Page 2   Player Feedback
My Field Trumpet is # GE 1011 and it arrived last Friday afternoon!  What a work of art! I couldn't put it down! Sunday my wife
and I took a ride to the National Cemetery , I sounded Taps over and over. Both with the G slide and in Bb. The sound was great,
and my wife really liked the the lower pitch with the G slide. The sound does seem to carry at a greater distance with the Bb slide in.  
My plan was to use the G slide for winter.  I can't beleive how light it is compared to my Trumpet.
Well, thanks again for all your work on the American Heritage Field Trumpet and to Tom Getzen, Jari Villanueva, and Mark Elrod
who also deserve mention.  God bless Tom Day and all BAA members.                  
Ed Crobie  BAA Joliet ILL.
Tom Days says Ed is the busiest provider of Taps for Vet's in the state of ILL!   ADA BOY ED!
Mine is GE 1005, and it came last week.  It sounds Great!  This has been long overdue.  I look forward to being a real bugler.
                            
John Collins  BAA Marblehead, MA.
Great instrument, I took it to the Honor Guard Office at Peace ANG and played Taps for them. They were quite impressed
with the quality, you could hear it all over the Base!  It will be put to good use.  
TSgt. Ian Y. Cundiff   NH.
I had the great pleasure of making the Getzen American Heritage Field Trumpets
availible to trumpeters from the United States Marine Band! The Presidents Own
toured through WI and I contacted them an offered to make the horns availible for
testing.  Some members gave them a shot and were very happy at the oppertunity to
try out the horns.  
I have not used the trumpet at a service yet but I did use it at our annual Boy Scout Klondike Derby (I am vice chief of the
derby and the district commissioner for our district)  It plays beautifully.  It was also a special treat because I had a youth
playing also....echo taps has never been done at out derby.   I bought the expensive version of the horn and it was worth it.   
Chris Bertolini,  District Commissioner, Toe River District, Daniel Boone Council, Boy Scouts of America
Life Member VFW Post 4286                                                                                              
BAA  Newland, NC                    
                                                                                 
I received my field trumpet on 11/10 just in time for a ceremony on 11/11. It worked great. I've had other people try the horn
and it met with outstanding approval. I just love the tone, it's incredibly warm and round. Do you know if Getzen makes a
regular b-flat trumpet that plays the same way. I just can't say enough about the instrument, I'm looking forward to using it  
quite a bit.   Thanks!                                                                    
Michael Mahoney,  BAA  Broadview Heights OH
The M2003ES Elite American Heritage Field Trumpet crafted by Getzen is well worth the extra cost. The tone is incredible.
Every time I play the bugle, people always comment on the beautiful sound!    
Nancy Lehmann,   BAA Walworth  WI
The horn is great! Easy blowing and a very nice sound. I used it on Veterans Day at an annual ceremony the local VA Medical
Center has and also at a ceremony at our WW II Memorial honoring the 727 men and women from Erie County, PA who were
killed in WW II. I've used it at several funerals. I'll also be playing, again, at the WW II Memorial on Dec. 7th, Pearl Harbor
Day.  I like playing the horn in G. I, personally, think Taps sounds better in a lower key, also, I'm less likely to hit a "klinker". I
play in two concert bands, trumpet in one and tuba in the other. You can imagine what that tuba playing has done to my chops.
The band I play trumpet in has also formed a jazz band and I play in that.  I grew up in drum corps, from Boy Scouts, Jr.
Legion, and then Class A Legion after WW II.  I was alson a Battalion bugler in Navy Boot Camp in '44. I was called back for
the Korean War and helped form and played trumpet in a dance band at the Fleet Sonar School in Key West (really tough duty
there).  I'm a life member of Local 17 AFM and also serve on its Executive Board.  As you can see, I've been around a long
time and hope to keep on playing for a few more years.                   
 Don Grumblatt,   BAA Erie PA
I am very happy with the GAHFT, and feel fortunate to be able to have purchased it thru BAA.  I also believe that it is an
investment that will increase in value and that I got it at a very good price.  Mostly, I like the pure tone that it gives.   It is always
in tune with my wife's piano (she is a piano teacher so the piano is always kept in tune) and with the slide pushed all the way in.  
I never have to adjust the tuning slide like I do with my trumpet.  I broke it in on Veteran's Day, 2003 as the bugler of American
Legion Post #1941 in La Grange, Illinois.  I got several compliments from the members.  Other things I like about it:
The very nice case.  Its attractive look.  Its very light weight.  Its shiny finish which never has to be Brasso'ed like my regulation
US bugle does.    The trumpet mouthpiece instead of a standard bugle mouthpiece.
I use the G slide because with the C slide it is too high for me.  Also if the GAHFT is playing echo Taps with a regulation bugle,
the G slide must be used.  However, it is somewhat uncomfortable to hold with the G slide.  Also it would be nice if there were
a provision for the storage of the slide not in use in the case such as a padded insert feature.  But these are minor items.  The
GAHFT is great!                                                                                   
 Bruce P. Christensen,   LaGrange IL
Update from Ted !
Sir,  I could not be more pleased with my field trumpet. I have played Taps on it about 20 times at funerals and memorial
services, so far. I think it was well worth the expense to have a dedicated horn for such duties.  I have substituted the G slide
and expect that it will never come out. I also use a double cup mouthpiece instead of the mouthpiece that came with it.
Perhaps local Vet's organizations could be convinced to purchase one for use at their events. I have met several interested
active duty sailors who are interested in learning to play, but would never be able to afford a new horn. They have been
provided with some older trumpets I had, but would probably find the Field Trumpet much easier.       Thanks again for all the
hard work you did in making these horns a reality.     V/r                                   
 Ted Freeman,   BAA   Spring Lake NJ
More from Chas !
I posted feedback on the site early on, and I would only amplify it. I've gone back & forth between the old regulation horn
and the AHFT, & there is just no comparison. It plays beautifully and looks great. I've sounded for about 10 services with
the horn, including for two 2nd ACR KIA's from the Iraqi conflict. It's been a real confidence boost to have a quality
horn, too. It's easier to sound all the notes cleanly and expressively when I'm not fighting intonation problems and wondering
if the next note is going to come out a bit sour.  My M2003  is sounding Taps in and around Bossier City in the NorthWest
corner of Louisiana, and as far across and down the state as I can get to when called. Thanks again for
your efforts to make this dream come true.                                                            
Chas Dickson,  BAA  Bossier City LA
. Update from Ed
So far the Field Trumpet has sounded taps over 100 times for veterans.  Still using the G slide.  People seem to like the lower
pitch.  Took some getting use too.  Got it down now I think.                                           
Ed Crobie, BAA    Joliet IL
First the horn plays beautifully! Note to note transitions are smooth and easy and the tone is fantastic. Mouthpiece 5C plays as
well as my Bach 5C. I get many complements on the horn and my playing.  I will be using it in a stage production of "A
Christmas Story" which I am directing and will be playing Taps on it (In addition to my regular funeral details) Weight of horn is
great.  On the negative side, I think the case is far too bulky for such a small horn, with no place to put a mute and or a slot for
the extra slide.                                                                                                         
Greg Murphy,  BAA  Erial PA
More from Ross!
What do I think of the Field Trumpet? Wow, words don't come close to describing the pleasure I personally feel every time I
put on a pair of gloves to pick it up. I must admit I've grown really protective of the little beast, and I don't like to put
fingerprints all over it.  I haven't heard any complaints (out loud anyway) as of yet. Since I play at Veterans funerals with three
different Honor Guards, I do get compliments where ever I take it. It's amazing how it draws a crowd. It's a "deusey" for sure.
I'm diligently working on playing in Bb, but I think that I do a better version in G, if I do say so myself. But since I only play one
tune it's working out pretty darn well. I've used it on over 25 occasions since getting it, twice just this week. The old Ludwig
Classic is jealous I suspect.                                                                              
Ross Medos,    BAA Willis MI
Gene Horner is the BAA Director in Alalska.  Gene and I have chatted on the phone 4 times since his horn was ordered.
He just can't say enough good things about the Getzen American Heritage Field Trumpet.  Gene works heavily with the
Alaskan military installations and has allowed just about every military bandsman in the state to test the horn!  Plenty of rave
reviews have come from the far Northwest!    Gene's allready played in 18 below conditions.  Just for the record, right now
the sun comes up at 11am and sets at 3pm!!  BBBr r r r r r r r r r !!!     
Dano:  just a note to let you know the field
trumpet has met or exceeded all my expectations.This picture is at the Ft. Richardson Nat Cem. at noon today.        
                                                                                                                        Gene Horner, BAA  Wasilla Alaska
SEE Gene's Picture on the Field Trumpeter Pic's page!!!
Here are some comments from Pete Latham in the U.K.!  Pete had to wait for the horn to clear customs!
WELL the wait is over! GE 1009 arrived safe and sound at 10:00  GMT 11/11.  Buzzed up the M/Piece and one nice TAPS.  
I find it really open and free though I might change M/p for one with a touch less depth.  M/pieces is a REAL BLACK ART.   I
like something that gives a bright and quick high note but doesn't stall on really low notes in some of our Brit Military Calls.  I've
sent thank you's to TOM DAY for taking the time and effort to order and ship my horn.  To MARY @ GETZEN, thanking
TOM GETZEN for making this horn available,with a special thank you to their people who actually make them.  So that leaves
you to say well done for bringing together all the idea and people to provide a class bugle, for a Very Noble cause!         I feel
so chuffed to have something that is Totally Unique in U.K.!!  GE1009 is the only GETZEN Field Trumpet,  with the BAA logo
in the Land!!   I sounded TAPS Just after 'LAST POST' @ 11:00 hrs GMT 11/11 on it.  As I said to TOM ,  in the Thirties
there was a wonderful American car called a DUESENBERG, I assume thats were 'A REAL DUESEY came from, so if I'm
correct, and we are not seperated by a common language,thats what the horn is 'A REAL DUESEY' .
DAN,
Well I took GE 1009 out today we have a lazy river runs through a valley nearby , this morning there was a little mist about,
well I really let rip having warmed up, what can I say, just awesome!   I know 'TAPS' is emotive and hope that comes through
when I sound it, but most of our military calls, well I like to sound really Bright and jaunty. I remember them by the bawdy
poems the soldiers used. The getzen has a clarity, as you said The Cadillac of Horn's, one thing I feel its so light and fragile, I
treat it like a Baby, which well is OK 'cos its special.  I weighed GE 1009 on my kitchen scales and registered 11 ounces
(imperial) my Duty bugle comes in at 22 ounces!   I'll see a pal over the weekend and he has a Digital camera, will get photo of
all my bugles to you. Regards from the Bugler in the East!                                         
Pete Latham,  BAA Saltford England
I'm very satisfied with the horn- it plays wonderfully and looks great.  The workmanship is fine and Mary Rima was very helpful
when I started getting antsy.  The case and mouthpiece are also top rate (though I'd still like a slot for stowing the G or Bb slide
so I don't lose it over the years). I can't think of much else to say really- my biggest issue is finding funerals (& then the time) to
actually go out and use it.  Oh, it is a hit with my 6 year old son who can concentrate on playing instead of pushing buttons and
actually hold it without using all his might (as with my trumpets).   So make it ding proof I guess would be my dream!  :-)  
Thanks Again                                                                                
Steve Foster, BAA Streamwood IL
I've had my Getzen for just about two months now, and all I can say is that it is a beautiful instrument and I feel very fortunate to
be able to own one.  It is unquestionably the right tool for the job of honoring America's veterans.
                                                                       
Robert Rivera, BAA  Glen Gardener NJ
I received my horn on a Wednesday and as luck would have it I was assigned to fold and present the flag on Thursday and
Friday, then left for Omaha Nebraska on Saturday.  I've practiced on it and I am very pleased with the sound quality.  I have
just returned to St. Louis tonight (12/24) and have an assignment for Friday at 1415 to sound Taps.  I'm looking forward to the
first time using it.  I have been using an Olds Ambassador that has served me well, but it sounds a little flat sometimes.  Could
be me...I'm by no means a pro.  The Getzen that I've purchased has a clear sharp tone.
            SSgt Duane D. Fly     Missouri Military Funeral Honors    Jefferson Barracks, MO
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I am in agreement with you in that it is a wonderful thing that has happened with the development of the Heritage Field Trumpet.
 In my opinion Tom Getzen is a true patriot through his support in honoring America's veterans.  We could use more of his kind
in the industrial world who are interested in building instead of profiteering.
I have the opportunity to use my new trumpet at only three ceremonies since receiving it.  This is a great improvement over
having to use my Bach Bflat trumpet to sound TAPS.  I am proud to uncase my new trumpet and deliver those 24 notes we all
know so well.                                                                     
John P. Kowzan, LTC, USAR, Ret      BAA  Spokane Wa