Ok, I have a budget of about £1000 (around $1880) and I am looking for a new horn. I play in lots of different bands and need a real good all rounder. Bands include Big-Band Jazz, Jazz Quintet, Concert Wind Ensemble and most importantly a "rock" band about to get a record deal. I play 1st part in all bands, and am the only horn player in the rock band. If anyone can give me a little push in the right direction that would be great.

I think the yamaha xeon artist series in a nice horn..... but hey I really don`t know much, but this horn is large bore and is made of a heaver material so it puts out a rich sound.... good luck find`n one

I think the new Yamaha Xeno is probably the best horn for all around use like what you want. It can play classical and lead with the same ease, and is one of the highest quality horns on the market.

The xeno is a good quality horn.

Check out http://iwasdoingallright.com/

Somewhere on there he did a comparison of a xeno, a getzen 900 and something else. The verdict from posters was the xeno has a nice cutting jazzy sound, but the 900 had better tone. I personally have a 900s and I honestly think it is the best horn I`ve ever had in my presence. Go read peoples reviews of the horns at music123.com, they are very helpful.

Getzen is also a very nice horn. I would take a serious look at both the Yamaha and the Getzen, as well as whatever else you can get your hands on.

About three years ago I was in the same position and took advice from my local specialist brass retailer, Dean Pelling in Bexhill, East Sussex
www.deanpelling.co.uk
The result was that, although virtually everyone else in the various bands I play in had a Bach Strad., I purchased a B&S Challenger 2 for £750 (as I said, this was about three years ago). I haven`t looked back and enjoy playing it; it is a virtual copy of a Strad but at 1/2 the price. I use it for concert band, trad jazz, dance band. Just make sure you get a decent mouthpiece as well!

too bad you`re not in oakland ca. they have new getzen for 695, intermediate

i got one. it`s good i could play high g`s in two days

$695