AboutMike Pawul Expertise I am familiar with most trumpets, cornets, and flugelhorns. I can answer most questions about playing and musicality. Best of all, if I can't answer it directly I play regularly in five bands and have several "old timers" that are familiar with most things that I am not. I collect, repair, and refinish old horns and have sold over 350 with more than 230 on ebay
Experience I have played since 1965 and studied with many directors and trumpeters. I have been collecting since 2002 and have over 150 horns in my personal collection. I have done repair and refinsh since 2003 and have done over 500 horns.
Organizations Kosair Shrine Brass Band and Dance Band, The Notables, The Mello Tones, Bourbon City Brass Band,
River Cities Concert Band,
University of Louisville Community Band,
Member of Trumpet Players International Network (TPIN),
Bugles Across America (BAA),
Education/Credentials I played at Brunswick High School. I played through college and have a BS in Business Administration from Trinity College.
Awards and Honors Without being vain, numerous awards and have played in several honor bands.
Question Hi Mike,
You have already given me advice on mouthpieces. By the way...Akright isn't quite yet making the Zottola mpcs...guess they are still gearing up. I might just try and use the 3c and buy a 3E for upper range as you suggested. I really like the Stork VM6 I have but since you suggested the 3c/3e I assume you prefer them. I really want to play more classical the way it's supposed to be played. The sheet music I have now for Hummel and Haydn are for Bb trumpet. I also have a Blessing C trumpet but wouldn't I be better off buying another horn. Seems to me like and Eb would be the way to go. When is the Piccolo preferred. Sorry if these are stupid questions. I originally auditioned and was accepted into college for trumpet performance so was decent back then..36 years ago...But before college started I switched to mechanical engineering. I have done some playing over the years since but not with any more formal training. Funny thing though...guess due to my engineering training I'm real into the "mechanics" of trumpet and mouthpiece design and manufacture. There is a BerkeleyWind Pro D/Eb on ebay...is it worth bidding on or is it junk. Would like to start on the economical (cheap) side at this point and can always buy better later (paying for kids college right now). Should have listened to my parents and just had dogs! I have and will have more questions but I don't want to abuse you or this forum. Is there anything I can do to offset my multiple questions?
Thanks again...you are certainly a big help to everyone here.
Answer Hey Brad, A D/Eb would be the way to go. I have played a Berkeley and they play ok. I would be concerned how well they hold up though. It seemed to be a thinner tube and the silver plate was almost see through. I have also heard many problems with their valves sticking in faster passages. You will have a hard time finding anything cheap in an Eb/D horn that will play well.
Since the Piccolo is a higher horn most people use it for classical (like Hummel) and wedding work. Trumpet Voluntary is one of the most famous piccolo pieces. Again, I suggest you stay away from the Chinese and Indian imports that flood Ebay.
Don't worry about asking too many questions. I enjoy the ones that provide more than the "what is my horn worth" for me to think about. And having 5 kids myself I can relate to your lack of funds and time!
