[TPIN] Alde Audio Trumpet

[Ben Rydell]

TPIN,

It's not unusual to walk into a music store and find
a new trumpet for only one-hundred, twenty
dollars, especially when you're in, say, Acapulco.

The name that's printed, or I should say
painted, near the bell is 'Alde Audio'.  The serial
number (for my own records 6416LBK) is
actually hand sketched with a very permanent-like
marker, in black and directly on the moving first
valve slide.  Also, the second valve casing contains
a three digit number of 623.

Is anyone on this listserv familiar with this type
of trumpet, especially its possible origin?  I've heard
that it's either from a Chinese or Taiwanese
manufacturer.

This is NOT a pro horn which is obvious
in many ways.  In fact it closely resembles
an Amati 213 having black lacquer, with a fixed
third valve ring.

Though it plays extremely well, has excellent
slotting, and produces a condensed yet
lively sound, the seemingly inexpensive
construction of this instrument concerns me
a bit.

Should I simply chalk up this one as a
great student/practice horn? 

Are there any pro players out there
who use practice horns on a regular basis
to help give the main ax a rest?

Or,does this horn simply need to present
itself on eBay as a great find in Acapulco?

:-\



-Ben Rydell