Thevor said:
Wow Music you are a CHARACTER, especailly when you make statements like I am having a hard time determining why all the venom in some of these posts. When in reality you started by bashing two different trumpet sellers on this site yet your claim was the thread about "a credit plan". Mr. MC what part of the response are you really surprised at? defense is venom?
I hope I am a character with character.
Defense does not equal venom. In fact a good defense (verbal) in the form a logic will never resort to negative, hurtful things. Bashing two different trumpet sellers? I thought I stated facts. I was wrong on one (the price of the Eclipse) for which I certainly thanked those who set me straight.
By your own admission you have never seen either of the mentioned horns nor have you played them, yet you can comment on them? Toward the end, you include a snipe at Mr. Kanstul whom has posted twice in the Zues forum and it was graciously answering a question.
This is a very small forum. I would venture to say that most people read every post. My comments are usually facts (I cannot offer an opinion about a horn I have not played). It was opinion related to my observation about Mr. Kanstul. You are very correct on that front. I apologize. It lent very little to my point.
Many of the "manufacturers" on the TM boards are also forum moderators (or related). Flip, Tom, Jack ... etc. Alex is not..... and your point is what MC? These guys may be moderators of their own horn forums but that is the extent of their influence. You speak as if by being a moderator there is a greater sphere of influence which Alex does not posesses.
Actually, I think being a moderator and the primary person or persons for the horns limits discussion. Alex is more free to speak his mind.
(and Alex has never offered any behind the scenes suggestions for a post with his dealers in the Zues forum?.... nah, not Alex)
Hmmm ... a conspiracy theory. (Just kidding
) Alex, actually lets us do our own thing. I know he has not liked what I have posted in the past, he may not like them in the future.
For example, in a standard line, everyone could possibly handle the soldering of the braces but I can promise you that Zig has only "his best" handle the Signature line braces. (this is just common sense) Its simple, there are degrees of quality and expertise. Zig won't use his highest paid employees on a resale line, unless the buyer is paying for the additional attention.
Please correct me if I am wrong. I take two points from this paragraph. One, that the best employees would naturally work on the Kanstul signature lines which suggests that there is more than one line making trumpets. Two, Alex or others who have Kanstul make horns to their specifications do not pay additional attention (certainly Flip advertises that he does).
Kanstul makes many instruments. Trumpets, cornets, marching brass, trombones, a new line of bass trombones (with excellent reviews BTW). It is a small plant. I'll bet they makes a bunch of Kanstul Chicago models, then retool and make another model, retool, and make ZeuS horns, retool and make Wild Things. My guess is (from some data I have heard, but cannot verify) that the same people make all the various trumpets. Second, I know Alex is in contact with Zig often and visits the factory often. Not that I think it is necessary to assure quality with Zig -- but it is good business to have a relationship with your partners.
BTW, the Zues is probably one of the best instruments for it's price break, but the best ever? There will never be a concensus on that as long as two trumpet players are still breathing and own different horns, never. Buying trumpet is like dating, we all have different characteristics that we love and some we won't accept, while the next guy might love the things we couldn't stand, to each his own........... now, I think my next date is going to be British.
You and I agree on this point without dissent. It was nice of you to say what you did about the ZeuS line. Brass players are all different. There are many horns to choose from. Thousands of mouthpieces. It is wonderful. Many choices and many excellent ones to choose from -- what a blessing!
Your choice of using the dating analogy is interesting. I have heard many people call their trumpets "their wife." But dating is better analogy because we are rarely "married" to our horns. Styles change, our embouchures change, our performing duties change. We often change horns and mouthpieces. How nice to have the choice. And I think your choice of a date analogy is right on. If you do "go British" let us know what you think.
Take care,
M&C