| Hi,
I use a GR 3FL..the older GR flugel piece. I believe the new FD is a more 'traditional' flugel mp and the cup is deeper and bore bigger. I have a Denis Wick which is like that and I find it just a bit too much. The 3FL is comparatively shallower and more 'trumpet' like. If you like the sound of the Kanstul 7c stick with it. Agree with you about the sound...but isn't it absolutely fantastic??
Work those valves in and they'll feel even better. Intonation is as good as any of my trumpets.
I try to use it whenever I can. If anybody says 'come and have a blow, we're doing standards' I grab Fake books and flugel and just relax and play. If you play in a big band then try it on balads (particularly soloing). Around Xmas, carols sound great on it. Try Haydn on it as well..sounds fantastic, particularly the second movt. I also find that it suits my mentality as a musician. If I pick up a trumpet like most other guys once I'm warm I'll blast away to the top of my range (ego thing). There's not a lot of point on the flugel (you can but it just doesn't cut through) so it forces you to look at how 'musical' your playing is. If I'm improvising on flugel I'm hearing more melodic lines than I would do on trumpet (but probably less rhythmically challenging).
Anyhow, it's just my take on it.
Regards,
Trevor |