| Hi,
I play in a community band as well as a 16 piece big band. I mainly play in the section but ocassionally get the first chair in both the wind band and the big band.
The Taylor is my 90% horn. The sound has that WOW factor and in most situations it's perfect. Big,fat in tune sound that fills the room and absolutely fantastic valves. It's a much better all round horn than people think. Playing lead in the big band requires a slightly different approach..more the sort of sound that sits on top of a section rather than 'in your face'.
The Kanstul Chicago is so totally different from the Taylor..from a sonic perspective. It's bright,tight and focused and, consequently, compliments the Taylor very nicely. I tend to take it out of the case ocassionally at home or on a gig when the sound has to be bright...like the odd punchy lead part (eg American Patrol).
The Kanstul Flugel is my mistress. The sound is like drinking hot chocolate in front of a fire (imagination required). I find that the intonation is fantastic. Its the horn I am always trying to find an excuse to use...it's been great in all the Xmas concerts. It's made for carols and things like 'Silver Bells' where the sound just floats.
As for mouthpieces I've settled on GR and they're all consistent. The Taylor is a custom copy of my main piece which is a GR 3HC* and the Flugel is a 3FL. I've been very happy with all of them.
I must admit that I also love playing anything I can get my hands on but so far I'm pretty happy with this set up.
Regards
Trevor |