WindWorks Trumpet Academy Forums WindWorks Newbie introduction and question

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    • #68011
      aleppane
      Participant

      Hi everybody,

      I’m new to the forum and I’ve never played the trumpet before. I’m keen on learning and came across WindWorks by a lucky chance. It made playing the trumpet sound all the more tempting. Due to Covid-19 money is a little tight right now so I’m getting started without a trumpet. I currently have just a mouthpiece but I’m waiting for my leadpipe and visualizer to arrive this week or the next..
      When trying to work my aperture corners using the mouthpiece I made a whistling type sound which I can now produce at will quite consistently but now I’m thinking whether that’s a good habit to reinforce or not? Am I on the right track or is this an indication of my lips being too tight?

      Thanks!

    • #68042
      johnelwood
      Participant

      Welcome, Aleppane! Sorry to hear that money is tight–you’re not alone during these difficult times. It’s going to be tough without an instrument–have you considered renting an instrument? I did that years ago when screwing around with saxophone. Or, you could buy one of those Tromba/pTrumpet plastic horns, but renting one would probably be better–I have a Tromba flugel and C Trumpet…

      Hard to answer your question regarding whether making a whistling sound is good or not. I don’t recall experiencing a whistling sound while playing the mouthpiece.

      Playing the mouthpiece and leadpipe aren’t the same and are much more intense on our embouchure than playing the trumpet, if I recall correctly. My understanding is that “buzzing” our lips is THE most intense, followed by the mouthpiece, followed by the leadpipe, then the horn.

      The best clue we get, in my opinion, as to whether or not we’re “doing it right” is with how it sounds and feels–if it sounds good and feels good, then it most likely is good; more specifically, when playing harmonic slurs–if we can play harmonic slurs such that we get a good sound, it feels relatively easy/efficient AND the sound is good, then we’re on the right track.

      I suspect that’s why Greg focuses so much on harmonic slurs and did the “worldwide harmonic slur championship” a while back, etc.

      Good luck to you–I wish you every success!

    • #68110
      aleppane
      Participant

      Thanks Johnelwood! I’m looking at getting an instrument early next year, things could be worse I guess. The price range for “beginner” instruments seems pretty broad and I’m not sure whether I get something cheaper sooner to get started or wait a little longer and invest on a (hopefully) better instrument.. If you have opinions on whether the right instrument can make learning easier I’d be happy to hear.

      I guess my description on the whistling sound is a little vague. When my lips are at “their most relaxed” that sound doesn’t come as easy so I think the right thing to do is to ignore the sound for now and focus on the sensation. I think that’s also in line with your advice.

      My leadpipe is still stuck at Sydney airport, hopefully on a plane soon. Exciting!

    • #68286
      j.gardam
      Participant

      Welcome,
      you do need an instrument. Can you borrow one?
      try getting in touch with local brass bands or the equivalent in oz. They often have training bands and always keen to help new players.
      cornet or trumpet? doesn’t make a huge difference

      Best wishes

    • #68807
      aleppane
      Participant

      Hi!
      I’ll be getting an instrument soon, I don’t want to buy the cheapest beginner horn so it’ll probably be early next year. In the meantime I don’t mind practising with a mouthpiece and leadpipe. According to Greg it’s a good idea to practise the sensations away from the instrument.
      Friend of a friend would sell me a Yamaha 6335 HS, I’d appreciate the input regarding this horn. I’m especially interested if it’s sensible to get a professional level horn as a beginner instrument or is that just asking for trouble? Are they harder to play? The price he’s asking is what a new Yamaha 2330 would cost me, 500€.

      Cheers

    • #68824
      johnelwood
      Participant

      I’m not familiar with that specific Yamaha model, however I would doubt you could go wrong with any Yamaha horn–great quality. Greg plays Yamaha, as do many of the world’s greatest players. A pro horn is fine for a beginner, pro horns aren’t harder to play theyre just higher quality. If anything, they’re slightly easier.

    • #68845
      aleppane
      Participant

      Alright, thanks!

    • #68849
      remembercolin
      Participant

      I bought an 8335 this year and it is wonderful.
      I had a look at the reviews of 6335 on Trumpet Herald forum and lots of positive comments.
      I also had a look on YouTube. Type in Yamaha 6335 and several videos are available.
      I personally think it is best for beginners to go for a decent trumpet from the start.
      My brass band lends out high end cornets but I would be wary of trying to play trumpet and cornet. I find the trumpet much easier.
      Best of luck
      Colin

    • #68916
      aleppane
      Participant

      Thanks for that. I’ve also looked up the 6335 but it seems there are several versions of it and couldn’t find as much info on the H(eavy) model. However I’m sure they’re all of great quality.
      Many sources speak of intermediate and pro trumpets as not suitable for a beginner or something you need to grow into and I’ve understood that they’re more difficult to play.
      I’ve also come across Trevor James trumpets who are more known for making saxophones but they have a model which sounded great on a clip, reminded me a little of a flugelhorn actually.
      I’ll try to make up my mind soon and get the money part sorted…

    • #69177
      aleppane
      Participant

      Just thought I’d let you know I got a good deal online on a new Yamaha 2330 and got the Silent brass practice mute and a tuner/metronome all for the price of that used 6335. That should be a good student level horn. I hope to receive it by New Year’s! I’m so looking forward to it.

    • #69254
      remembercolin
      Participant

      Enjoy

    • #69290
      johnelwood
      Participant

      Nice! Congrats. Happy Holidays to you and yours. You’ll enjoy playing in 2021! The Silent Brass system is pretty neat. It’s best to play without a mute, in my opinion, as much as possible, but handy when you have to keep the noise down.

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