I've found a place that will consign my second horn so I can attempt to raise some funds for another horn. The second just was not exciting me and really not what I needed. I've tried some pretty low-end beat-up Scmidt wraps, but think I could afford a used CF Schmidt with what I'll be selling horn 2 for. I've heard they are great sounding but sell low because of the piston position, is that correct? The piston on the copies have not bothered me, so figure the CF Schmidt shouldn't either. Thoughts?

Your are correct. A lot of people stay away from the piston change valves. As a result of the lack of demand they do sell for less than they probably should. The piston change valve is wierd to me. I think people with shorter thumbs and smaller hands do better on them than those of us with longer thumbs.

I played a wonderful Schmidt just two weeks ago with a piston change valve. It's a different throw, but if you are comfortable with it they are really good horns.

That's good to hear. My thumb isn't short on my hand, but I've got what people refer to as "square" hands, so big palms, short fingers. In fact, not one of my fingers comes within an inch of the length of my palm. Thus, the long throw horns, most Kruspe wraps come to mind, are almost painful for me to finger. Old Holtons (even the Kruspe wraps) seem to throw shorter, and are perfect for me. I look forward to trying some Schmidts. Thanks.

phred, many people don't think about the thumb throw. A lot of kruspe wraps have a throw of about 7 or 8 mm on average. The old Elkhart Conns with the the trailer hitch mechanical change valves have a throw of as much as 15mm!. My Kratz has specially engineered thnumbs valves with a throw of 3mm.

On the schmidts to me the throw is almost more like a put my thumb under my 2nd finger and then push toward the pinky and away from the horn. I'm sure I could get used to it eventually. Heck, when a horn sounds good a horn sounds good.

John,
The other horn that interests me is the Alexander 102st, but I have yet to play an Alex. I hear they are great and that their compensating horns are some of the best. I recently got to play a Paxman, never had that pleasure before. Yee Gods! But about 4500 out of my price range.