I can say it has a good sound for a student trumpet. I have expand my range with this trumpet and, the first Study exercise of the book: "Technical Study for The Cornet" by H.L Clark. I have to weeks just doing this exercise. Each time I get either a little farther or I improve the sound of my high notes. Since I bought the book I have not yet gone to the first Etude of the book which in the second page. (I'm saying this just in case anyone is struggling like me.)


Thank to all the threads I have read here and other sights I comprehended that patience pays more at the end.

At the beginning I tried to blow every tune I like of herd. Now, I laugh at myself for I have been so pretentious

Fernando

note360

Get your ambassador and start blowing away.

I would seriosuly say get a private teacher the first days are the most crucial for setting you up.

__________________
"I'll play it and tell you what it is later." - Miles Davis
"Do not fear mistakes. There are none." - Miles Davis

Trumpets:
TR300 Bach [marching horn]
Big Apple Bach Strad (ML)

Cornets:
1952 Olds Ambassador L.A

Mouthpiece: Curry 5c, Olds 3 (for the cornet atm)

terrystrand

Also...Arbans and Clarke books are great for study, but also listen to a pop trumpeter like Chris Botti who does easy lounge standards like "When I Fall In Love". Some of his licks are difficult, but mainly he plays slowly and with beautiful tone which is easier for amateurs to sort of imitate and learn from....something you can't do with Maynard, Al Hirt, Wynton, Mendez, etc.