Hi I have been playing trumpet for about 6 years now. I am interested in getting a new horn. I had a Holton Student model. I have been using my directors Benge and i love its tone and am thinking about getting one for my birthday. Anyone know of a retailer for Benge Trumpets or any recommendations. Thanks.

Satchmo -

Don`t buy a Benge. Period. If your director`s Benge plays well, it`s probably on the older side when they were being made by Besson.

If you`re going to get a horn, look the Bach Stradivarius 180-37ML, and the Yamaha Zeno. They`re both great horns, though I`m a fan of the Stradivarius over the Zeno.

Great places to find these:

www.wwbw.com
www.dillonmusic.com
www.ardsleymusic.com (Bach only - $1299)

Good luck and email me if you have questions about particular horns. Don`t be afraid of eBay either.

Cheers!
Aaron

Thanks. My directors horn is like 20 years old. Still has the trigger slide on it. I have heard bad stuff about the new benge trumpets. I like stuff with a large Bore.

Actually, I have the Yamaha Zeno, and I even prefer it above the Strad 180. I suppose it`s all in the individual embochure, but the tone is more crisp and clean in the Zeno. Personal opinion, but they are both great instruments and similar in price. Agree on the Benge. Used to be GREAT horns back in the 50`s and 60`s. Even the early `70`s, but leave `em alone after that.

If you give me a yamaha i would break it. I cant stand those horns. Heavy, crappy tone, break every time i play the.

Ya, that`s because you are a drummer and you like to beat things instead of actually play music. Yamahas are great horns.

Quillipern -

You don`t actually mean that? Percussionists make as much if not more music out of what they play then anyone else I can think of. If you don`t think so, take some time to listen to some of the great drummers...

Open your mind,
Aaron Norlund

Hey, i just got the bach stradivarius model 43 (like 37 but a brighter tone due to larger bell) Theyre awsome!!!!! i got mine from ebay, slightly used for 900 dollars and that included a case and mouthpiece just if u buy off ebay make sure theres a return policy (not many have it, it took me 2 months to find the perfect one) AND make sure theyre feedback is high, anything below 90% and they might be cheating you

I hope this helped, you WILL love your strad
Zack

I purchased a Benge for my son when he was in the school orchestra and band and he hasn`t used it in about 22 years. He would like to sell. It was bought new in a New York City music store (can`t remember the name) and has a hard case. It has 3 mutes, and mouthpiece. One valve is kind of sticky and probably needs a drop of oil. He only used it for 2 years. The marking on it reads Resno-Tempered 3 Custom Built E-Benge Los Angeles, Calif. essie123@hotmail.com

The yamaha XENO, is a very excellent horn.
But so is the Bach Stradivarius.
I have each in C`s and Bb`s and love them all.
The cool thing though about The Xeno`s are that if you take your time to find one, yamaa has tis really cool guy in Grand Rapids, Michigan named Bob Malone. Who customizes horns, very awesome guy, but he is very busy. Currently wating for him to be not busy so he can tweak on the new yamaha Xeno C that i just purchased...which i s a fantastic horn.. but i have been looking for it for 2 years...
If your going to buy a Bach Strad, dont just take a ordinary one...the ones with gold bells are very good and try to get a vintage or anniversay edition. Inwhcih you can send to Laskey for valve alignment and Rayburn for an up graded leadpipe and etc.
Just thoughts to keep in mind.
Paul

Sure, modifications are nice, but these are instuments and not cars. Part of being a musician is transcending the limitations of the instrument.

yeah i got a Benge. It was 400 bucks and is awesome. I am going to get it serviced cause it is like 30 years old. get some small dents taken out and my name etched into the bell. only if that doesnt effect it. I think i will paint my old Holton. School colors Green and Gold.