| The Mambo is extremely flexible and fast reacting, BUT it has little core to it's tone. It's almost all sizzle. When I soloed down in the staff, I was disappointed with the body and core of the tone. It's a large bore design that can accept a lot of air. Above the staff it really rips. If you think about a doink, rip or fall, it just happens. I think it'd be a poor all round horn, but great for many lead players.
The V-R is very satisfying, reminding me of an extremely well executed Yamaha Z, with superior intonation and easier upper register. I preferred the light weight in gold plate, but thought that the light and standard weight responded similarly without a big difference in tone. There's a good core in all registers. I plays like many step bore designs, with relatively slippery slots, requiring precise control, but reward that with great ease of playing. This is one of my favorite horns.
Dave |