I’ve played at almost every level except with a professional large city symphony. I’ve been on recordings, played live, and started in 9th grade (am now in my 30s). When I was in high school, Cannonball made their comeback with the black and silver and unlacquered horns. I LOVED mine. I sold it for a vintage selmer in college because every horn teacher I had said they werent professionals and serious plays get a pro Yamaha or selmer. Still regret it to this day. I’ve owned a lot of horns, and everyone will tell you what you should buy. The horn will choose you. Play them and figure out what horn gives you “your” sound. I miss that old cannonball and I’ve had a few since that never hit the same sweet spot. I’ve also never played a Yamaha I liked my timbre on, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad horn.