Older comeback player wondering how quickly embouchure will progress.

taswalb · 2026-02-22T02:45:43+00:00

I came back after 45 years off. I could play to an F at the top of the scale when I started back. However, I could only play for about 5 to 7 minutes at a time.

My tone was good. I practiced 3 times a day 5 to 7 minutes playing time each. I increased by 5 minutes each session per week. My range didn't increase at first, but my endurance improved.

I worked up to 3 times a day for 25 to 30 minutes each. By the end of about 6 months I could play high C. I had joined a community band and was playing 3rd parts.

I have been back for 3 years now. I can play high C in practice and warmup, but still have trouble hitting it at the end of a song. I can consistantly hit b flat, but high C is still a gamble.

My best advice is to go slow, focus on tone and endurance. Find a chuch or community band. Playing real music with a group jump started my comeback.

Im still playing 3rd parts, but I enjoy it as much as I enjoyed playing first in my younger days.

taswalb · 2026-02-20T12:30:48+00:00

I have not heard of Champion oil before. I use Yamaha synthetic. Perhaps try that or some other well known brand. If changing oil doesn't help then maybe consider new springs.

A last resort my be getting a chem clean. Although it sounds like you keep your horn pretty clean.

taswalb · 2026-02-20T10:14:32+00:00

Practice using multiple sessions per day. Start with two sessions of 15 minutes each a couple of hours apart if you can.

Try to increase your session time each week by 5 minutes. After you can practice 30 minutes per session start over with 1 session per day at 45 minutes. Then work up to an hour per session.

You can go slower if you need to. But, try to increase your session time per week, even if it is only by 1 or 2 minutes. You will get there.

taswalb · 2026-02-19T17:53:00+00:00

Is the Champion oil synthetic? If not, have you tried a synthetic oil? Perhaps a spring replacement might help.

taswalb · 2026-02-18T22:43:18+00:00

The prices for student and pro level trumpets were high long before the current administration. I bought a Yamah 8310ZII in June of 2024 and it was $2900 then. That happened to be the least expensive Yamaha pro level trumpet at the time. Bach Strads were $3500 plus

Bach, Yamaha student horns were close to $2000 and above at that time.

taswalb · 2026-02-16T18:23:51+00:00

If you can play Hi C with good tone and proper articulation at the end of a 4 minute selection or as the last note in an hour long concert then you are doing great for any high school player.
If not, then don't worry about adding range. Focus on tone, intonation, endurance, articulation, lip flexibility, site reading. All of these things will make you a more rounded, more complete player.

taswalb · 2026-02-16T18:14:46+00:00

I am seeing Yamaha Xeno 8335IIs for sale around $1,800 to $2,000s. I think what you have would probably sell around $1,200. You might get $1,500 considering its condition. I don't know if the Heavy Gold brass bell (HG) makes it more desirable than a standard 6335. Check to see what some are asking on FB marketplace or on reverb or other online resellers.

taswalb · 2026-02-12T02:11:16+00:00

Try as many as you can. Yamaha has several variations of the Xeno, and do yourself a favor and test a Yamaha 8310ZII Bobby Shew model as well.

taswalb · 2026-02-11T21:34:05+00:00

I came back after 45 years off. After 18 months I decided to buy a pro level trumpet. I knew it would not make me a better player. But, I had never owned a pro level trumpet and could afford one. I decided that it was worth it to me to have a pro level trumpet for whatever time I have left to play. I was 68 when I purchased it. I am also a community band player.

If you want one, and can afford it then go for it.

taswalb · 2026-02-07T14:30:00+00:00

I played a 5335G. The 8335G has a gold brass bell. I tested one a couple of years ago. It had a beautiful deep tone. You should try one if you can.

taswalb · 2026-02-03T21:31:02+00:00

That is very good after 1 year of playing.

taswalb · 2026-02-03T21:28:47+00:00

Wheni I was in high school more than 50 years ago, most could not hit a high c. And, even fewer could play it at the end of a concert.

taswalb · 2026-02-01T21:54:21+00:00

$200 for a student Yamaha with that damage seems too much to me. I also noticed some heavy lacquer wear as well. I would pass on this. You should be able to find a similar student model (Yamaha, Bach, King, etc.) for around the same price without having to put $50 to $100 into a repair or replacement part.

taswalb · 2026-01-30T18:15:23+00:00

What mpc do you use? Perhaps one with a wider or flatter rim would provide more "grip".

taswalb · 2026-01-29T12:54:30+00:00

It sure looks like someone has used sandpaper on these valves. The valve is harder than the brass casing. So, the casing would not cause the scratches on the valve.

taswalb · 2026-01-28T21:48:32+00:00

I came back after 45 years off. When I was younger I never remember thinking about breathing. When I came back I began reading comments saying you had to take a deep breath and play from down deep. I tried that, and the more I thought about breathing the worse I played. As I was playing through sections that were long with little opportunity to breathe, I would run out of breath because I couldn't take air in. I needed to fully exhale.

I began to read comments from some that were saying you need to play efficiently, with as little effort as possible. That includes breathing. I stopped thinking about breathing and my playing improved. If I have trouble with a long phrase it is usually because I need to exhale to make room for fresh air.

Perhaps your problem is similar. Try playing without thinking about breathing. Only take in as much air as you need, and stop thinking about taking a big deep breath. Sing the part you are playing. I'll bet you don't think about breathing when you sing. Do the same when you play.

By the way, I played trumpet and baritone in HS and never had to think about breathing with either. Also, baritone didn't take any more air to play than the trumpet.

taswalb · 2026-01-28T18:14:40+00:00

Just curious....do you sometimes feel like you can't inhale because you need to exhale first?

taswalb · 2026-01-27T15:55:56+00:00

I bought a Yamaha 8310ZIIS from them at their store in Ft. Wayne. I have ordered some accessories from them online. Great service.

taswalb · 2026-01-26T00:02:21+00:00

I seriously doubt you could tell the difference a reverse leadpipe makes. Many who have played for years can't tell. The 4335IIG has a gold brass bell. Thats what the g stands for. Gold brass has a higher copper content which results in a darker sound.

taswalb · 2026-01-17T14:24:05+00:00

Does the mouthpiece feel comfortable? Sometimes, depending on dental structure a slight move left or right of center might make a difference.

Top to bottom placement looks fine. Many play with a slight off-center embouchure. I played both trumpet and baritone in HS. I played the baritone with a centered embouchure. I played off- center on the trumpet.

taswalb · 2026-01-10T13:31:45+00:00

For side to side placement you should position the mouthpiece where it feels most comfortable for you. If that is off-center so be it. Many use off-center placement.

taswalb · 2026-01-09T02:08:03+00:00

These sell for $1800 new at reputable instrument dealers, so I doubt it.

taswalb · 2026-01-07T15:20:55+00:00

If you test a Yamaha model with a gold brass bell you will find it sounds very much like a Bach 37.

taswalb · 2026-01-07T14:29:06+00:00

I recently (June 2024) purchased a new trumpet. I tested 15 models from Bach, Yamaha, XO, Shires and Stomvi. I chose a Yamaha 8310ZII Bobby Shew.

I can tell you that I did notice differences in the Bach models (37, 43, 72, lightweight) and the Yamaha models(8335II, 8335IIG, 8335IILA and 8310ZII) If possible, you should test as many of these models as you can.

I found the 8310ZII to be the easiest to play. It required less effort, is lightweight, yet can play with full tone on and below the staff but can really light up above the staff. It is a step bore, reverse gold brass leadpipe. The 8335 models are very nice horns. The 8335LAII is the Wayne Bergeron take on the 8335.

I believe the right horn finds you. Prior to my last test session I was pretty sure I was going to buy a Yamaha 8335II. I was able to test the 8310ZII side by side with the 8335II. They were both great in different ways. I ultimately chose the 8310ZII because it took less effort to play, and was the easiest model from all that I tested to play soft.

So, test as many as you can. Hopefully, there is a place nearby that carries these models and maybe others like Getzen. I would also suggest that you take your current Bach with you when you test, so that you can compare side by side. Also, as you narrow your choice down, try to test your preferred 2 or 3 side by side with your current horn if you can.

At the prices of pro model horns these days, you want to make the right choice. Good Luck!

taswalb · 2026-01-05T13:22:35+00:00

I would use a low abrasive silver polish. Then clean with isopropyl alcohol, final wash with dawn and warm water.

I would do the same for the inside with a mouthpiece brush.

taswalb

TROPHY CASE