THE TOP FIVE STUDENT TRUMPETS OF ALL TIME

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.

CONN "SHOOTING STARS" DIRECTOR TRUMPET

The "Shooting Star" is the unofficial name of the  early Conn Director trumpets .  These were built between  the early fifties to 1970. The trumpets derive their name from a series of stars which are engraved along on the main tube, near the bell. The trumpets from the 50's, with the diagonal braces, are a little more desirable than the sixties model. The early models seem to respond better and project better, although the sixties models are decent too. The valves are a little noisy.... but not under pressure. They project a warm, mellow tone. Not the bite or the edge that an Olds Ambassador has..... but a smooth jazz or pop orchestra sound.

The Directors are built tough and will last for decades. The 14b and 18b are the corresponding model numbers for the Director series in the fifties. The 18b being made with a copper bell... giving it a darker more centered tone. The sixties model numbers changed to the 15b (brass) and the 17b (cooper).  These horns can be found in the range of 50.00 to 300.00 and offer a much better value than newer horns from china which can cost more. Most student horns were built with thicker skin... no exceptions here. This kept them from being dented easily by rambunctious students. Many players learned on these horns, with their 4 5/8 bell diameter bell and their free blowing ease of use, many more players will be weening their lips on these trumpets.

Here is a beautiful 14b 1956 model in excellent shape for sale here .

1956 KING SUPERIOR CORNET

This Vintage Cornet is an intermediate instrument built by the famous H. N. White King Company. This horn has some tarnish but is relative ding free. Comes with the original case and a cornet mouthpiece. These horns are known for  their mellow tone. They're free blowing and are sought after from vintage collectors. They intonation is a little tricky on these old gems. But once your there... wow! The King company killed off the "Superior" brand in 64'. This cornet sales for $179.00 with free shipping. This lightweight beauty has excellent valves... slots very well.

1925 Conn New York Symphony 22b Silver Plated Trumpet

When buying a vintage trumpet, trumpets built before 1970, like the venerable 1925 New York Conn  (picture) $599.00 . We also have brands like Selmer, Bach, Holton, Yamaha, Bundy, King, Getzen, or an Olds. Please visit my vintage trumpet store.

TRUMPET BUYER'S GUIDE

When choosing a trumpet, it's always best to spend the "extra" because there's such a fine line between making attractive tones and tones that will make your dog leave home for good. This article is meant to simplify your purchase, by giving you information that I have gained in the thirty years of selling brass instruments.

So lets get started, all trumpets are not made equally. In general, American built trumpets are the ones to stick with. Yes, we still make the best instruments here! The Olds Ambassador is considered the best student trumpet ever made. They have the best valves in the industry... built like tanks, these work horses are still being played by pros today. The Ambassadors were discontinued in 79'. The quality control decreased after 70' to 72'. The Ambassadors built between 54" and 70', the ZIg Kanstul era, are very fine horns. And lastly, the first run of Ambassadors, built in the Los Angeles factory from 47 to 54', are considered prized possessions. These horns were built on the original lathe that F.E Olds built his business with. The other Olds professional models like the Super, Recording, Mendez were built on this same bell mandrel at the time. With a little searching, an Ambassadors can be purchased from 50 to 500 dollars, depending on the general shape and finish.

When choosing a use trumpet one must understand a few basics. The horns built before 1970 are considered "vintage trumpets ". These horns were produced with a smaller bore, which gives them a sweeter tone. The larger bore instruments will blow easier... but the tone suffers a little. A student horn has thicker skin than a pro model. Most student trumpets have more dings and scratches versus the pro horns... serious musicians take care of their instruments. In general, small dings and scratches do not effect the sound or playability. The thicker brass on the student horns produce a darker sound, where as a thinner pro model will be a bit brighter and project better. Also keep in mind that a silver finished instrument (nickel) will have a brighter sound. SIlver finished instruments will cost between 50.00 and 200.00 more than a brass finish.

Most American horns built after 70' are built pretty well, but as a rule, the craftsmanship is not quite as good as a vintage trumpet. With advances in technology, like anything, comes some good and bad. But brands like Conn, Bach, Holton, King, Blessing, Besson, and Getzen are the names that will serve you well. Also, the Japan built Yamaha is also a fine instrument. I also like the Taiwan built Jupiter brand. These above mentioned instruments can be purchase new from 700.00 to 2500.00 depending on the model. Depending on your battering skills, used models will cost between 75.00 and 1500.00. Generally, a good used one can be had for 150 to 350 dollars. Good luck and thanks for visiting my site.

 For A FREE RINGTONE of "when the saints go marching in", played solo on a 48' Olds Ambassador trumpet in high speed chipmunk form, go here . Or for the straight combo version, try this one . 

You can also download my "Hello Dolly" ringtone here . Played with a 51' LA olds Ambassador.

Please feel free to contact me at oldskool_trp@yahoo.com to discuss business. Thx