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trpguyy · 02-03-2004, 11:29 PM

I personally have not played one. Not many people have (the Olympus is very new). "Trumpeterb" who posts on this forum has the prototype, and if I'm not mistaken, a copper one (?). This is his review of the Olympus, copied from a different thread. Hope you don't mind, Andy!

Quote:

Here are my thoughts.

1. Response: The horn responds much better than my Bach, Yamaha and my Zeus G. I especially am impressed with the response in the very extreme dynamics. I have not been able to overblow the horn, and attacks at very soft dynamics are easier.

2. Intonation: Better than the other horns as well, although the Yamaha played similarly in tune. Normal trumpet tendancies are still present, but much easier to control with the chops.

3. Slotting: The slots are even throughout most of the horn. I have some trouble in the extreme upper register (above high G) with slotting, but a buddy of mine plays this register with ease on the horn. To each his own, I guess. It is my experience that the Zeus G is a better lead horn for me at least, but the Olympus is a better section or Jazz horn.

4. Sound: Velvet....smooth.....dark.....gorgeous. More difused than the Zues G, Yamaha, and Bach, but still a nice core to the sound.

5. Projection: Not a problem....trust me....this horn takes as much air as you can give it, and projects very well.

6. Overall Playability: Great playing horn. Very flexible, but centered.

7. Construction: Well put together. Braces are neat, valves are solid, bell is well made, etc. No problems.

8. Comparative: to the Bach 72: Olympus plays much more in tune. Bach as a brighter sound, Olympus has a darker sound. Valves are equally good on both horns. Bach has more resistance, Olympus is more open.

to the Yamaha 6335: Intonation is similar. Olympus projects much better, and has more "character" to the sound than the Yamaha. Olympus valves are nicer, I think.

to the Zeus G (scratch brush laquer finish): Intonation is similar. Zeus G has much more resistance, Olympus is much more open. Olympus is much darker sounding to my ear. More flexability on the Olympus. Slots are more defined on the Zeus G in the upper register, at least to me. Valves feel identical.

9. Gigs/rehearsals/etc.: I play with a big band near Pittsburgh, and I also play with a horn rock band in Youngstown Ohio. I used it with both. I also play in a faculty brass quintet at a local college. I was playing the 2nd book with the big band, and the horn was awesome! It blended very well, projected very well, and sounded great on the solo stuff (if I do say so myself Wink ). The horn rock book is more like lead trumpet stuff. It played ok with this group, but I like the Zeus G better for this type of stuff. The G has a brighter sound that cuts better for the lead work, and the upper register plays easier for me on the G. I also think the Zeus G mic's better than the Olympus. I use the Olympus with the brass quintet exclusively now. The other trumpet player is playing a Bach, and the two horns compliment each other well. When play individually, there is a difference in sound, but when played together, they blend very well. I believe that I will use the Olympus for my "legit" setup from now on. I guess I am glad I own both horns, as each are good instruments, and each one serves its purposes.

10. Mouthpieces used: Brass Quintet: Laskey 81D/Bach 1C
Big Band: Stork Studio Master 2
Horn Rock Band: Monette BL