james47

I have had my coronet for 7yrs. It has mostly been gathering dust due to the fact i dont really know much about playing. I taught myself how to play a couple of old gospel tunes around 6 yrs ago. I also have forgotten all i thought i knew. Thte first thing i want to know is, how do i find out how old my horn is. It is a Reynolds Medalist.

ComeBackKid

Welcome, James47. I'm sure that you will find a lot here to help you. Dont' be discouraged in thinking that you have forgotten all that you know. Some of us had layoffs from playing for 30, 40 even 50 years. So, some of us even forgot which end of the trumpet to blow into.

You will find many threads here related to the issues of developing a solid foundation for playing. Those comments focus on a few key factors which are:
(1) Embouchure development is the most important factor in learning to play well.
(2) Embouchure can be developed either well or poorly depending on how you approach it. And, there are many different physiological components to developing proper embouchure - all of them unique to you. Mouthpiece selection can also have a significant effect on the outcome.
(3) If you approach it as a DIY project, it will be mostly a matter of pure luck if it comes out correctly. There are many ways to do it wrong. There are also many mouthpiece styles it is impossible to try them all.
(4) There are many helpful hints here on this forum. If you are diligent and know how to digest, analyze and apply them, it is theoretically possible to use the information here to develop correctly. The problem is sorting out the ones that will help you from the ones that won't. It is sort of like taking vitamins - it takes time, patience, and effective observation to see what is working.
(5) Obtaining help from a professional can be the best possible way to identify the practice techniques that will be effective. Also, it can help with mouthpiece selection.
(6) If you feel you can't afford a long-term regimen of lessons, try to take a few to at least get started. If you are in an area where you can't find a tutor, but you have a webcam, there are members here who can do online lessons. That way you will have a basis for your own ongoing development work that sets you in the right direction.
(7) Make regular posts here to identify your progress and your questions. That way, others can chip in suggestions or tips that may help you continue to improve.

If you follow this approach, you will find that your improvement will be apparent and you will be encouraged to continue - most of the time; after all, we all hit plateaus from time-to-time but you will be able to push through it.

Good luck.

P.S. There are some sites that will help with the history of Reynolds generally and also the age of your Medalist. But, if you will post the serial number here, there are several members who can probably tell you off the top of their heads when it was made (and, a lot more).

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Come-Back Kid
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james47

Thanks for Your reply. it is much appreciated. I will be exploring ways to regain what i have known previosly. The first naturally would be to purchase another beginners book and something to identify the proper notes and sound. again thank you.