Adam Smith

Hi,
I have been looking for horns for quite a while and am so frustrated I just want to stop. I am a college player and need a horn to play in jazz (big band and combo) and also symphonic stuff. All-around horns seem to be what people are looking for. I got a demo of a harelson muse and it was fantastic but I didnt buy it because I didnt get to play it in any of my playing situations and the bell was bent so I probly didnt get a correct representation. Also I dont want a really heavy horn right now. I really wanted a more "custom" horn but have kind of goten over that now. Many people have been pushing yamaha and I was thinking about getting the bobby shew or a xeno. I am sure they are good trumpets and will last but I dont know if I want one. Does anyone know how well the Stage 1 trumpets and selmer concept tt or chorus 80j will work for "all-around" stuff? If anyone has any suggestions of a good horn, that would be great. I just need a horn that is of good quality, will last, and can be played in multiple situations. Also, I dont get a chance to play many horns, especially more "custom" horns. This has been a large factor in the delay of the purchase of a new trumpet.

Schwab

I can tell you a little about the Stage 1s. I play a California model for commercial work, but I won the Naval Academy band audition on it in June of '05. I also think his Vintage horn is great, it has the Bach sound but more in tune and easier to play, I would recommend the Vintage for all around playing. Get in touch with Felix, he is good about fixing people up with horns that match what they want.

Adam Smith

Thanks, that sounds prety good comming from my current horn, an aniversary model bach model 37 reverse leadpipe Ml bore. Whatever trumpet I get must have good intonation.

Heavens2kadonka

Look into Kanstul Signature. Their customer service is excellent, and they can get a horn that matches what you want, if you talk with them about it. Price is generally reasonable: lower $2000 mark.

Personally, I would suggest you look into getting your hands on a California Light silverplate, with the heavy caps, and spare lightweight caps. This horn gets AMAZING overtones, has an astonishingly-easy feel, and has the *best* lower register feel of any horn I've ever played. The sound is full and robust, but it has a SIZZLE if you want it to be there!

Van

11thchair

All around horn. Age old question. A lot will depend on your tastes.

I second checking with Felix.
Depending on $$ my possibilities are
Stage 1 Classic
Eclipse MR
Stomvi Elite
Challenger II
Yamaha Xeno RGS

There are a bunch more, I listed those that I have tried, or owned and liked and think would be an all around horn. I have not played the Classic, but have played the California, and figuring that the Atlanta people went for the Classic - then it is probably a great horn for that purpose.

Liad Bar-EL

I see your frustration and yes, I think you are right and should just stop and get your thoughts together about what you really want before you even start looking for a horn.

You mentioned just about every thing you want in a horn in various situations for it to be played in but you did not mention the most important aspect of buying a horn………………..the kind of sound that you want.

If sound is of no concern, then I am sure there is a horn for you in today's market. There are the hindu "blessed" horns, the no finger print mass produced off the assembly line machine made horns and there are even I give up to everybody in the world………French horns.

Good luck,

Liad Bar-EL

gglassmeyer

First I'm not a pro, so my values are slightly different than many folks here. I am however a decent amatuer and went through the same search earlier this year. For budget reasons I wanted to stick with non custom horns. My previous horn was a lightweight Yamaha (YTR-734). I play in a community band and wanted a more standard weight horn to better suit the style of music played by the group. The horns I tried included Yamaha Xeno, Bach Strads, Conn Vintage 1s. I liked the Bobby Shew, but it was too much like my old horn so I excluded it. Of the Xeno, Strads and V1 I found I liked them all but preferred the Vintage 1 when using the single radius tuning slide. Other pluses for the Vintage 1 are the shorter valve travel, and the ability to customize with both standard and rounded tuning slide and the modular vale weight system. With the rounded slide, the horn has a more open feel (actually seemed too stuffy with the other slide so I don't use it). The heavy valve weights don't get changed, I picked the combination I liked best and stick with it. You could add more weight in an orchestral setting and remove the weight for a Jazz setting. I honestly feel that I couldn't go wrong with any of the 3 choices, but the Conn was the one I liked the best.
Being an amatuer player, I chose the lacquered Rose Brass. If I were toting my horn around a college campus and playing constantly, I'd go with a silver plated finish for better durability.

Try out as many horns as you can and in different configurations. If possible try multiple horns of the same brand and configuration because they can sound and play differently.

You may want to tell us what you currently play and what about it you don't like. That way folks may have better suggestions as to what might suit you best.

Greg Glassmeyer

Fudleysmith

I can second the Conn V1 in rose brass. Very versatile and flexable. And just ignore Liad, he's a troll.

Walter

Hi Adam

Are you disappointed with your Bach? It is a good all rounder.......perhaps you only need to experiment with some different mouthpieces to darken/brighten the sound to suit the situation....of course maybe you have already done this?

After a few years years of searching and sometimes rushing my decision to buy I found I was on a "merry go round" of always feeling there was a better horn out there.....a costly journey. There are lots of good horns out there...I think the trick is to find the horn that is best for you....yes..... taking into account looks, feel and image and recommendations......but more importantly finding the instrument that helps you achieve your musical goals.

Patience and trying lots of horns will help.

Reverend

Hello Adam,

You've received a lot of good suggestions!

My recommendations are the Stage 1 horns - the Vintage will certainly give you that "all-around" sound that you are looking for! Also, the Fides Symphony Light is no slouch either! Both are priced well under $2K.

Let me know if I can assist you, as I am a dealer for both!

Blessings,