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Originally Posted by Tootsall 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! :) |
I understand Getzen, Allied, Edwards, and DEG working together. Family or same family origins for all the companies.
BTW, many, many of the components on a Monette are made by Getzen. I think Monette has a hard time justifying their prices in any shape or form. Not saying they are bad horns, they just cost A LOT!
Some makers make their own horns from top to bottom. Obviously Kanstul does for their own line. Getzen/Edwards may share some things, but it stays in the family. I am sure UMI/Selmer/Bach under Steinway shares some stuff too, but it is the same company now.
Some custom makers make their own stuff. Some make some of the parts, and buy the rest. Some have Kanstul or other makers make them to their own specs (ZeuS and Wild Thing, for example).
So where does the MAGIC come from?
It is a great question Ed! The magic comes from making, or even assembling a horn that fits a set of specifications that make it unique. Some will feel more comfortable with an Eclipse ... Some a ZeuS. Some will want a WB from Kanstul or a Wild Thing or a Schilke or a Bach or a ....
I think this makes the trumpet world great. Many players own one more than one horn because, unlike a saxophones or bassoons, the cost is reasonable. We talk more about horns than lots of other wind players. Such a plethora of fine horns. Isn't it amazing the amount of quality horns available? Magic happens when the player finds the right horn for him or her and makes great music.
Go get those standing O's!
M&C