| Hi Rick,
That’s a great trumpet and I’m proud to say that I had a hand in its development.
For some of you don’t understand what model w are talking about it is basically a large bore trumpet
With a reversed leadpipe that a tapers very slowly (Calicchio #3 leadpipe, same one Walt Johnson used),
.468 valve section and a lite weight, bronze alloy, 1s Bell.
The original idea was an adaptation of Mike Williams calicchio (lead trpt with Count Basie) which is a hybrid ML / L bore (tuning crook is large bore)
#3 pipe, standard tuning slide and bracing, ml valves section with a large 1s/ L bell.
Well after a R and D it was agreed that #3 pipe on a large bore really makes the LB manageable but by adding the reversed leadpipe, it helped the slotting and added more stability to the sound while still having a super open upper register. With the 1s / Z (bronze alloy) / lite weight (believe John starts with .013 brass sheet) it really falls into place.
The Hollywood shop didn’t offer this model or anything close to it but John wanted something that would be exclusily a Tulsa- Calicchio standard model and he really hit on it with this one.
If you like a trumpet that holds your sound together in the mid and lower registers and helps with a “attacks “actually opens up wider as you start playing higher ns lets you start really “ rip “ thru the notes plus being a really efficient (you get a sensation of just “humming “into the trumpet and getting this huge volume of sound ) so you can play longer passages with the same amount of air, then this is your Baby.
I also have a 3/9 made in 1973, which is what Freddie Hubbard plays, and this is definitely a large bore trumpet. For lead work, If you use a lead type mouthpiece that has a tight backbore that can help balance a free blowing trumpet like the 3/9 largebore than you might want to try this. Eric Miyashira played a 3/9L on Woody and Buddy’s band but I believe he was using a Schilke 6a4a at the time.
I love to use mine when I want to really “ sing “ out a ballad or need to play very loud ( like a rock band ) and am using a mike so I no need to project over other instruments acoustically.
It plays alot like a Vintage Large Bore Martin # 3 (like Mic Gillette played when he was with Tower of Power,) it gets that sort of sound and feel for me.
In my opinion, both these trumpets offer so much more than the .470 bores that are offered by 2 other “internet “ trumpet manufacturers (without naming names.) which I have tried out and that seem to have found a following because , I believe , of the lack of alternatives in the market.
I would really suggest trying the 1sZ / 3LR for anyone looking for that big, commercial, “ Vegas “ type sound , with a real fat “ sizzle “ to it.
And let me clarify something, when I use the term ” sizzle” , it does not mean “nasal” or “ piercing “ as you play higher , it’s describes the “ intensity “ and “ drive“ of the sound and what it’s meant to convey.
Thanks Rick, for bring that model to the attention of the forum and I think your decision to use the 3 pipe is the right one. During the proto-type stage I tried that version with the 2 pipe and even thou it played very good, it lost a little “ personality “ if you know what I mean.
Larry |