Hey folks,

Well, my daughter has been playing since Aug. She has really surprised me. She has taken to the trumpet like a duck to water. Practices everyday, and is one of the top in her class. I've been trying to keep up, but she has WAY surpassed me. We went with a rental instrument from a local company, a King 601. Her teacher told us that we might want to consider a step up trumpet for her. I've been looking at several but am undecided. Thinking about a Kanstul. What would you guys recomend? She has her first concert next month, can't wait I'm so excited!

jhill, it is always a delight to encounter parents who actually care about their kids. Bravo! The King 601 is pretty much bullet-proof and idiot proof, but as you move up in trumpets they tend to be a little (or a lot) less forgiving to neglect and, uhh, kids, especially other people's kids. Kanstul makes some great horns, but they aren't all that forgiving. I'm a firm believer that the right horn will find us (not necessarily the other way around) and am loathe to suggest what might work out the best for her, however, the Getzen 700 series has amazing valves, and although labeled an intermediate horn, has professional qualities. This is strictly opinion on my part, not Gospel truth. If you have a music store nearby with a good selection, kidnap your daughter, blindfold her, and let her try out horns (including the 601). If the one she picks is too pricey, remind her that what the player hears is different than what the audience hears and that you, as the audience, didn't like that one so much.

Thanks for supporting your daughter so much!

jhill - a close chum of mine has suggested that organisations like Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center (sic) will literally have drawers full of trumpets covering the range available from many of the manufacturers (certainly the main makers) and you can, apparently, work your way to the brass / trumpet section and have a go at almost as many trumpets as you can imagine. If you're anywhere near WMC, it might be worth wandering in and speaking with the very knowledgeable staff and having your daughter try a few. There'll very likely be one in there just waiting for her to saunter by. (I'll also endorse the Getzen 700 Eterna II (yes I bought one from WMC back in 2004 - but I bought mine online)). No I've no relationship with WMC except as a customer well treated. If you do go down this track - you may see if they will sweeten the deal with well priced mutes for later trumpetting.

I'll be the 3rd to endorse the Getzen 700 series. Great valves and reasonably priced.