First of all, I would like to clarify the term "student trumpet" so as to not to confuse the history buffs. The idea of a student trumpet came about during the late forties and early fifties when trumpet sales were heating up. The big bands and the jazz ensembles acts were everywhere at the time. The companies didn't want to build a "student horn", so as to tarnish their venerable reputations. So the idea sprang up that what was needed was a great playing, pro feeling and sounding horn which could stand more abuse, more wear. There were several great companies building horns at that time. But the F.E. Olds Company, under the leadership of Roth Reynolds, built The "Ambassador" trumpet, which was an immediate hit. So other companies started pricing a less expensive "pro" horn for the bulging demand that was coming. When word got out that these "student trumpets" were really good.... very close in quality to the pro trumpets of the day, sales boomed! Remember, a pro trumpet in the forties could cost as much as a car. So a horn that was within "reach" that could do the job was truly needed. But for the record book, the term "student trumpet" should be used lightly when discussing these well made horns. In reality, they're not that different from their sibling pro models.
So lets get started, the Olds Ambassador is without question the top student horn, the consensus is strong. With it's valve design and it's responsiveness and tone, the bullet proof Ambassador is at the top of the mountain. The number two, my dark horse, is the early Holton Collegiate trumpet, built before the Leblanc purchase in 64', these horns are all around great.... with a similar tone to the Ambassador (not quite as dark and edgy). These trumpets have excellent featherlight valves and are pleasure to play. Since Holton never really built a "student" horn, the Collegiate was their starting point.... it had thinner skin which helped it project some brighter tones. Sliding in third is the King 600 tempo series (UMI horns not included). The King does not rule all.. but these trumpet have a big beautiful sound with great valve action. A great all around horn, the responsiveness and tone of the king may be it's best attribute. Running a real tight fourth are the 2 series Yamaha trumpets, which came later in the cycle in 69'.... they're free blowing and responsive. These Yamahas have consistency issues with valves and the finishes become brittle over time.... but delivers as an instrument with it's tone and playability. Lastly, the Getzen is a nice free blowing horn that is similar to the Yamaha. In fact, they could be switched in order.... as the consensus of the Trumpet Herald forum would suggest. But I will go ahead and drop them a notch down because of the valve issues.... they're a little less reliable.
1) The Olds Ambassador
2) Holton Collegiate (early models 50's to 64' )
3) King 600 Tempo (60' to 65')
4) Yamaha YTR 2 series
5) Getzens 3, 5 series (capri)
I would like to mention that the Besson and Kanstul trumpets are close to the top also.... but because of their relationship and similarities to the Olds, I excluded them. But these companies are building the best "student horn" of the day. The starting line ups for the UMI brands of today, Bach, Holton, King and Conn are all good horns, but inconsistency issues still plague these companies... but improvements have been made since the late nineties.
So there it is, for all to ponder, digest and reject!
I'd like to thank the guys on the Trumpet Herald Forum for chiming in with their thoughts and filling in some blanks. I surely do appreciate it. Thx. Trumpet King
The Trumpet King Collection can be seen here, at my sister site on ebay.
So lets get started, the Olds Ambassador is without question the top student horn, the consensus is strong. With it's valve design and it's responsiveness and tone, the bullet proof Ambassador is at the top of the mountain. The number two, my dark horse, is the early Holton Collegiate trumpet, built before the Leblanc purchase in 64', these horns are all around great.... with a similar tone to the Ambassador (not quite as dark and edgy). These trumpets have excellent featherlight valves and are pleasure to play. Since Holton never really built a "student" horn, the Collegiate was their starting point.... it had thinner skin which helped it project some brighter tones. Sliding in third is the King 600 tempo series (UMI horns not included). The King does not rule all.. but these trumpet have a big beautiful sound with great valve action. A great all around horn, the responsiveness and tone of the king may be it's best attribute. Running a real tight fourth are the 2 series Yamaha trumpets, which came later in the cycle in 69'.... they're free blowing and responsive. These Yamahas have consistency issues with valves and the finishes become brittle over time.... but delivers as an instrument with it's tone and playability. Lastly, the Getzen is a nice free blowing horn that is similar to the Yamaha. In fact, they could be switched in order.... as the consensus of the Trumpet Herald forum would suggest. But I will go ahead and drop them a notch down because of the valve issues.... they're a little less reliable.
1) The Olds Ambassador
2) Holton Collegiate (early models 50's to 64' )
3) King 600 Tempo (60' to 65')
4) Yamaha YTR 2 series
5) Getzens 3, 5 series (capri)
I would like to mention that the Besson and Kanstul trumpets are close to the top also.... but because of their relationship and similarities to the Olds, I excluded them. But these companies are building the best "student horn" of the day. The starting line ups for the UMI brands of today, Bach, Holton, King and Conn are all good horns, but inconsistency issues still plague these companies... but improvements have been made since the late nineties.
So there it is, for all to ponder, digest and reject!
I'd like to thank the guys on the Trumpet Herald Forum for chiming in with their thoughts and filling in some blanks. I surely do appreciate it. Thx. Trumpet King
The Trumpet King Collection can be seen here, at my sister site on ebay.
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