TrumpetChat

son-of-sam · High C Joined: 13 Aug 2005 Posts: 68

Hey,
I'm in the market to buy a new horn. What would be good for doing a lot of solo work( classical and jazz). and also could use for ensemble playing so I could still blend. Also please tell me why you like that particaular horn, and what it offers. Kind of like you were trying to sell it to me.
Thanks

Brassmouth · TrumpetChat Moderator Joined: 13 Aug 2005 Posts: 58

It sounds like you're looking for a good, all-around horn. My suggestion would be a Bach Stradivarious 37 (assuming you want a Bach since you posted this thread in here). Just about every brand has a horn they claim is very versitile one so this is really up to you.
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"A good composer does not imitate; he steals." -Igor Stravinsky

TrumpetChat · Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 7:46 am Post subject:

I think this was discussed before but IMO the Yamaha Xeno is a much better all around horn than the Strad. I've had both and in my experience the Xeno was much less stuffy,had less valve problems, better intonation, and slotted better. However, if you can find a "good" Strad, one of those 1 in 100 Strads, go for it. But, being that the Xeno is a more consistent horn it's more likely that the Xenos you try out will be better than the Strads. One of the best solo horns I ever had was a '59 Martin Committee. If you can fiond one I seriously advse you to check it out. Good Luck, Chris

68 Flair · Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 1:52 pm Post subject:

I have tried both Strads and Xenos recently. When it comes to Yamaha I prefered the new 8310Z. In the end I purchased a
Bach 180-37 ML with sterling silver plus bell. IMO head and shouldrrs above any of the Yammis I tried.
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68 King Silver Flair

bandman · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2005 1:53 pm Post subject:

You must be careful in comparing apples and apples instead of apples and watermelons. I really don't think you can compare a Yamaha 8310Z to a Bach Strad. They are completely different horns meant for different reasons.

The Yamaha Custom Z series of horns is a lightweight horn with specs meant to be usable as a lead horn and also suit the functional purpose of jazz ballads. It was never intended to be a section horn for someone who plays in a wind ensemble or symphony.

The Bach Strad was originally designed to suit the purpose of the all around player, but the Bach sound was eventually to become the benchmark by which all great trumpets would be compared. It is a fantastic section horn, but also suits the purpose of the all around player from Jazz to solo work.

Yamaha has been a company that builds a lot of specialist horns. There was a specific use in mind when all of their horns were designed. Yamaha states that each artist model instrument "is the result of an extensive collaboration between skilled craftsman and a prominent musician, who provides his or her input on each prototype in the design process." That is a clear statement that Yamaha is trying to design horns for specific players and specific playing styles.

To compare a Bach Strad with any Yamaha is to compare apples to watermelons. Any single Yamaha may out-perform a Bach on a single style of music, but Yamaha has yet to produce a horn that is superior to Bach in all musical settings.

Something that is of interest in looking at the Yamaha instruments. They have brought Bob Malone into the Yamaha family and the Chicago C is a brilliantly designed instrument. It was an attempt to go back and build a horn better than the old Bach C Trumpets. Yamaha brought Wayne Bergeron into the Yamaha Family. Wayne's Kanstul 1600WB was an attempt to build a Bach style instrument that was superior to Bach with certain playing characteristics that we very important to Wayne.

If you look at Yamaha's research and development, they are trying to "Out-Bach" Bach. I've always wondered why great companies think they need to reinvent the wheel. Bach had a great horn and now Yamaha is using much of that design, and artists and craftsman that were part of the Bach Family to improve the Yamaha line of instruments.

With Yamaha's undying desire to build a consistent horn with great characteristics they will eventually build a very fine horn that will be as good or better than all of the large production brands.

One last comment -- one horn -- I would not buy Bach or Yamaha. There are so many great smaller brands building superior instruments -- My choice if I could only play one horn it would either be a Harrelson or an Eclipse.

Right now I own a Schilke Pic, a Kanstul Flugel, a Harrelson modified Bach C, and a wonderful old Bach Strad Bb. I'm saving my pennies for my Eclipse. Someday it will be mine!!!!

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"To be a teacher you need to be as good a performer as you can be: you'll have more to impart to your students musically." - John Haynie