Hi,

I've been playing trumpet for three years. I'm now in the ninth grade. I'm not looking for anything professional, but I'm using my dad's old beat up Conn Cornet from the '60s. I want an instrument with decent range and good tone (obviously). I'm, sadly, only in the $300-400 range. I'm currently looking at some lower Bach models, such as the tr300, but I'm looking forward to other suggestions. Thanks in advance!

Well, I'm defiantly not a trumpet player, and this may not help you at all... but I'll give it a try.

$300-400 good trumpets are a rare find. But it is possible. My little brother just finished his quest to find the "perfect" cornet for him. He found it on Ebay. I believe he found it in your price range. I don't think you could get a good cornet "new" in a music store with your price range... but, I've always shopped on Ebay and found great steals! I bought my NEW $1,000.00 flute for $500.00 on ebay! I bought my professional oboe for only $600.00... and the best of all, I bought my Gemeinhardt piccolo for $120.00. So, you may want to give it a try. JUST BE CAREFUL WHO YOU BUY FROM! You don't want to be the victim of a scam. Basically high rated sellers are the best to buy from. Make sure you read their feedback as well. Hope this helps!

Why dont you find a graduated senior or someone who is quitting band and see if maybe they would part with their instrument? most seniors or students who give up are usually more than willing to get rid of their instruments, usually cheaply...do some asking around, maybe someone had a nice horn that they wont need anymore...if you do this, you might get the chance to try the instrument before you buy it, and you will actually know the person your buying it from..