Too old? Too poor?

Guest · Too old? Too poor?

I want to play the trumpet. Okay I know I'll never be Armstrong or Diz, but I'd really love to eventually be able to knock out a recognisable tune.
Two worries:
1. Am I too old? I'm 36.
2. Can I afford it? Disposable income isn't a luxury I have much of. Maybe after I fall thoroughly in love with the instrument, I'll get a second job to buy a good one, but right now I simply can't afford that. I know a lot of people say 'If you make the investment, you won't regret it' but the straight-up is I don't have the dough to make the investment. Do you have to be semi-wealthy to consider learning this intrument?

david johnson

not near too old. Very Happy

don't worry about wealth.
how much do you want to spend?

my advice is -

decide if you want trumpet or cornet
then get an average-size mouthpiece for the instrument and a beginner method book (the mouthpiece shanks are not interchangeable) the old standby bach 7c is the same on the business end regardless of cornet or trumpet, but they only fit into what they're made for...cornet or trumpet.
start buzzing exercises with the mouthpiece as you start reading the easy music
by the time you get an axe, you'll already be in shape for decent tone production
you'll have more success by learning playing/reading fundamentals first and then working on the tunes you want to learn (which won't be in the beginner book)...if you can't play 'mary had a little lamb', you'll not be doing 'salt peanuts' anytime soon Very Happy

there are many good brands to consider, everyone here will have a favorite -
look for: king, bundy, yamaha, jupiter, bach, conn, olds, selmer, reynolds, holton, martin (i put in some older brands because i figure you might check a pawn shop some time).

since you're a newbie, the safest thing to do would be to find the closest reliable band instrument repairman and see if he's got anything inexpensive for sale and/or a band instrument store.

check the market place here on trumpet chat

go here and contact david puckett. tell him exactly what you need -

http://www.arschoolband.com/retai...=XP9DFMX0NT6U9LKS99N8BVS2U2Q6B8W4

good luck.

dj

HarryMarks

No one is ever too old to learn anything. It may take more time to master a new skill and trumpet playing is a learned skill.

As David Johnsoln replied, there are many decent used instruments available. I would stick to the list he gave and start looking at Ebay or local pawn shops and music stores who have a rental program.

I find that cornets are usually cheaper than trumpets because miost kids insist on playing trumpet. Therefore, the used cornets tend to sell for less. I have purchased several for less than $100 that I have donated to schools.

I also find that the cornet is easier to start playing on for some reason.

If you have the desire, then fiind a way to fund your dream.

Guest

david johnson

nothing showed for me at the link.

if it's schilke (that exact spelling) it's good equipment.

http://www.schilkemusic.com/

dj

Guest

I think it's called a Schill. It's cheap, the Buy it Now prioce is only $130. Smile

TIMBERLINE

Stay away from the low priced, odd named instruments on ebay. As a rule there is a reason why they are so cheap. They are usually poorly made using low quality materials. That will leave the instrument sounding very bad tone wise and it will not play in tune with itself, much less any other instrument that you may eventually end up playing along with.

The best bet is to buy from a reputable music store or perhaps a local musician who may have a spare instrument they may be willing to part with fairly cheaply. You may even be able to set up some occasional lessons to keep your progress heading in the right direction.

david johnson

Guest

qwerty

I have joined. Smile

qwerty

I must also tell you that I have some prior musical knowledge, as I played the clarinet when I was in grade school. Will this possibly help me in learning the trumpet, or cornet?

OLDLOU · Prior musical training and experience

Of course your prior training on the clarinet will be immensely helpful. You learned the skills of attack, production and recognition of a good tone, the language of music, what each type of note looks like, time signature, key signature, and a host of other things that you 'should have 'learned.

Go for it!!!!

Too old? Too poor?

Prior musical training and experience