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Originally Posted by trumpetpimp Okay, I've just about talked myself into putting together the money to buy an Eclipse(assuming I like them, I haven't actually tried one yet). I've just got a few questions.
I'm thinking of either replacing or getting a companion to my Yammie 6335HII. Originally I was looking for a "lead" type horn and keeping my Yamaha as a section/solo horn but if I'm lucky enough to find a horn that "does everything" better than my current Bb than I might just do away with it altogether. Enough background, on to the questions...
If the body of all the eclipses are identical does that mean that although the medium classic and medium red will have different sounds they'll still have a fairly identical blow? How about the medium heavy red? Large? Will these all blow very similarly or very differently?
Also, if this is a lead horn I'm pretty sure I want it to be silver but if I'm looking for a horn that can do everything should I consider lacquer? Will silver brighten a red brass bell too much? Will lacquer deaden it too much to scream? I know lots of lead players play lacquer horns but silver preserve high overtones and lacquer kills them. I want to part the hair of the lead trombone. 
I'm considering a silver medium red. Would this be the one to try for for solo/section/legit/lead? I'm sure that a silver medium classic would be the screamer. Does anyone disagree? Should I consider lacquer on either setup? I wouldn't normally ask questions that I could figure out for myself by trying horns but I know that for Bruce to stock every bell in every finish(at least the ones that matter) he's need to keep about 30 horns around. I know the average retailer wouldn't want to try and swing that.
Bruce- What are the chances you would have in stock a silver medium classic, a silver and a lacquer medium red, and a lacquer large heavy red? Snowballs chance in hell or halfway decent? |
Hi, trumpetpimp!
Here's what I currently have:
Medium Classic - silver/gold
Medium Yellow - silver/gold (2)
Medium Red - arriving soon!
Heavy Medium Red - clear lacquer
Large Yellow (Special Edition) - arriving soon!
Heavy Large Red (Vortex - Custom) - brilliant gold
Equinox - Scratched Gold
I am building an inventory.
Noel posted this response to Mikester (Equinox - silver/gold), a while ago. Since you seem to be gravitating to the Medium bell options, this will describe the finishes, and bell options, quite well.
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Hi Mikester. I have played every Eclipse that has left the factory and in my humble opinion, you will be hard pressed to find any horn to beat them. All the various Eclipse versions have their own characters but the one thing they all share is that they are SO easy to play.
I have found that the superior intonation, slotting and eveness of tone has led to increased stamina, control, range and confidence. All of this has left me with more energy to devote to playing musically and with expression - rather than wasting that energy on fighting the horn. I love playing the horn - I feel and sound more relaxed AND everybody else has noticed this too!
I have been playing my own medium yellow Eclipse in scratched gold plate since February and it seems from your comments that this is the horn you were most drawn to.
I would have no hesitation in recommending this horn to you - except for the fact that I have never heard you play.
It is a very personal matter choosing a new horn. Obviously we all have a totally unique sound - we won't sound the same on the same instrument. What we are all looking for in a horn however is the same. We want to find the horn that makes it easiest to realise the sound we imagine in our head when we are actually playing. All horns will colour or affect that sound in some way - we just have to remember that it is us, not the horn, which has a voice.
Having said all that, and bearing in mind the questions you have on the characteristics of the various weights, materials and finishes available, I can share with you the way I percieved the effect of the different options on my own sound. (I am concentrating on the medium belled options here).
I believe that the medium you have played was in silver plate, so taking that as a starting point I think you would find the following.
Medium yellow in gold - great lead horn, brighter sound, faster response, more free blowing, very agile,well centered and focused at all dynamic levels.
Medium yellow in laquer - darker sound, similar response, slightly more resistance, great classical horn.
Heavy medium yellow - brilliant sound, more stable, greater depth to the sound, greater projection - very powerful, less flexibility - more stable slots. (brightest in gold then silver and darkest in laquer). Good for strong player - excellent symphonic sound or fat lead horn.
Medium red - much warmer, richer sound, same response - similar blow (again becoming progressively darker and less free blowing as thicker finishes are applied). Fantastic all round horn like the medium yellow - very versatile. (Imagine the tone of the large red but with the focus and projection of the medium yellow)
Medium heavy red - much warmer, richer sound. slightly slower response - more resistance, more depth to the sound, very powerful projection, similar slotting and flexibility, great range of colours - equally bright to to very dark sound (again affected by the choice of finish. Great jazz soloist horn or symphonic section playing or for powerful warm lead trumpet. (Also happens to be my second Eclipse!)
There you have it - the point is they are all awesome horns - I hope I have been of some help.
Noel.
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The Medium Red, in silver, would be a great choice! What lead trombone player?
I hope that this helps!
Best always,
Bruce