C Trumpets Trumpet

ZeuS Guarnerius "C" Trumpet Testimonials

Alex, Thank you so much for your help in finding my son this trumpet. When I found your store on the web and looked at the information provided, I was doubtful of what I read. However, I went home and had my son look at your site. He said he was willing to give it a try! This was a big decision for a student who thought that a Bach trumpet was the only way to go! I must say from the minute he tried it, my son was excited about the way the Guarnerius played. He liked the response, particulary in the high range, and the intonation throughout. We took the Guarnerius to his trumpet teacher and to his band director. Both of them put the horn to the test and liked it very much. I believe the Guarnerius to be an exceptional value. The more my son plays it, the more he likes it! I will not hestitate to recommend the Guarnerius to anyone looking for a fine trumpet at a reasonable price.
Thank you for your prompt service and help! Sincerely, John (Austin, Texas)

Alex, Received the ZueS G "C" trumpet today. What a great horn! I have put it through the test of some "C" trumpet solo lit and also symphonic lit. It plays wonderfully in all ranges.Intonation is great. I don't have to use the normal alternate fingerings that I had to use with my Bach Strad.I sold my B-flat (Benge) trumpet this week and have sent you a money order for a ZueS G B-flat. I have some students who are ready for their pro trumpet.Look for some more orders. If anyone wants to talk with me about this trumpet, send me a e-mail or give me a call. Mike Daniell (GA)

I just played a gig on the new Zeus. I am completing my Masters degree in trumpet performance at Youngstown State University this spring, and this gig today was with my teacher from the university. He played the Zeus for a while as well, and loved it. He just paid $2600 for a Malone tweaked Bach C trumpet, and said that the Zeus played better than his new horn. He is going to play my C when I get it, and said that if it plays at least as well as the Bb, he is probably going to buy both a Bb and C in raw brass. He is also going to recommend the Zeus to any of his students, high school or college, that are looking for a new horn. He said that this horn plays better than the Bachs, and they don't need tweaking like Bachs do. That is great news to hear, because he is a very picky person when it comes to horns. As for the flugel, go ahead and reserve the AL finish for me. I think I will buy it from you. Thanks again. Sincerely, Andy

I played with a guy yesterday that had a ZueS C trumpet. and it sounded very very much like a Mt. Vernon. To support my point i have a Mt. Vernon Bb and we played both. One would play and the other one would listen. We were playing in a large music room. Neither one of of could tell the diffence on certain notes to make it fair we stood at the far end of the room with our backs turned. I never thought the ZueS was what eveyone said it was on the forum but it measures up and the fit and finish was perfect. the valves were perfect. gustav (discussion group)

I have been playing C trumpets for about 9 years now. When I first started, I also had intonation problems. The more I played the horn, the fewer the problems became. I think I was trying to play the C the same way I was playing the Bb. They are two different animals, with different pitch centers. Once I learned to make the slight chop adjustment, I was fine. Truthfully, I enjoy the C trumpet more than the Bb in many cases. I will let you know how the ZeuS C trumpet and Flugel Zeus horns play once I get them. I absolutely love the Zeus Bb. It is a terrific horn. Andy

I've really been enjoying the ZeuS Guarnerius C trumpet that I got from you. It plays a whole lot better than the Blessing C trumpet I got rid of. The quality and workmanship on the horn is great for the money. Plus, you get a good ProTec case. The brushed lacquer finish with the copper bell gives the horn an awesome look. I know that it is a secret who makes these horns, but whoever makes them the "fit and finish" of the horn is very good. I would recommend this horn to others. If I only had the money to buy the matching Bb horn, I would trade in my Yamaha for a matching Zeus Garnerius Bb horn. Any donations so I can have a matched set? :-) Garret Lewis

The ZeuS C trumpet sounds exactly like a good Bach, at least to my ear. My teacher and I (I am finishing my Masters Degree in Trumpet Performance) sat for an hour one day and played his Malone Bach and my ZeuS side by side, and concluded that we could not tell the difference between the two horns. We were conducting our own "blind taste test" if you will. It sounds great. I would say that it sounds like the other Bach's that I have owned. The major difference (besides the $500 that I saved by going with ZeuS) is that I no longer have to struggle with the intonation problems that my Bachs had. It slots well, plays in tune, feels great, and is truly a joy to play. I have also owned a Yamaha C trumpet. It was a great horn as well. It felt great, but it lacked the Bach sound that I wanted. The ZeuS seems to combine the best of both worlds....it has the feel of a well-made Yamaha, but the sound of a traditional Bach. I even like the ZeuS better that the Monette C that I used to own. I also have the Bb version, and like these horns so much.
Sincerely, Andy
PS. By the way, my teacher decided to sell his Malone Bach C and his Blackburn C trumpet and purchase a ZeuS C trumpet due to our "blind taste test" of the ZeuS and his Malone Bach. I think thay says something about the quality of these horns as well.

Hi Alex, The Zeus arrived today.. I like it! I'm amazed. I was ready to shell out about 3K for something else. You know, after playing this horn I can see why some people are so opposed to what you're doing. You're really on to something here..congratulations! Thanks again Alex, Julie (Peoria) IL

Hi Alex, I will be keeping the ZeuS C trumpet! Love it! Now that I've had a chance to play it more, the upper register actually slots quite a bit easier than my other horns, a nice touch. I took it to a lesson today and my teacher loved the sound: big and warm. I'd like to do it on the payment plan and you can send the round slide as soon as you get it. I definitely want it. FYI, I'll be using it on my performance on Thursday night..I'll have to send you a CD.

It's been a long search! My mouthpiece of choice is a Laskey 65..about the equivalent of a Mt. Vernon 3. I also put in my Laskey 75 which is more like a Bach 1 1/4 C and the ZeuS intonation was still great...very consistent. I am very pleased with the overall intonation. The 4th space E and Eb are really very easy to play in tune w/out alternates! Not at all like the Bachs I've played recently. I'm only using alternates in a couple of places mainly because of what key I'm in and what's coming next and I'm used to practicing it that way because I HAD to! I know this is a fairly new venture, but I hope you'll consider making an Eb sometime soon. Something like a Blackburn w/ out the $4000+ price tag! 4 valve, gold plate..I'll of course be willing to try them out for you!
Thanks for all your help, Julie (Peoria, IL)

I received the Zeus C trumpet within the last few days. I'm amazed it plays so well. I'd just like to say thanks for making such a great horn available at such a low cost. This'll work great with the orchestra section. I think the other guys will be a little pissed I paid almost half of what they did. =)
Chris King (FL),

Alex, All I can say is WOW!! I'm truly speechless about this Guarnerius C trumpet. It's not only everything you said it would be tonally and playing wise, but I'm equally blown away by how great it looks. Please pass along my deepest and sincerest gratitude and appreciation to your lovely wife who helped me with my endless questions and unfortunate fax problems at the time of ordering in your absense. You two do a spectacular job!! You've guided me well and I love my 2 other horns, but the Zeus is just simply better. And while I was impressed by the craftsmanship of my two other trumpets, the Zues craftsmanship is superior. I really wish I could find better words to describe the differences, but I can't, so I'll just say it again - WOW! Thanks, Mike (CA)

I have owned and played Bach and Yamaha, and I have tried out many of the Conn Vintage1 options. My fave was always Bach -- I have an old 1968 large bore that I just keep coming back to, but they are all great horns. I really comes down to the feel/sound that works best for YOU.
I also tried a ZeuS C-trpt in lacquer (I think standard model -- no rose brass or anything). The darn thing played easier than my Bach C, !#$@!#%. This is definitely NOT an intermediate horn. They have a great product here. If the Bb's are as nice as the C that I tried, then I may be selling off a couple of horns to afford one of these in my stable. Good Luck! Paul (GA)

I also have two zeus trumpets, Bb and C varities. I am very pleased with both. I think that the quality of the instruments far surpass anything else I have owned, and I truly enjoy playing these horns....especially the C trumpet. I would recommend these horns as solid professional level instruments. Andy (PA)

I purchased a silver Zeus C trumpet from you about a year ago. I love the horn!! It really sings, especially when I go above the staff. I have a question. Do you offer the round tuning slide for my C trumpet? Matthew (OH)

Alex, I received the Zeus CRL today and the only word that keeps coming to mind is beautiful. The workmanship is superb, the finish is stunning, and the tone is marvelous. I played a piece for my wife and even she could tell the difference. I played on both my Bach 198 Limited Edition and the Zeus C horn and she commented that the Zeus had a beautiful tone and sounded much better. I agree. The heavy bottom caps help the notes slot noticeably better and the round .470 tuning slide opens the horn up quite a bit. When I ordered the horn you commented that I was getting one of the finest C horns that could be purchased at any price and I would say that I have to agree with you. When the other trumpet player at church hears and plays this horn ( he is now using a Besson C Trumpet ) you will probably be getting an order from him. Let everyone rant and rave on, keep producing and selling these horns and the music everywhere will sound better.
Phillip A. Case

Alex: I should have written earlier to comment on the ZeuS C trumpet I bought from you in July. I've been playing it constantly with complete satisfaction. It is a great replacement for the the Bach that is now up for sale. My only lament is that, in a casual browse to your website, I discovered your new Olympus Bb instrument. I've been so seduced by the appearance of the trumpet, and by the glowing testimonials, that I'm having difficulty fighting off the temptation to try one. I'm influenced also, of course, by my experience with the ZeuS C and my admiration for the workmanship that went into it. (Actually, don't have to replace my Blackburn Bb, but .....) So, before I commit myself to a trial, I wonder if you can give some advice on the playing qualities of the various finishes. I'm initially inclined toward the brushed brass or the brushed copper (gold being too dear for me). What are your best sellers? I'm primarily a symphony or concert band performer (occasional soloist) and need something that will blend well with other instruments (unlike the Monette that my Blackburn replaced), as well as having the usual good playing qualities plus aesthetic appeal. I'll appreciate your advice. John Dexter (DC area)

Hello, I purchased one of your Zeus Guarnerius C trumpets a little over a year ago. I love the horn, and even more important, EVERYONE loves the way the horn sounds. I was just on your website, and I noticed that you are now offering a Piccolo Trumpet. I have been dreaming of getting a GOOD piccolo for years, and I am very interested in learning more about your horn. Any information you have would be greatly appreciated (bore size, impressions from current owners, etc.). How does your horn compare to the competition (Shilke, Yamaha, Selmer, etc)? Thank you in advance for your help. Matthew Newman (Columbus, Ohio)

Hey man, So I shared all my horns with the boys tonite, they love 'em. Asking if their poor college kid souls can get discounts and stuff. I told 'em sorry boys, but it's worth the money. lol. Basics: The "C" Guarnerius slots like no other, has a great sound (a lil bright for some but you can't please em all). The "Bb" Guarnerius was just outstanding in all respects. Flugel, hands down the best they've played. Man... I just cna't wait until that Piccolo.. grrr. I'm impatient. lol. Take care. Thanks for your hard work. Tim (TX)

Alex, The trumpet plays great. It sounds better the the Stradivarius "C" that I use to have back in college and that I purchased in the 70's. Roberto M. (TX)

Alex: Here is my review of the Zeus C Guarnerius Trumpet: I purchased a Zeus C Guarnerius Trumpet from Zachary music back in July and I must say that the trumpet is astonishing as well as free blowing. Let me tell you about my own experience: I purchased a Bach C Stradivarius back in the 70s, and I was able to find one that was free blowing after trying out as many as two dozens trumpets in some stores in NY in an era were the Bach Stradivarius were already not being well built (the quality had gone done). Then because of financial reasons I sold that trumpet (to my own regret), and I thought that I be unable to find a compatible one later on in life. One day as I was surfing the web, and I stumble upon a site that claimed that they made a trumpet as good as the Mount Vernon Bach Stradivarius. Believe me, after many years of experience and trying out different types of trumpets, I was very skeptical about this claim, but I decided to give it a shot. I had a hunch that it would work out. Boy was I in for a surprise! Not only was I not disappointed, but the trumpet turned out to be better than the one I previously purchased back in the 70s. It is more free blowing than my previous one. The valves on it are the fastest that I have experience on any trumpet that I have played. (I am also the owner of a Wild Thing Trumpet, so I can make that claim!) I am able to do the Clarke Technical Studies at a faster beat. The trumpet is free blowing in all its ranges. I purchased the larger rounded tuning slide, for I like free blowing instruments as well as mouthpieces with enlarged throats. I have played different exercises from the Arban's book, such as single tonguining, slurs, large intervals, melodies, double & triple tonguing, triplets, long notes etc. and it plays impressively. May this serve as a notice to anyone who wishes to try out one of these trumpets! I know that you are not going to believe the owner, so then believe in me; a happy owner of a Zeus C tpt. That is why I am writing this review now so you would give these trumpets that Zachary Music sells a try. The era of the large conglomerate of trumpet brands such as Bach, Yamaha, Selmer, etc. is over. Buying a Name Brand does not necessary mean a better free blowing trumpet. So if I were you, I would try out one of these trumpets. Thank you Alex for this great idea. Roberto (TX)

Alex, I haven't gotten the Piccolo but will have a blast with it when it comes (a teacher once told me that it takes 6 months to really know a new horn; pitch tendencies, etc.). I'm loving the ZeuS "C", and am thinking I'll purchase a Bb Brushed Silver Guarnerius (how to sneak it past the wife!!!). -I love the Olympus and am now amassing a collection of the best. Steve (St. Louis)