Buying a trumpet
You finally set eyes on that shiny little thing hanging on the wall of the shop. You know the one. You’ve been low-key stalking it on the internet for a while. The light from the fluorescent tubes overhead catches the bell just right. It starts with a few casual licks. The air is thick with the heady fumes of petroleum and silver polish. You’ve only just met, but you’re swept up in the whirlwind. Before you know it, your bank account is a few grand lighter and it’s riding home in the back seat of your car. The next morning, you enjoy a lazy breakfast, buzz a little, then go back for round two. Something isn’t right. The spark is gone, and it feels nothing like it did yesterday. What have you done?
Trumpet shopping is overwhelming. A Google search doesn’t help. The internet is a Mariana Trench of options and arguments that strike fear and doubt into students and seasoned professionals alike.
Why shouldn’t I add to the pile?
Before making any moves, make sure the seller has a comprehensive return policy. Never purchase an instrument from anyone who won’t allow you to return it for any reason within a fair trial window. With all new equipment, expect a "honeymoon period" of two weeks, give or take.
Regardless of your level, ask a trusted, trained set of ears to listen before pulling out your wallet. Pay them or take them out for a beverage. The sound you hear behind the instrument will be different from the sound your audience hears in front of it, and objective input is valuable.
If you're a beginner or an intermediate player, ask a teacher or pro to test the trumpet with you so they can check for things you might not be able to do yet. This ensures the instrument won’t hold you back as you improve.
Play it before you buy it. Here’s my personal checklist:
Tone. Will it meet your needs? Will you be playing almost exclusively one style, or do you need something versatile? If you play with a group, will it blend or stick out? How dark or bright is it compared to the tone you want? Do you have to play uncomfortably to make it sound right, or does it "just work"?
Intonation. Is it in tune with itself across all registers? Does it play well in tune with someone else? Can you bend pitches to adjust easily, or does each partial feel immovable?
Ease. Is it free-blowing without getting squirrelly? How large is the bore? Will you be gassed after an hour? How's the flexibility? Can you move between registers easily?
Dynamics. In all registers, how softly can you play before losing it? How loudly can you play before it cracks? Does it stay in tune at all volumes? Does it maintain its tone?
Response. In all registers and at all volumes, how long does it take for the note to start when tonguing hard? Tonguing soft? Air attacks? Can you get a clear, fast double/triple tongue out of it?
Condition. Was it made by a reputable manufacturer? How old is it? Does every tuning slide and cap move well? Can the valves move faster than your fingers? If it’s used, when was it last professionally cleaned? Is there a written repair record? Any visible damage? Red rot? Does it smell funny?
Make sure your new friend meets your needs and will stick with you for the long haul. A favorite decision-making mantra of mine comes from Derek Sivers: “Hell yeah or no?"
Your gut is usually right.
