After an exhaustive search, I (gulp) plunked down the money for a Selmer Paris Concept TT last week, and so far, I can't seem to get this stupid grin off my face.
First, some history: I am a 'comeback' player. I started playing in 2nd grade after Dizzy and his band played at my elementary school's multi-purpose room (no joke). Played a couple student horns (Yamaha, Mercedes II), and then jumped up to a Bach Strad 72. Played that horn all the way through college in symphony, big band, rock bands and the like. After college, I put the horn down and didn't return to it until 9 years later (4 years ago). At that time, I started playing mostly small-group jazz, and found very quickly that I did not like the Strad very much. It felt very hard to play, and seemed to give me too much resistance. I played a friend's vintage Martin Committee, fell in love with the sound, and found a 1946 on eBay, which I purchased and played, pretty happily, I should add, until last week. But I have started to play more rock/R&B/lead type stuff in the last year ($$), and found the Martin to be somewhat limiting...hard to play up top, thin-sounding, not great projection...
So off I go on the oddessy that is finding a new horn. There is a new wind instrument store near Seattle called Dick Akright Music, and Jimmie let me take out many horns to try. I played the Conn Vintage 1 (all different bells, finishes, bores, etc.), the Kanstul Wayne Bergeron, Kanstul Chicago 1001, Yamaha Xeno, Yamaha Bobby Shew, and various Bach's, just to see. While all of these horns had their merits, they also all had issues (or should I say, I had issues with them).
Then, after reading Dave/dcstep's reviews of the Concept TT, and exchanging a few emails with him, I took one out to see for myself. Now, I can't thank Dave enough for his guidance.
So, now the review: I'll start by saying that I played an 80J a few years ago in Paris and loved it. I have been dreaming about that horn ever since, but only ever found one in the states to play...at Dillon. I remember playing the TT in Paris too, but I didn't have much of an opinion at that time because I was blinded by the 80J. So last week I take the TT out for a test drive with a Schilke 14a4a. The first difference I noticed between this horn and my Martin with the same Mpc was how full the TT sounded, even with the small piece. My Martin is the .453, and the TT is .463, and the difference is incredible. In just playing alone at home, I found the horn to be so resonant, full-bodied, and easy to play throughout all registers. It hums down low and completely sizzles up high. Intonation is great (I do have to use the third valve slide on D/Db/Eb down low).
Then, I played it with my soul band (
Soul Provider), and was amazed at the sound that came back to me. It cuts through the sound of both the horn section and the band as a whole, and is so well defined that my band mates were all turning around to find out what was going on with this trumpet player they've been almost hearing for a year now. I got so many positive comments about the sound of the horn, even from the drummer, that I was convinced it was the right horn for that job.
Then I played it with a rock band I'm in (
Heather Duby). Again, the horn cut through the band, and I can finally hear myself even over electric guitars. Imagine my delight! (Sidenote: I used my Jo-Ral copper "wah-wah" mute extensive...wow!!! It's as if this horn and mute were made to be played together...)
I have yet to play the horn with my quintet (
Jason Parker Quintet), but I can't wait!
As for the quality of the horn, I just can't say enough. The workmanship is top-notch, the matte finish which I bought is gorgeous (everyone has commented on this), and the horn feels so solid in my hands. The "Twin Tube" technology makes the whole horn buzz in a way that sends shivers down my spine.
As you can tell, I am in love with my new horn. I would encourage anyone in buy mode to search one of these puppies out before making your final decision. It may not be the horn for you, and it was the most expensive horn on the wall at Akright, but if you are fortunate enough to fall in love with it like Dave and myself, this horn will bring you much joy.
Again, big thanks to Dave for his guidance and super-friendly emails, and to Jimmie at Akright for letting me try so many of his horns.
Good luck in your continuing search!
Jason