Larry -
I am in the Eclipse camp, for sure - because I love the horns. I don't get paid to brag about them. I am first and foremost a trumpet player, wich means I will tell people when I like a horn, and when I hate one, regardless of who makes it. I will find fault with every horn on the market, maybe because I'm just a grumpy guy, I dunno.... 8) There are things that aren't perfect about the Eclipse
, but there are (in my opinion) a LOT less things to complain about when playing an Eclipse than any other horn on the market. (ask Leigh - If something isn't right with an Eclipse I play, he's the first to know).
Anyway, let me stop rambling here and I'll get to the point. There are a lot of horns I play that I would consider to be VERY fine horns. There are a few Schilkie's out there that have blown my skirt up in the past, I like one or two of Kanstul's horns, I used to play a callet superchops, and liked it a lot. I still think that if you find a "good" strad, that horn will be as good as any you will ever play. (now finding that diamond in the rough, that's another story) The 1s2 is a very fine horn. The critique I gave a few posts back is about as honest as I can get; the bad was as genuine as the good. Nobody benifits from a dishonest review, If I like a horn by Calicchio I'll tell you openly - and I know that sounds wierd from someone who is affiliated with a specific manufacturer...
I personally have found my horn, my company that I will be doing business with for quite some time. I know that everyone will not share that opinion. If you like a Calicchio, bach, WT, Kanstul, Schilke, whatever - If that's your horn that makes you happy, BUY IT.
I generally like large bore horns, and the .460 Eclipse is the first ML horn that has 'done it' for me, actually better than the L bore horns I've played. For someone who is comfy with a 1s2, GOOD
Buy one! When a trumpet player has found a good horn, that makes me happy as a player that has found his horn as well. I was merely suggesting that if someone else observed a slight 'stuffiness' in the 1s2, they may want to give the larger bore version a whirl - it may be their dream horn!
I stand by Eclipse as the best out there, but If someone else buys another horn and is tickled pink with it, I'm tickled pink for them. Making music is what it's all about...