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.
My son (age 14; 9th grade) has been playing trumpet for 3 years. He's pretty good from what I understand. I would like to buy him a higher quality trumpet (He's playing his great grandfather's King from the '40s that was in storage for 30+ years.) Unfortunately I am tight on money (aren't we all) but nevertheless would like to get him an upgrade (the trumpet has a musty smell that several cleanings, acid bath, has not been able to get rid of; This trumpet has seen its better days.)
With some patience, Craigslist and ebay may present me with a deal (found a BachTr200S on craigslist for $600 obo... is this good? Also Getzen 900 S Trumpet - $450, or Yamaha Silver Trumpet Model: YTR 737 - $600, Blessing Trumpet -$400?) Problem is I don't know exactly what to look for or when I've found myself a good deal.
It seems most brands, even high quality brands, still sell low-end student models. I want to avoid this.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
-Scott
Answer Scott, The TR200 (In My Opinion) isn't much better than the TR300. I know they usually go in the $500-700 range but I can't see the extra money buying a better horn. The Getzen is a good deal for $450 and (IMO) plays much better than the TR200. I like the Yamaha line but the 737 is the older model of the 7300 series. But if it is in nice shape the $600 would be a fair deal. The Blessing would have to be a ML1 to be worth $400. If your son is playing a KIng Liberty I would think about having it redone. I have three of them and they are great playing big band horns. Of course they really don't blend with Bach Strads very well. Hope this helped you. Really I think if they are all in good shape I would pick the Getzen. When you look at horns the biggest differences are in the valves.Getzen is noted for the best valves in the industry.
