| Well..., I totally agree with Larry, EXCEPT for removing the mouthpiece variable. Yes, it adds a very complex variable to the equation, but I think it's unavoidable. When comparing horns, I ALWAYS take my 3C out and figure out which end of the spectrum the horn resides on, from tightest to freest, and then I move to a mpc that I feel best suits the horn.
I've recommended the very "free blowing" Selmer Paris Concept TT to anyone that would listen and several people have put their money up and bought one. In almost every case, the player needed a mouthpiece change. More than one of us would have returned the horn as unmanageable had fortune not smiled and a suitable mpc jump out of pile of derilics.
So maybe we do agree. I'd say, use a 3C/1.5C/5C, or whatever you normally use to place the horn on the free/tight scale and then select a mpc appropriate for you and the horn's place on the continuum. How's that?
As an aside, the absolute "bore" measurement is only a starting point at determining whether a horn feels tight or free blowing. The leadpipe, bell flare, main tuning slide shape, etc., etc. all have much to do with the feel. WT clearly demonstrates this by changing just the tuning slide parameter and creating several feels and sounds out of the same horn.
Dave |