it is more effort to blow than a quality metal student horn (such as yamaha), so the lips tire quicker in the early days- the valves are slower than above mentioned horns, but not so much so that it caused problems when playing (particularly at beginner level)- the trumpet falls apart easily, but then it is very easy to put back together too

After working on getting the valves and 3rd slide to work for over a week, it is still essentially a non-functional instrument

The valves on the horn are better than I expected, as I was able to play a more technical solo in practice with it than I thought I would be able to

The 2nd valve was difficult to press and stuck hard in the down position

Fourth, one can feel the vibration through the tubing, valve buttons, and valve casings much more so than on a brass trumpet, to continuously monitor that tone production is sound (lips vibrating one against the other, as supported with column of high-velocity air-stream).

I don't predict that valves will be a problem

The main weaknesses I have found on this trumpet are the rough moving valves (OK for beginners but definitely not pro level smooth) and flimsy valve caps (they twist off rather than thread).

First valve in particular is sluggish.

I am playing it and working on, first, getting used to playing a C trumpet and then getting the valves worn and responsive

The valves on the trumpet are very, very poor and incredibly sticky

All valves are noisy

Third valve slide works, but I haven't found the right oil weight to get it smooth and easy.

The valves are noisy

The valves were sluggish and did not respond well until I played it multiple times and using oil approximately every 10 minutes

Sure, the ringing brass sound is missing, and the valves are slightly sluggish (not sticky)

Sure, the ringing brass sound is missing, and the valves are slightly sluggish (not sticky)

The valves were free when the horn arrived