In these times of rising inflation and tightening belts, it's refreshing to find a product by an established manufacturer which is genuinely real value for money.
The BTR 355G is a Bach-branded trumpet outfit, manufactured and imported from the Conn Selmer factory in China. The instrument looks stunning; with its copper-brass bell and contrasting brass lacquer, it really has the ‘wow’ factor. It has a high shine and very professional appearance, and all the hallmarks of a quality Bach instrument in shape and looks.
Put side-by-side with its high-end equivalent – the Vincent Bach Stradivarius, the favourite among professionals and significantly more expensive – you can tell it comes from the same established stable. The familiar features from the Bach Strad are nearly all there, including the shape of the first-valve crook, the location of the third-valve ring, and the single water-key on the main tuning slide. To empty water from the third-valve slide, you pull off the slide-end, which is the same design feature as the Strad.
However, it may have been better to have fitted a second water-key so that inexperienced players don't have the responsibility for maintaining the slide to ensure it can be removed freely. The BTR 355G also has a hexagonal screw on this slide which, when tightened, catches on a lip to prevent the whole slide from falling off. For younger hands, this simple solution is beneficial and easier to use than the bolt and locking nut arrangement on the Strad. The weight and feel is similar, and the valve position and valve caps feel the same. The valves have a very positive, responsive action which will probably improve even more with playing and regular oiling. For a lifelong Bach owner, this is all very familiar territory.
The trumpet comes in a professional-looking soft gig case, with the prominent Bach logo and made in familiar colours. It's often the zip which is the first thing to go on a soft case, making it unusable; but this has robust zips which will probably stand the test of time. There are good pockets and ruck-sack/shoulder bag straps. I would suggest, though, that for school use it might be worth investing in a hard case to protect such a valued instrument, if budgets allow.
At this price, the BTR 355G is clearly aimed at the intermediate trumpet-player who has already owned a beginner's trumpet and is now ready for something better, to take them towards Grade 8. Its closest competitor (according to one well-established brass retailer) would be the Yamaha series 4, but this is priced a little higher.
One extra reason to recommend this instrument over its competitors is that Conn Selmer include a Vincent Bach mouthpiece. As a teacher who has advised pupils over many years to buy this make of mouthpiece, I view this as money saving and of great benefit to the intermediate player. The inclusion of a quality mouthpiece adds to the outfit's overall value for money (the mouthpiece alone is around £75).
While it seems unfair to compare the BTR's sound to that of the much more expensive Strad, the general similarities make it impossible not to do so. A number of professional colleagues have done this direct comparison and there is a consensus that it sizzles with a bright sound, straight out of the case. It might have slight intonation issues towards the higher end, but it has no such problems at the mid and bottom ranges. For the price, you would, perhaps, expect a subtle weakness somewhere in the range and that wouldn't stop me recommending the instrument. Of course, the Strad has a more sophisticated golden glow and rounded tones, but for this price, the BTS makes a clear, bright, reliable and resonant sound.
When I opened the case and got my first look at this instrument, I have to admit to being very impressed and encouraged that a high-end brand name would invest in the production and manufacturing of an intermediate instrument.
With the provision of individual music lessons being under so much pressure, and with family budgets being stretched, it is heart-warming to review an instrument which delivers excellent value for money but has such a professional look and sound.
