trptbenge

It is hard to beat a Recording. They are such an all-around versatile horn.
The Recording is a good name for the horn. A friend and I did a test with 7 or 8 horns. We sat across the room and played some licks and recorded them on the computer. In each test the Recording was picked up by the microphone the best. Surprisingly, a Schilke with a Berylium bell was second.

As far as the Special goes I don't think anyone should underestimate it as a horn. I had one that had a nice round full tone that would have been good many playing situations. It's tone was better then my Super & Recording. I have not played a Studio but would like to. Olds are great horns. I have never played a Superstar but from what I hear I wouldn't want to and I have played 2 or 3 Operas and didn't like any of them. Believe it or not I was at a Music Store in South Carolina and they had a Pinto they were selling and it actually played pretty decently. It played better then some of the trumpets Walmart/Sams Club were selling this year.

Mike

djm6701

I just finished a rehearsal. I play lead in a big band and I am playing a Recording. I just can't say enough good things about this horn (and I'm sure the guy on 2nd chair would like me to stop any time now :wink: ).

I have most of the Olds line. I don't own a Special but one of the other guys in the band has one and we have traded occasionally. I don't really like the Special, only because it plays like a large bore even though it's the same bore size as the rest of the Olds horns. I get a wicked headache using it. I'd have to disagree that the tone of the Special is better than the Recording but everyone has their own opinions.

I have a Studio and it is somewhat similar to the Special but it is easier to play and very responsive.

The Super (different than the SuperStar) is absolutely terrific - it plays dark and extremely smoothly. Slots are more 'sliippery' than the Recording.