Expert: Kenton Scott - 12/17/2006

Question
Conn, Selmer, King, Besson, Jupiter, Blessing, Yamaha, Holton... I just want a baritone for my kid to learn on. She's been playing piano for years, so she knows theory.  But playing baritone for only a year.  Would a 3/4 size be better for a small kid?  Her current baritone feels cheap, the valves are not smooth, and I can't hit a high E on it for anything.  What specific models would you suggest?  I hear a Conn 14I is a good student horn, and is not too expensive on eBay.  

Answer
I'm probably not the best person to ask, I play on an 1894 Distin baritone in community band!

A lot of it is going to be based on personal taste.  My main horn (bass trombone) is a Yamaha, as are all the other family member's main instruments; but I have never cared for the Yamaha euphoniums.  They seem too big and overbuilt.

I have a preference for older horns, they seem to be built and work better.  I also like to remove lacquer to improve response.

So, you could get one of the good student horns, or you might want to consider looking for a yet older horn of professional quality.  You might find that price is nearly the same.  

Whatever you get (at least off of eBay) it is likely that it will need to be serviced.  Get the larger dents that restrict air removed, get the inside chemically cleaned, and get the valves re-corked, re-padded, and re-sprung; and most of all re-aligned.

I think that is as specific as I care to get on here.  But, if you want to kick your ideas around some more, please feel free to contact me at:  Kenton@punxypa.com