My nephew is looking at this trumpet

[sungfw]

I've done business with Quinn before. He's one of the good guys.

Quinn is one of the good guys, however, his starting prices tend to be toward the upper end of what the market will bear, and his horns are typically good, but not outstanding, examples of their breed. That said, his listings do appear to represent the condition of the horns accurately, and he does sell a significant number of horns at the "buy it now" price.

[WakinAZ]

I recently dealt with Quinn and am neutral on how good he is. I got my money back after I reminded him that he got paid the day I won the auction, and I expected to be refunded within a day or so of when he received the returned horn.

Also my return would not have been necessary if he had more accurately described the tuba - beware of the B&S rotary BBb (old 3101/PT-1) he keeps listing, there is something wonky with the fourth valve (leak, obstruction) and overall the valves are so-so.

Eric "$400 lesson in the form of shipping fees" L.

[Tubaing]

OK, I talked him out of the pimpin' gold, so the revised criteria are:
1) Intermediate/step-up
2) Silver plate
3) Relatively recent vintage used horn
4) Brand name that will hold most of its value
5) $500 budget

Would he consider a cornet, because this looks like a very good deal
http://cgi.ebay.com/Bach-Mdl-37-Bb-Corn ... dZViewItem

[WakinAZ]

He plays mariachi, which requires the brighter sound of a trumpet. Thanks, though.

Eric

[MaryAnn]

Not really on topic, but someone said that the Olds Mendez is a Mariachi trumpet. I disagree...it is a jazz trumpet. (I have one.) It could certainly be used for Mariachi if he wanted, but Mendez trumpets are way out of your price range, going for around $1200 now on the auction site.

MA

[WakinAZ]

Duly noted on both points, MA. I'm probably just going to take him down to The Chicago Store and see what picks him. I have a pretty good relationship with the manager down there since I've bought a couple of tubas from him.

Eric