Junior High Band (Trumpet)

[bubs_42]

Guys, my youngest out of the blue decided to join band mid year. The school doesn’t have any Trumpets, but that is the instrument she was assigned. I have no interested in the rental game, I just want to buy one. Does anyone have experience with Trumpets? I looked at Music Go Round and they have a ton of cheap trumpets, just looking for a little guidance before I just jump on one.  

[Hbom]

It's been too long for me to answer this accurately. You are right about the huge number of trumpets out there now days. And I don't know most of them.

Any chance you could talk to the band director and get an idea of what they expect from a new student? Might even tell you exactly what they think would be best.

Better yet, could your daughter talk to some of the band members and get an idea of what they are using? Showing up mid-term with a pos that other students laugh at or a $2500 Bach that she can't play, may do her more harm than good. She wants to do well and have fun. So fitting in will do more to encourage her to practice than knowing she has the best horn in the band.

Try to buy from a local music store if you can. Music Zoo and other online stores usually won't give the attention a small local store can offer to new players. Local shops usually offer lessons that might help her catch up too.

Here's a guy you might contact. I'm not sure how close he is too you, so may not be a good place to buy, but he might be able to give some advice.

Reconditioned Yamaha, King, Conn, Jupiter and Bach Trumpets - musical instruments - by owner - sale - craigslist

Sorry I can't help more than that, I've been away too long. 

Last thought. Trumpet is a brass instrument. PLEASE don't send her to school with some plastic imitation from Amazon. 

D.

[HamerCustomEr]

I teach Band at an elementary school, and you absolutely cannot go wrong with Yamaha.  You can get a great deal on an older one made in Japan:  the trumpets have great longevity, and they are very reliable.  You can take your new purchase to your local music store for an ultrasonic cleaning if necessary, or you can rent to own if you prefer to play it safe.  Please stay away from the Chinese and no-name brands.  With trumpets, you get what you pay for:  there is no sense in buying a crap instrument.  It will just be frustrating for the player.

[mathman]

Rental is usually a good thing by reputable shops.   Unless you want to have your kids decide how to get rid of it once you are gone....😄

[ZR]

I played trumpet starting in the third grade, but I always got more chicks playing guitar!

Anyway, the posts above had great info. Because of her situation where they're basically assigning her an instrument based on their needs and possibly not necessarily the one of her dreams, I would suggest renting for at least this last half of the year. Once she's involved she may hate it and want to play something else. Or, love it and then you buy her one. Just, IMHO.

Once she's around all the other instruments and/or gets to know others playing different things she may want to switch. Seems like different personalities gravitated towards different sections of the band. Seems like most drummers tended to be extroverted, the flute players were quiet girls and our trumpet section was made up of guys who all had 12" cocks, but were also known to all be liars! 😜 😃

Edited December 25, 2024 by ZR
Attempt at humor...

[mathman]

The beginning of ZR's post was full of great info, and the ending was full of shit....  😇😀😃