My son is a 5th grader and just started to play trumpet this year. Renting a Bach Aristocrat TR600 and now thinking about purchasing a trumpet instead of renting. Any feedback on this model? I guess reading online reviews, I would consider getting a used Bach TR200 or Strad 37 on Ebay, but not sure how reliable these purchases are. I guess the bottom line question is this: What model would be appropriate for the beginner trumpet player... at least to last him 3-4 years? thanks for any feedback.

don't get a tr200 they really are not very good. a Strad 37 is a proffessional trumpet. i don't know how much you are willing to spend but a stad 37 is about 1,800-1,900 new. i bought my strad off ebay for 700, used. a strad will last him right trough high school and beyond. if you don't know if he will stick with trumpet that long, you could purchase a getzen eterna 700 off ebay or a yamaha 2335 or 2320. if you do buy a strad and your son does not continue band, you can sell it for about the same price you bought it for.

ok, cinsidering he is in 5th grade, i wouldnt suggest a Stradivarius. It takes a LOT, and i mean a LOT of air to successfully play that horn, and that's not good to put on him until he has a few years.
TRy a King Silver Flair.
For it's money, its worth it.

Find a trumpet professor, and ask his opinion.

bach strads cost a pretty good chunk of change and you should wait until your sons in high school before you get him a pro horn.get a King or a Yamaha student trumpet.*_*

My mother bought me a gezten eterna 2 and she bought it for me in 1993 and it has lasted this long and still working beautifully. But you have to take really good care of it. now I know she payed $1400.00 for it and its a professional model. I will tell you that student brass trumpets no matter what brand are junk. I started playing in 1989 and I went through three brass student horns for I was in 8th grade in 93. A silver professional model is the way to go. You can go to http://www.getzen.com/trumpet/
and they will have some trumpets for you to look at.