What brand instrument should you play?
All of them.
Actually, this is not as simple of a question as it sounds.
Beginning brass players need not fret though. Most brands that are easily accessible these days are fine for most students. If you are simply here for some suggestions, feel free to skip to the section labeled “BEGINNERS”.
For more advanced players, this question is more subjective. And trying more models will lead you to discovering your preferences.
EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT
Being a bit of a gear-head (instruments, mouthpieces, computers, speakers, tools….), I am easily lulled into a conversation on instrument preferences. I remember talking with a friend who said his college professor’s recommendations changed whenever his endorsements changed. In high school I was told I needed a Bach Strad trombone. In college everyone aspired to an Edwards trombone, and a few years later a Shires. Oh! Also be on the look for a vintage Conn 88H (certain years excluded) and perhaps a King 3B.
All of the above are great brands / models and there are many others. I’ve played them all and owned a few of the brands I mentioned. Each is a bit different. I’ve always tried to tell my students to play what works for them, feels comfortable and sounds good. (And in some cases, you just have to play what is available.)
We have chosen (fallen into?) an instrument family where everyone’s different physiology means one setup won’t work for everybody. A lot of coordination of different systems of muscles / organs goes into playing a brass instrument. The longer you play, the more you realize how these systems work together.
The same is true of our instruments themselves. Sometimes seemingly minor changes can make an instrument change how it plays. Get a dent in your trumpet lead pipe or trombone slide and see how fun that is. (It’s not. Don’t do it). Other times, a seemingly big change doesn’t have the major impact we thought it would. (I’ve played a trombone where the bell was crushed from bad shipping and ….. it responded surprisingly well. The slide was another story.) The internal shape of the instrument, bore size, mouthpiece selection, lead pipe construction, etc… can all affect changes in response to the player and sound to the listener.
When choosing an instrument, seek the counsel of an experienced teacher / player of your instrument. You will likely find many recommendations. Be wary of any suggestion that you MUST get X brand. Again, everyone is unique!
BEGINNERS
Young / beginning players have a lot of choices for brands that will respond well. The main concern is stable construction to enable a stable tone. Some “student models” might have sturdier materials and construction to enable the instrument to take a little more abuse. A quality used instrument is sometimes a great choice for beginning band students. If the student is absolutely serious from the start, a better quality might be an option, but a qualified private instructor is an even better investment.
The list of reputable brands that make student brass instruments is quite extensive (no particular order and not exhaustive):
- Bach
- King
- Conn
- Yamaha
- Jupiter
- Holton (step-up & professional French Horns)
- Besson
- Eastman
- Giardinelli (Music & Arts brand, made by Eastman, designed by Shires)
- Blessing
- Getzen
There are even more defunct brands that made great instruments still available used. Sometimes a professional model can even be found used for the price of a new student instrument. (This list is not exhaustive)
- Olds (Ambassador student model and Special intermediate model)
- Holton (Collegiate trumpets and trombones) — technically not defunct. Conn-Selmer only makes French Horns, Baritones, Euphoniums, and Tubas under this label now.
- Reynolds
- Besson — again, not defunct. But there are some discontinued models that have a great reputation. Some student models made by Kanstul.
- Kanstul — may be harder to find on the East Coast
- Selmer — another Conn-Selmer brand now specializing in woodwinds
- Benge — trumpets and trombones
- Martin — trumpets and trombones
- York
- King’s Cleveland brand
Most of all take care of the instrument you get / have and PRACTICE!
INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED PLAYERS
Intermediate and advancing players will begin to recognize how different instruments respond for them and are expected to be able to have more input into the instrument selection. Many brands offer so many customizable options that your optimal “feel” and sound ideal has never been more attainable! I’ve had instruments that I love to play not work at all for some of my advanced students! And vice versa. Sometimes an advanced student might get more improvement in sound and response out of finding a mouthpiece that works better for them!
I’m not making a list for this section, yet. There are even more custom brands that specialize in specific instruments of the brass family
Look for future posts with various recommendations for beginning and advanced players as well as instrument maintenance and mouthpiece selection.