Nexus One
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* This is a full brass trumpet, not one of the cheapie plastic trumpets that cost as much or more. It looks gorgeous, the finish is smooth and bright and polished to a mirror finish. I don't know how to tell if it's thick and will last, but my son's Yamaha trumpet has dulled over the years of use and abuse (matching band can be so hard on instruments, or maybe just teenagers are)
* The pistons are smooth and easy to press. I took one out and it looks like a great fit/seal. Piston oil is provided in the case.
* The tuning slides move easily, but not so easily that you get out of tune accidentally.
* The spit valves have a good seal and a good spring.
* it comes with a full cleaning set of brushes and a wiping cloth. That all fit in the case. This hopefully will act as a reminder that cleaning your trumpet regularly is a good way to make it last for years.
* It sounds great. I did a "blind test" with my son playing his Yamaha and the Eastar and I couldn't hear the difference.
* The trumpet comes packaged in a nice carrying case with nylon covering (great to protect from the rain). the case also comes with a removable shoulder strap. The case has room for all the accessories, and will protect the instrument nicely.
- Things that could be better -
Honestly, hard to find fault in this setup, especially for the price.
* I would have preferred a mouthpiece of size 5C, it comes with a 7C. It is a matter of personal preference and in fact 7C may suit younger players better. For a complete beginner, your teacher will advise you on what size may be best for you. There are pretty inexpensive mouthpieces ion Amazon if you want a different size.
* Latches are less likely to be broken than a zipper, so take care not to foul up the zipper (especially for younger kids)
* Because the instrument is likely targeted at beginners, I wish Eastar had included cleaning instructions. You do NOT want to get the felt at the base of the pistons wet. Make sure yo ask your teacher or at least look up how to clean the instrument on YouTube.
- In summary -
I have purchased several Eastar instruments and have been very satisfied with their products, and this trumpet is no exception. It is a great instrument for the price, it is a *real* instrument that will not get in the way of the student making progress. I would highly recommend it as a first instruments (you never know if the kid is going to stick with it, so why spend hundreds or thousands?). I wish I had found this trumpet when my son was in marching band, I would rather he would have dinged and scratched this cheaper instrument rather than his expensive Yamaha.
Jade Ring
