You are here:
Trumpet/Questions Answered by Expert Jack D. Dusek
| Subject | Date Asked |
| student trumpets | 11/10/2011 |
| Q: My 10 year old daughter just starting band this year. When we went to the recommended Music store ... A: For a 4 year old I would probably make an exception and buy her a "real" instrument as cheaply as ... | |
| student trumpets | 11/3/2011 |
| Q: My 10 year old daughter just starting band this year. When we went to the recommended Music store ... A: The differences are very minor and not of importance to a beginning student. As long as they are ... | |
| Couesnon Bugle? | 9/27/2011 |
| Q: I have a bugle that I just found in a lawn sale. I know you can't give me a value without seeing it, ... A: I could tell much more from a picture but that is a good french company that has made some very nice ... | |
| Ludwig Trumpet | 8/17/2011 |
| Q: I have a very old trumpet least I think it is a trumpet, it is made of silver and there is a bunch ... A: I am fairly certain that what you have is a bugle in G with probably a piston valve and maybe also a ... | |
| Stradivarius Model 37 (ml 123616) | 7/27/2011 |
| Q: Good afternoon Mr. Dusek, I have a Stradivarius Model 37 with ML12616 on the middle valve. My got ... A: That is an excellent model from a time when they were very well made. 123616 placces it as being ... | |
| Pitching top A - becoming a nightmare! | 7/13/2011 |
| Q: I am a competent cornet player of some 30-odd years, but I think I now have a 'phobia' when trying ... A: It sounds to me like you are trying too hard to take the note out of context. If you are finding it ... | |
| 1965 stradivarius | 6/14/2011 |
| Q: Mr. Dusek, I have owned a Bach Stradivarius trumpet since 1970. Having the serial number ML 30992, ... A: Yes, Bach trumpets of this vintage in good condition always generate a lot of interest and good ... | |
| Scales | 6/1/2011 |
| Q: Do you know any way that is esay to help you remeber the names of the scales A: I'm not sure what you mean. Scales are named generally for the note they start on and the type of ... | |
| trumpet | 5/23/2011 |
| Q: better start studying with a professional trumpet or with a studio.thanks ANSWER: I do not ... A: The answer depends on whom is starting to study. Any student should always begin on the best ... | |
| Bach Strad 182 vs Kanstul 1537? | 4/12/2011 |
| Q: .. I am considering either a Bach Strad 182 or a Kanstul 1537 (a Bach 'clone'?). Both are new and ... A: I have heard a lot of good things about the Bach 182 and only a few negatives. The negatives I heard ... | |
| mouthpiece | 3/22/2011 |
| Q: What do you think of the Parduba mouthpiece? A: Although I did a lot of experimenting when I was younger, I only tried a Parduba once and didn't ... | |
| Embouchure | 3/8/2011 |
| Q: I've been playing for about five years now. Several months ago I went through an embouchure change. ... A: What did you mean when you said you "went through an embouchure change"? Did you try to change ... | |
| Anaxa Silver Bb trumpet? | 11/11/2010 |
| Q: I was just wondering, do you know if this is worth the money? i really need a new one, because my ... A: No! Anaxa is not a recognized major brand and is probably a very poorly made instrument from the far ... | |
| how to clean tarnish off my bach strad | 10/16/2010 |
| Q: I have a silver Bach strad, model 37, serial number 423235 (I believe its around 15 yrs old) i have ... A: Yes a high quality silver polish is fine. I use Hagerty's or similar. Do not use anything abrasive ... | |
| Please help w/beginner trumpet | 10/16/2010 |
| Q: I cross reference it quite a bit when trying to compare beginner trumpets. I was hoping that you ... A: The first valve thumb hook is an important feature for an intermediate and professional model but ... | |
| Please help w/beginner trumpet | 10/16/2010 |
| Q: I cross reference it quite a bit when trying to compare beginner trumpets. I was hoping that you ... A: I agree with starting on a trumpet first. You should play whatever feels right to you and that will ... | |
| trying to find information on a model 37 | 10/13/2010 |
| Q: i have a model 37 trumpet with a serial number of ml 67802. I am having a hard time finding any ... A: The serial number listings I have found say that it was built in probably 1971 or 1972. It is ... | |
| Trumpet | 10/2/2010 |
| Q: I have not really played the horn for about 15 years. I had a bach model 43, Benge fleugelhorn, and ... A: The X3 is a large bore and large bell combination. Although not designed as lightweight it is much ... | |
| Trumpet Nadirali & Co | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: I've just bought this trumpet in India (Udaipur). What do you think about this instrument? It is ... A: I am sorry to say that this brand is of very poor quality and would be a serious handicap in ... | |
| braces and trumpet | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: I am 1st chair in my band at school and i just got braces and now i can barely play my trumpet. I ... A: As long as you don't have any pain, you probably just need to continue practicing to strengthen your ... | |
| What trumpet would you suggest? | 6/16/2010 |
| Q: My 11 year old has had 2 years of trumpet. Is planning on continuing through middle and high ... A: I never heard of the Antigua Winds. The King silver Flair is great for middle and high school. At ... | |
| Bundy H&A Semler trumpet | 5/2/2010 |
| Q: I found a trumpet at a yard sale for 10.00. It is in good condition, and engraved on the bel it says ... A: If the age is really important to you try looking up the various serial number lists that are out ... | |
| identifying instrument | 4/23/2010 |
| Q: I am a complete novice living in UK. I have acquired a Lafleur brass trumpet, a Boosey and Hawkes ... A: The "name" of a trumpet Bb, C, etc. identifies the concert pitch of the fundamental open tone. The ... | |
| Chords | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: What are the notes in a B flat chord, E flat chord and F chord? When I think "trumpet" I don't ... A: If you mean major chords built on those three notes, they are the root (first note of a scale built ... | |
| Which is the better horn? | 3/9/2010 |
| Q: My god father is thinking about getting me a new trumpet and i was wondering what is the next thing ... A: The Bundy is just another student model and I think the King you have actually plays better. Without ... | |
| Piccolo Trumpet | 2/12/2010 |
| Q: I was wondering what you knew about piccolo trumpets? I saw one on You Tube yesterday, and have been ... A: Piccolo trumpets can be wonderful instruments to listen to or perform on if you have the patience ... | |
| Beginning/Casual trumpet | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: I've been wanting to start learning to play trumpet, never played one before. I want to get a ... A: I would avoid all of the very low quality far-eastern imports and look for a used Bach, Yamaha, ... | |
| spit | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: I have spit coming out the bell of my trumpet. I havent cleaned it out in forever so im not sure it ... A: Most of the time it is not "spit" (saliva) at all but plain water that condenses onto the cool metal ... | |
| Trumpet range | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: I have been playing trumpet since 4th grade and I'm now in 8th grade. The highest note i can hit is ... A: The simple answer is no. You will need to develop a little more in the upper register to get that ... | |
| trumpet pedal | 12/16/2009 |
| Q: My son is studying music - jazz trumpet - in college and wants a trumpet pedal for christmas. where ... A: I have never heard of such a thing as a trumpet pedal. There are guitar pedals that can be used to ... | |
| soloist stradivarius | 12/14/2009 |
| Q: I own a soloist stradivarius, but i am unsure about the bell size. My best guess is a 37. Is that ... A: On regular stradivarius models the bell number is the model number, 37, 43, or 72. This is a model ... | |
| Playing trumpet with dental braces. | 12/13/2009 |
| Q: so i got dental braces about a week ago and i was wondering what you would suggest i do for warm-ups ... A: You should use the same warmups, etc. that you used before. Assuming you had no problems before, you ... | |
| conditioning for an older player | 12/12/2009 |
| Q: I am an amateur - but perform/play every Sunday - about 4 or 5 numbers that last only about 1 to 2 ... A: You may want to gradually extend your practice time to an hour or more if you have the time. Also ... | |
| vintage trumpets | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: I'm going to upgrade my middle school son's early 1970s bundy trumpet [my old one] as a Christmas ... A: I had a Holton Collegiate all through high school that was my own upgrade from a Bundy. I didn't get ... | |
| Age of Stradivarius Trumpet | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: I have a Stradivarius Trumpet that is a Model 37 and I believe Serial #42189. Can you tell me ... A: I don't know that it needs a restoration. A good cleaning may be all it needs depending on where it ... | |
| Age of Stradivarius Trumpet | 12/9/2009 |
| Q: I have a Stradivarius Trumpet that is a Model 37 and I believe Serial #42189. Can you tell me ... A: It was made between 1965 and 1970, probably about 1966. As an early Elkhart Bach, It should be a ... | |
| New bach tr 400 | 12/8/2009 |
| Q: I recently purchased a brand spanking new silver Bach tr 400. info on it is scarce please tell me ... A: There is relatively little out there other than it is some sort of student or intermediate horn that ... | |
| vintage trumpets | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: I'm going to upgrade my middle school son's early 1970s bundy trumpet [my old one] as a Christmas ... A: Though the models you list are usually of about the same value, I think the King plays the best ... | |
| mouthpiece | 11/27/2009 |
| Q: hi i wanted to know what trumpet mouth piece wood play higher a 3c or 7c thaks for your time A: The player determines the range, not the mouthpiece. However, often a player that is used to a ... | |
| Jazz Mouthpieces | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: I play cornet in a jazz band regularly and was wondering if you know any good mouthpieces I should ... A: A mouthpiece is a very personal choice and you need to think about what you would like to do. Are ... | |
| Trumpet versus cornet | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: I have a 14-year-old 4th year band student who plays the cornet and is interested in getting a ... A: The difference between the two is that a cornet has more conical tubing (gradually larger through ... | |
| pocket trumpet | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: I have purchased a new pocket trumpet on line and cannot unscrew the bottom valve cap on valve 2 A: Is it a real name brand instrument or something cheap from the far east? Have you tried making a ... | |
| new trumpet | 10/14/2009 |
| Q: My son is a sophmore in highschool, has been playing the trumpet for 4 years, is in marching band, ... A: I would encourage you to obtain a Bach Stradivarius Model 37, Medium Large bore. It is the standard ... | |
| Buying a Student Trumpet | 10/1/2009 |
| Q: I want to buy my son a trumpet for band in school to replace the one he received from his teacher. ... A: A quality instrument makes a huge difference especially for a student. A better instrument makes it ... | |
| Getzen Slide Trumpet | 9/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a Getzen slide trumpet...........no one has ever heard of a slide trumpet(just like a ... A: No, plenty of musicians have heard of a slide trumpet, also called a soprano trombone. The Getzens ... | |
| Student Trumpets | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: My son is just starting the trumpet and he is in the 4th grade. I was looking at the following ... A: I am not 100% certain but I believe that the Kohlert and Bartok are both very cheap imports and I am ... | |
| Conn 16B identification help | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: I just purchased a Conn USA 16B s/n GL 621182 for my 9yo son. It appears to be nickel plated?? I ... A: Sorry, I am not at all an expert on the Conn models. I missed the two letter prefix when I answered ... | |
| purchasing a beginner's trumpet (middle school) | 8/13/2009 |
| Q: I am considering purchasing either a Conn 16B or a 5-yr-old Conn International. Concerns on ... A: Without more information it would be very difficult to advise you. Ideally, I would be able to play ... | |
| brand of trumpet | 8/12/2009 |
| Q: My son will be starting band in the 6th grade this year. Looked at a trumpet and the name on it was ... A: I would be very wary of any brand I have never heard of and that is one of them. You would be best ... | |
| Getzen Trumpets | 8/7/2009 |
| Q: Howdy from Texas! I am looking at purchasing a Getzen Trumpet for my son who is starting High ... A: They are both a little wrong and both a little right. Although it is definitely not a professional ... | |
| Olds Special Trumpet | 8/6/2009 |
| Q: Looking to buy it online... What year was this manufactured? Is it worth over $200.00? It looks ... A: It was made probably in either 1971 or 1972. Other than that I can't tell you more without seeing it ... | |
| Sticking valves | 8/3/2009 |
| Q: The first two valves on my trumpet won't stop sticking when I try to pull them out to put oil on ... A: If they were fine before the vacation and there is no chance that the instrument has been damaged ... | |
| Playing Longer | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: How do i train myself to play longer so that my lips dont get tired? A: It is a gradual process. playing long tones will increase your endurance. Make sure you are playing ... | |
| Piccolo Trumpet | 7/6/2009 |
| Q: I'm planning on buying one of those inexpensive piccolo trumpets found on EBay. There are a few ... A: Do not attempt to make any real music on the India makes. The only reasonable one I have experienced ... | |
| purchase of a trumpet | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: We are shopping for a step-up trumpet for our 14yr old daughter. I have found some on e-bay. We ... A: $1796 is way too high for that horn! You can definitely find a strad on EBay for less. A few minor ... | |
| want to be an excellent trumpet player | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: Please I recently laid hands on a Bb trumpet, I want to study and know how to play it ... A: You can read everything you can find online by searching terms like "learn to play the trumpet" and ... | |
| purchase of a trumpet | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: We are shopping for a step-up trumpet for our 14yr old daughter. I have found some on e-bay. We ... A: If these are what you are considering as a step up....what is she playing on now? I have heard that ... | |
| sight reading and keeping beat | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: I have been playing the trumpet four 5 years and I can't sight read or keep a good beat. I know all ... A: The answer to both of these is practice!! To be a good sight reader, you really just have to read a ... | |
| Trumpets | 6/20/2009 |
| Q: I am going back and forth between a bach strad and omega if you know any store that sells used ... A: Sorry I don't know of any good dealers in FL. I am originally from Chicago and now live in Virginia. ... | |
| Trumpets | 6/19/2009 |
| Q: I am going back and forth between a bach strad and omega if you know any store that sells used ... A: It would be worth the difference to get the Strad if you can. The Omega is a fairly big step down ... | |
| Trumpets | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: Please advise which best for beginner student: Noteworthy Bb student trumpet or Etude ETR-100 A: I absolutely would not purchase either of these for a beginning student. They are not of good enough ... | |
| what my trumpet is worth? | 6/15/2009 |
| Q: I have an ambassador trumpet(polished brass finish) made by F.E.Olds&Son Los Angeles,Calif. The ... A: Since that instrument was made in approximately 1954, give or take a year, it is not possible to ... | |
| 1930's Bach Trumpet | 6/14/2009 |
| Q: I would be interested to hear anything you could tell me about it. On the bell it is engraved in ... A: Yes, value is a very subjective thing particularly when the question involves a collectible item. ... | |
| 1930's Bach Trumpet | 6/13/2009 |
| Q: I would be interested to hear anything you could tell me about it. On the bell it is engraved in ... A: That instrument is certainly considered a very "collectible" item. The early New York Bachs are ... | |
| what and how to buy a trumpet | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: Rented a King 600 Trumpet for son to play in Middle school band for a year, interested in buying a ... A: The King is a good instrument if your son is just beginning to develop as a player but if he ... | |
| what and how to buy a trumpet | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: Rented a King 600 Trumpet for son to play in Middle school band for a year, interested in buying a ... A: The best bet is a Bach Stradivarius model 37 in medium large bore. ML is the standard model 180-37. ... | |
| Frank Holton & Co. Vintage Trumpet | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: I have a Frank Holton & Company trumpet or bugle made in Elkhorn Wisconsin that I am trying to find ... A: I don't know if Holton serial number listings would provide an accurate date for this instrument but ... | |
| trumpet identification | 5/29/2009 |
| Q: My trumpet was purchased at an estate sale over 20 years ago. It is silver and reads, "Designed by ... A: It would be most commonly known by the "Bundy" brand name which is produced by the Selmer ... | |
| bach strad trumpet | 5/26/2009 |
| Q: I am looking at a bach trumpet model TRSOL 100 for my son. It is engraved Bach Soloist ... A: Sorry for the change but info on this has been hard to find. My sources originally said it is a ... | |
| bach strad trumpet | 5/25/2009 |
| Q: I am looking at a bach trumpet model TRSOL 100 for my son. It is engraved Bach Soloist ... A: The TRSOL is really just a TR300 with some cosmetic changes like some added gold plating. It is not ... | |
| Buying a trumpet | 5/17/2009 |
| Q: My 11 year old daugter has been playing the cornet for about 10 months. We have been renting a used ... A: 10 months of playing and age 11 is not really a long enough time to really evaluate a students ... | |
| Frank Holton Cornet | 5/14/2009 |
| Q: I have a two part question. First I have a Frank Holton cornet serial #19537 & was wondering if you ... A: Based on published lists that serial would have been made in late 1912 or early 1913. The u-shaped ... | |
| Information on Purchasing a BbTrumpet | 5/10/2009 |
| Q: My son is a freshman in high school and plays the trumpet in band. We purchased a trumpet from ... A: Yes it would probably be a good buy. A quality make even in less than perfect condition is much more ... | |
| value of old King Trumpet | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: I have the serial number. How/where can I find the value? A: Value is subject to too many variables to be able to very accurately estimate. You can see what ... | |
| vincent bach trumpet | 4/18/2009 |
| Q: My dads aquired some instruments and ive recently been reseaching up old horns that he has ... A: Do a search for a Bach serial number list and then check it for the year of manufacture. Everything ... | |
| Bach Mercedes | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: I'm 18 and play an old, silver Bach Mercedes. My dad played it in high school. Although in excellent ... A: Depending on the condition it could be worth anywhere from $50 to $250. Have you begun consideration ... | |
| trumpet playing | 3/17/2009 |
| Q: If you're breathing through your nose when playing what does it sound like? I noticed that it ... A: This is an unusual question but if you are really exhaling through your nose while you are ... | |
| French Horn valves stuck | 3/9/2009 |
| Q: I just bought a french horn and the valves are locked. Is this something that I can remedy myself ... A: The answer depends on what the cause of the sticking is. Generally when all are stuck, it is simply ... | |
| Faster Valve Springs | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: It may not be absolutely necessary, but for the past 6 months or so I've been interested in getting ... A: What model is the trumpet and what is the serial number? We can use that information to find the ... | |
| B Flat Major scale | 2/28/2009 |
| Q: what is the B Flat scale for trumpet A: B flat Major is Bb,C,D, Eb,F,G,A,Bb but if your teacher/director is talking about Bb CONCERT Major ... | |
| Daughter's Trumpet | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: My 12 year old daughter is very curious as to how much longer her trumpet has been on this earth ... A: From what I can gather so far, I would guess that the instrument dates from about 1968. The King ... | |
| the trumpet's name | 2/24/2009 |
| Q: How did the trumpet get it's name? A: Most directly from the Old french word trompette a diminuitive form of trompe and trumpe from old ... | |
| Trumpet Mouthpiece Selection | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: I have played B flat trumpet for many years. I am presently using a 3C mouthpiece which is a big ... A: In what way did the 3C make an improvement for you? I suspect it helped your overall tone quality ... | |
| Lip pressure while playing trumpet | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: my name is Gregory. I've been playing the trumpet for a while, and for the majority of that time I ... A: The best thing you can do is find a good teacher! However, I know that is not always possible or ... | |
| Lip pressure while playing trumpet | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: my name is Gregory. I've been playing the trumpet for a while, and for the majority of that time I ... A: I need a lot more information to be able to answer your question. First, how long have you been ... | |
| trumpet | 2/18/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know the date of my husbands trumpet. Also, what would be a good selling price for ... A: The trumpet dates from approximzately 1976. The ML stands for medium-large indicating the bore size ... | |
| Trumpet coloring | 2/16/2009 |
| Q: Im new to owning a trumpet. I bought it to play for fun and recreation and i just wanted to know if ... A: Usually only trumpets of rather inferior quality come in a finish of other than lacquered polished ... | |
| value and repair | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: I HAVE A FRANK HOLTON TRUMPET WITH A SERIAL NUMBER OF 88995 ON THE SIDE OF THE SECOND VALVE. ON THE ... A: According to the lists I have seen, that serial would have been manufactured in 1925. I could not ... | |
| Recruiting new trumpeter | 2/11/2009 |
| Q: As stated in the subject, my elementary school band is recruiting new trumpet players who have no ... A: NO. There is no advantage in attempting to select individuals for any particular instrument based on ... | |
| holton collegiate cornet | 2/5/2009 |
| Q: my son was givin this cornet by my uncle it belonged to my cousin who was killed in a car wreck ... A: Red rot can refer either to a condition in which the zinc gradually is removed from the brass ... | |
| holton collegiate cornet | 2/5/2009 |
| Q: my son was givin this cornet by my uncle it belonged to my cousin who was killed in a car wreck ... A: According to serial number records the instrument would have been produced in 1956. The Collegiate ... | |
| trumpet | 1/27/2009 |
| Q: sir i have a 15yr old son whom is a freshman in high school. he currently plays on a king student ... A: There are many possible causes for the headaches and without seeing your son play I can only guess ... | |
| King Silver Flair Trumpet | 1/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a damaged 3rd valve slide. .462 bore. Are replacements slides available anywhere? A: Since the trumpet is still in production, an authorized dealeer would be able to get the part but ... | |
| Reynolds Cornet | 1/22/2009 |
| Q: I have an older Reynolds cornet the CR58 model with a serial number that starts with 101xxx i was ... A: Any instrument, especially if in working condition is worth something. Although I am not familiar ... | |
| Martin 1919 Trumpet | 1/17/2009 |
| Q: Can you tell me anything about Martin trumpets manufactured in 1919? A: Very little other than they were in business well before that and had a reputation for quality in ... | |
| Antoine Courtois Paris 70ies brevete flugelhorn | 1/16/2009 |
| Q: I have seen the above flugelhorn advertised. It is '70's vintage and is supposed to be similar to ... A: It really comes down to what you can afford at this point. If you don't have the financial backing ... | |
| Antoine Courtois Paris 70ies brevete flugelhorn | 1/15/2009 |
| Q: I have seen the above flugelhorn advertised. It is '70's vintage and is supposed to be similar to ... A: Because the taper of the receiver is a little different on older french flugels, standard or modern ... | |
| Getzen 770SP Select trumpet | 1/11/2009 |
| Q: What do you think of and what do you know about the Getzen 770SP Select trumpet that the Sam Ash ... A: It seems to be getting excellent reviews although I have not personaly played one. I was recently ... | |
| Trumpet question | 1/10/2009 |
| Q: I play trumpet. I can play the "G",the note right above the "F", but I just cannot seem to play any ... A: First ask your teacher to check your embouchure to make sure you are setting your lips correctly ... | |
| old silver trumpet | 1/7/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to find out something about an old trumpet that belongs to a friend it is a dearman ... A: K. They were known more for their woodwinds especially saxophones but have been reported to have ... | |
| Trumpet question | 12/19/2008 |
| Q: I play trumpet. I can play the "G",the note right above the "F", but I just cannot seem to play any ... A: First of all, don't worry about the mouthpiece just yet. The most important thing is that you are ... | |
Trumpet
Answers by Expert:
Jack D. Dusek
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Any and all questions on trumpet, cornet, flugelhorn, performance and teaching. Please don't ask for an email appraisal of a particular instrument. I need to see, touch, and PLAY a horn before I can offer an OPINION of its value.
Experience
37 years playing, conducting, and teaching experience with elementary, high school, college, professional and military bands. Musical Theatre experience includes Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, The Wiz, Once Upon a Mattress, and Guys and Dolls.
Organizations
Member National Concert Band of America, Associate Conductor Kings Park Concert Band, Conductor Alexandria Citizens Band, Member 380th Army Band (U.S. Army Reserve)
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Music Education in Instrumental Music, minor in Trumpet Performance, Chicago School for the Performing Arts (formerly Chicago Musical College) of Roosevelt University, Chicago. Studied trumpet with Tom Crown of the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra (and Tom Crown Mutes, Inc.)
Awards and Honors
Chicago All-City High School Band. Chicago All-City High School Orchestra.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.