Trumpet/buying a new trumpet

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Expert: Mike Pawul - 11/25/2006


Question
Hi there, I was wondering what professional brand/style trumpet you would
recommend for someone to buy. Currently, I am using a Besson intermediate.
Also, is there a large difference between the feel of playing a different brand of
trumpet than what I would be use to?

Answer
Tove, Which horn to buy is something that is complex to cover in this forum. There are a lot of very good horns and a wide variety of prices. The standard pro horn is still the Bach Strad. You can get just about any bell and leadpipe combination you want. Each combination has a very different feel and sound. I also think the Zeus Olympus is a great horn for the money. The best thing I can tell you is to play several different horns and see which one you like the best.

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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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