Trumpet advice needed from an expert player

[StanleyB]

I am in the market for a new trumpet for my daughter, who is taking her grade 8 in a couple of months. It has to be a Bb. I am not a musical instrument player, so I am a complete novice when it comes to buying a value for money instrument like this.
Has anyone here got some pointers that I can use to make an informed decision?

[take5]

Stanley, Im not a trumpet player, but I play and teach saxophone.

A couple of thoughts.

1) Yamaha make the best student and intermediate level saxes. In fact they do make pro level saxes too, but not too many working pros I know play them. I imagine their reputation in the trumpet world will be similar, and I feel this would be a safe bet. A reputable/honest brass specialist will advise. Afraid I cant help you there.

2) Doing grade 8, I assume she has a teacher. Is it possible to have a quiet word, in the hope of getting a suggestion.

3) Is it to be a surprise. Possibly she could go with her teacher to try a few in the relevant price range.

good luck

[Reffc]

Stanley, Im not a trumpet player, but I play and teach saxophone.

A couple of thoughts.

1) Yamaha make the best student and intermediate level saxes. In fact they do make pro level saxes too, but not too many working pros I know play them. I imagine their reputation in the trumpet world will be similar, and I feel this would be a safe bet. A reputable/honest brass specialist will advise. Afraid I cant help you there.

2) Doing grade 8, I assume she has a teacher. Is it possible to have a quiet word, in the hope of getting a suggestion.

3) Is it to be a surprise. Possibly she could go with her teacher to try a few in the relevant price range.

good luck

This.

Take Brian's advice. As an ex Trumpet (and trombone) player myself, I have used Yamaha trumpets and they're unbeatable value tbh. For a grade 8 student, there's quite a choice so which one you choose depends largely on where your daughter intends to go with it. Yamaha trumpets (that suit) start at around £350 and go to over £2K depending on what you're looking for, but any of them will get a student beyond grade 8. The differences in the more expensive ones are largely centred on how they are made (hand hammered bellmouths and very high quality and durable keys on the more expensive models for example) plus the weight and tonal qualities. Regarding tone, they are graded according to power and timbrel qualities. For example, their Bb grade trumpets are probably fine for just about any genre involving trumpets, from jazz to classical, or depending on position in a band or orchestra they have trumpets with additional power and projection (C grade). Best to see where your daughter wants to go musically before choosing as all involve the same technique playing (so are suitable for grading exams) but differ markedly in tonal quality and outright quality. Budget is also a major factor,..Bb grade is the safest bet from Yamaha if the future is an open book.

[StanleyB]

Some good suggestions there Brian.

[StanleyB]

I have been looking at Vincent Bach and B&S, but I shall start reading up on Yamaha. Cost is not overly critical. I have put aside £1500 to cover myself against any accusation that I spend a lot more on my own audio and video equipment. Women are quick to notice these things.

[Ninanina]

to cover myself against any accusation that I spend a lot more on my own audio and video equipment. Women are quick to notice these things.

That made me giggle..... :lol::lol:

Not all women are built the same..... :D

[Firebottle]

Not all women are built the same..... :D

Thank goodness, I'm about to splash out on my other hobby, ouch:eek: