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Trumpet/Getzen new or Yamaha used

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Expert: Mike Pawul - 6/13/2009


Question
I'm upgrading my grandson's student trumpet (he's been using it about 5 years).   I'm looking at a new Getzen 700S for $800.00 or a used/refurbished in reputable music repair shop Yamaha 6335S for $1200.  It seems the used pro is the best, but their price seems high.  What are our thoughts?

Answer
Michael, One of my main horns is an EternaII 700 so I am partial to it. I also use a Bach Strad 37 as my other main and they have a similar sound with the Eterna being just a hair brighter. The 6335 also has a similar sound to a 37 but blows a bit more open. The 6335 is a very good horn but you are comparing a new horn to a used horn. I like the 6335 but if I could get a new Getzen for that price I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. Also you need to see what they had to do to refurbish the horn. If it had a crushed bell or back bow then I would stay away from it at that price. A brand new one can be had for about $1700 so a used one should be about $1000 unless it is mint. Either way I would let him play both horns to compare. You listen from the other side of the bell and tell him which sounds better to you. Then you can make a decision together.

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Mike 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 several bands and have many "old timers" that are familiar with most things that I am not. I collect, repair, and refinish old horns and have sold over 600 with more than 400 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 work on over 900 horns.

Organizations
Kosair Shrine Brass Band and Dance Band, The Notables, The Mello Tones, Bourbon City Brass Band, River Cities Concert Band, Derby City Brass Band, University of Louisville Community Band, Member of Trumpet Players International Network (TPIN), Bugles Across America (BAA), Member of the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT)

Education/Credentials
I played at Brunswick High School. I played through college and have a BS in Business Administration from Trinity College. Of course, I am still learning from all my friends that play and work on trumpets around the world.

Awards and Honors
Without being vain, numerous awards and have played in several honor bands.

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