i'm about to enter college as a music major and i'm looking for a horn. i've talked to several horn players (including several college professors) and i've gotten several different opinions. some said don't buy conns, some said not to buy yamahas, some said don't buy holtons, and some said don't buy new horns at all. any advice?
Since you're going into college, I would say get a nice used horn and not spend as much. If it's used and in good condition that means that the person before you took care of it and it will work (or it means that it was a piece of crap and they put it in a closet as soon as they got it, but this is highly unlikely).
As for which used horn to buy, it's up to what you like.
Depending on what college you go to, they could have decent horns for you to use and you wouldn't even have to buy one until later when you knew more.
Which horn to buy.
I agree with Frederick. I have never purchased a 'new' horn, only used. And quite frankly, everyone I play with likes my horn better than theirs. (There is a whole diatribe about why you shouldn't buy a new horn but that is for another time) Save your money, try out used horns and buy the one you like.
My suggestions ::
If you are going to be a music major in education don't get a Conn 8D unless YOU really want it. I would suggest a Yamaha 667, or 668. or a Holton.
If you are going to be a performance major then consider the Conn, Yamaha 667V, 668, Hans Hoyer.
And then where are you going to college and who is the professor there? Have you picked a college? Will you be on the west coast or east coast?
