Hey, I've been playing trumpet for about 4 years now, and I'm pretty good for my experience. I've also had a Jupiter Intermediate model for about 2 years and I'm really ready for a pro model (not Jupiter!). The 2 I'm trying to decide between are a Yamaha Xeno and a Yamaha Mike Vax. I have played both and in my opinion, the Xeno cannot even compare to the Mike Vax. The Xeno, however is supposedly a better trumpet, and is $600 more. The only thing that prevents me from getting the Vax is that it shouldn't be as good as the Xeno, but like I said, it seems better to me. Any advice?

Go with the one you like better. The Xeno has a great reputation as a dark, heavy classical horn...and is truely a great trumpet. I haven't played on the Mike Vax horn, but I'm assuming it's a lightwieght jazz model...as that's mainly what he does. If it feels better to you, then go for it, and save yourself $600. I had a similar desicision to make when I bought my professional model. I was stuck between the Xeno and the Bobby Shew horn. I decided that I prefer the lightweight horn, and raised a better sound from the instrument (and I haven't once regretted that decision). Go with your favorite is my advice. Good Luck

How does the Bobby Shew play? I'm considering that one too but I haven't found a place to play it.

I have been playing for 5 years and I now have a Bach Stradivarius, and o my gosh! can it play so amazingly well! Of course, it's $2100.00, which i'm still paying on.

Jupiter is a great trumpet it you dont have music where you're consistently playing higher than a single-high f.

Jupiters are horrible. I have one right now, and thats partially why Im trying to get a new one

The Bobby Shewhorn is absolutely great. It's a lightweight jazz horn that just sizzles in the upper register. Great for playing in a jazz band, and even for lead playing. I love the response I get out of the horn, and is in my opinion, far better than the Xeno. Anyways, ya, great horn. Check it out.

Play the horns before you buy. Do Not Look At Price. If the horn feels good and you can do what you want on it then buy it. It really doesn't matter what horn you buy, as long as it works for you. Some people like Bach's, some Yamaha, some Getzen. What do you like is the question