| Yes, Trev; I could be exercising the MR, but the gig doesn't start until 2 pm (we were sold out last night), so I'm "busy" relaxing, surfing, and cleaning valves! As far as the music goes... if I don't know it by now it's too late to be "cramming"!!
Actually the show last night went GREAT! Two "standing Os" to which we responded with "Hockey Night in Canada"! (Hey... we might be musicians but hockey is also part of our cultural framework).
I guess my comment had more to do with the way "custom" horn makers have "optimized" their input costs by purchasing components from manufacturers who specialize in: (bells, valves, plating and finishing). Once these horns hit the marketplace they are invariably advertised as "designed by", or "a creation of", or some such advertising "fluff" when in reality they are not "invented" or "designed" so much as they are "specified, purchased and assembled" by using relatively common components.
With his uniquely designed tuning system, Leigh has certainly broken new ground.... but even he will admit to buying his valves from elsewhere (and damn fine valves they are too!!) I think that Taylor uses valves from the same company as do many of the smaller, European "boutique" makers. Lawler using Getzen valves (the whole valve block? just the pistons? ahh, some more rocks to turn over!) and of course "la creme de la creme" Monette beginning his company by also using Getzen valves.
Custom "dedicated" shops spinning (or electroforming) bells for different "labels"; Allied doing plating work for Getzen and ? and whoever else wants a project taken care of.
Looking at the whole trumpet market I don't suppose there would be a sufficient volume of consumers who could afford the price of a horn that is TOTALLY made by a specific horn maker (OK... Monette does come to mind...maybe their prices ARE justified?). So where DOES the "uniqueness of design" enter the picture? Is it the "magic" of specifying the right blend of components? Is it in the design of bell shape (French Besson)? Material thickness? Brass "blend"? Attention to detail in fit and finish? All of the above? None of the above? Does one simply have to have enough of an ability to spec the "bits and pieces" and then make the "designed by" claims and have the cohones and the ability to market the "product" to become a "custom horn maker"?
Inquiring minds want to know! :)
OK, time to go buy Mrs. some Mother's Day flowers. Catch y'all later. |