Between the Strad and the Xeno, I would deffinatly say go with the Bach, the Xeno is a very good horn, but it`s made by Yamaha and I am not a fan of Yamaha at all. But really, I do think the Strad is a better horn, not just because of the brand, but it produces a better tone and centers on the pitch much easier than the Xeno. Although with the free blowing Xeno you can make a huge, fat sound on it.
Now if you want my true opinion, I would say to look into a Kanstul, its a smaller company, not many people have heard of them. But they make all their horns by hand in a factory in Aniheim, lots of the division 1 and 2 drum corps buy their whole brass line from Kanstul. The quality put into the materials to make them is outstanding, it gives the most resident(sp), fat, warmest, darkest, most beutiful tones you`ve ever heard. You`ll probly pay three or four hundred more than you would for the Strad or the Xeno, but it`s well worth it. Befor you buy anyother horn, you should atleast try a Kanstul, you`ll be amazed. www.kanstulmusic.com

Go with the xeno

The bach strad can have a stuffy sound compared to the xeno

Two words:Bach Stradivarius

The corp I was with is using xeno...the colts.........ahhh I love those horns!!!

I have both horns. The Xeno is good but it is still missing something. The Bach is the better horn. That Bach blow and sound are the industry standard. Resale on the Bach is much better also.

I have been looking long and hard and doing my homework on professional Bb and C trumpets. I own a Bach Bb and in my recent search for a C trumpet, ive play tested so many trumpets it s not funny. I found the xeno was so much easier and efortless to play, its overtone pattern more consistient and resonant from horn to horn and overall a better made instrument

Did you say that bach has the better resale? I have been told that the Xeno holds its value much better than the strad.

I have tested both side to side many times and can say that the xeno is a much better horn in terms of quality and playing ability. One down side is the xeno is a heavy weight horn and if you are buying used the xeno is hard to find.

YES DUDE.GO WITH THE XENO.

Well it all depends on your playing! I blow more air and i use alot of air pressure, so i would go with the Xeno! but everyone`s different! Also consider that Yamaha makes an extremely consistant product! Some strads are "duds". Check out both, which every you play better on, Buy!

That`s like asking "which are better, pears, or apples?" From what I`ve heard, yamaha has always been praised for it`s consistancy. Unlike Bach, who`s consistancy is horrible, Yamaha always seems to put out a well made horn. Yamahas also seem to lock into their pitches better and are sometimes easier to play than Bach instruments.

Yamaha is often criticized for their sound. Many people believe that Bach Trumpets provide a much bigger sound than yamaha trumpets. The hitch is finding a Bach that happened to come out well, as their consistancy is horrible. If you can find a good Bach, that`s always a great way to go.

Yamaha has come out with a new Orchestral C Trumpet, designed by John Hagstrom from the Chicago Symphony and one of Yamaha`s custom shop guys. Many people believe that this horn finally can compete with the great sound that Bach`s are known for.

So, if you want a sure bet that you`re buying a quality well made horn that is easy to play and sounds reasonably good, go Yamaha. If you want a horn with a great sound, spend the time and do the playing around to find the right Bach. Hope this helps.

I think a Strad is better because I have a Xeno and I think the Strads play better.

if u want a sound that has more core and character uhave to use a bach, there is nothing that comes close. the xeno is definitely more consistently in tune, and if i didn`t have the option of playtesting i`d buy a xeno.
Xeno`s are certainly easier to play straight off but the rewards are much greater on a reasonable bach. Also bachs can wear bumps better than yamahas precisely b/c yamahas are machined so well. Man i`ve stood on my trumpet (bach strad C)and it still works like a dream. and yes i did get it repaired

BACH STRAD BEATS THEM ALL...if you get a moldel 48.. (like me).. then you will have a reverse tuning slide and that makes it to where the air doesnt touch the horn until the very end of the lead pipe and makes for better tone. course u mostly determine your tone..not your horn


-joe