Hi,
I've been playing the trumpet for around 7 years now and have been using the same trumpet. As you can imagine its fairly battered now.

I'm looking for a new trumpet that will see me through grade 5 and beyond. I play in a big band and so will need the trumpet to have good pitching in the upper register. I am looking to spend around £400-£500. I dont know much about different makes of trumpet, but I am trying to learn as much as I can.

I originally was thinking of buying a decent yamaha but reading reviews many people seem to think the valves on most yamaha's are sticky and clunky. Is this true??

would I be better buying a new intermidiate trumpet or a second hand pro trumpet???

I would be greatful for all replies and advise, as I am open to any advise.

Thankyou for your time
TheMrLittleGuy xx

It's going to be hard for people to tell you the type of trumpet you'd like. My suggestion would be to go to a local store and ask to try a few to see what fits best. Don't go out on a limb and buy something that doesn't fit just because of a name or price. Get what suits you best and you like. Nothing is worse than buying a trumpet for hundreds and then hating it for years.

As for an intermediate or a second-hand pro model, like I said, try and see what suits you. If it sounds good that should be the only thing that matters. I currently play a second-hand semipro model and love it far more than other professional models I've practiced with. Often time professional trumpet players who pay hundreds to thousands on their nice horns take very good care of them so "second-hand" isn't as bad as it sounds. But hey, if a new intermediate model suits you, go for it. Let your sound speak for itself, not the trumpet model.