Multiple Bb's

[Dale Proctor]

Originally Posted by Robert Rowe

Understand your "point", though; you could be right.

In my case, I discovered some time ago that "I sound like me" on whatever I play. Slight nuances are apparent, but not so much as to be a dramatic difference. I hear things that please me, and I hear things that don't please me (from various horns).

Maybe I heard too many things that didn't please me from the various horns I used to rotate. It could be that I needed a higher-quality set of horns in the rotation! Anyway, my point was that if I have a Bb trumpet or two that work "best" for me, why play others that suffer from poorer response, intonation, etc. and work harder to "sound like me"? Of course, I can sound about as good on a Conn Director as I can on my Strad, but what's the purpose of working so hard when a better horn is at my disposal? Well, I can think of one snotty reason - It's peversely satisfying to outplay a hotshot who's playing a megabuck horn with my old Ambassador!

[Dale Proctor]

Originally Posted by miles71

It seems this post has evolved into the other keyed trumpets and not just multiple Bbs so...........................how about this. What arsenal do you think a working trumpe tplayer should have and what level?....

I think any type horn you buy should be the best you can afford - within reason, of course. If it's something you won't play very often, such as the cornet you placed at the bottom of your list, buying a cheap, lower-tier cornet will insure that you don't play it often. A better horn is also a better investment, as the pro models hold their value MUCH better than student models do. If you decide you don't need a cornet 5 years later, you probably won't lose any money on the deal (you may even come out ahead).

In my case, a good cornet is at the top of my list, as I play in a British-style brass band. My ordered list at present would be Bb cornet, Bb trumpet, C trumpet, flugelhorn, A trumpet, and Eb/D trumpet. No picc - I never played it, so I sold it to someone who would. The list really varies with the type of music you play and the groups you play with, though.

[Siegtrmpt]

I've got a bunch of Bach B flat trumpets. The collector side of me wanted a representative trumpet from each of the Bach factories that was representative of the design of the time. The player side wanted those horns to be good ones so you could play them anywhere. I like them all and go through phases with them. I consider my main horn to be a 1956 ML 43 and play the others when the mood strikes.

[Bourbon City]

Originally Posted by miles71

I have always owned one of each horn I have needed, after playing a Stage 1 recently I ordered one from Felix (NYTC),

You made the Big Mistake of playing a Stage 1. Those trumpets are nothing short of amazing. I am convenced that my Stage 1 NYL is alive.

I have two trumpets plus a back-up.

For Big Bands and all around work I have my Stage 1 New York Light.
For Orchestra work I have my Lawler TL6-1A.
For Back-up I have my old but trusty Schilke B5.

My life is good and my retirement years will be better.

Breakfast - Practice - Lunch - Practice - Nap - Gig - Supper - TV - Bedtime - Repeat.

[miles71]

I did make a good mistake in playing the Stage 1. I am anxious to get mine and Felix has been great to deal with.

Maybe this thread will soon be "Why did I buy one of each?"