| I had a chance to purchase a Schilke. In fact, I went looking for the chance to buy one. I'd been playing a (poor) Bach 180ML37 and was looking for something that I could get that a) had a reputation for being ultra consistent, b) that was flexible enough to use both in community band section as well as solo IN ADDITION to any other place that I might be called to play (I don't expect to ever get invited to play symphonic!).
A shop that I found locally (300 miles is considred "local" out here) who were willing to order one for me happened to decide to bring in 4 different models of Schilke "on spec".... they had been supplying their local pic market with Schilke (they also deal with B & S). So I got to try an X3, B1, B5 and S32 fresh out of the factory wrapping.
All four models were very consistent in fit, finish, and feel. Their balance was really great and the quality exceptional. Once we got my tuning issue sorted out (they play obviously quite different from a Strad and I needed to adjust to their "open" characteristic) they were all VERY accurate with intonation.
I had trouble keeping the X3 in tune... just too much (or too sudden) of a switch from my Strad (which I had with me for comparison). I found the B5 and S32 to be nice but they didn't have "the sound" that I was used to hearing from the Bach.... they seemed much lighter in tone. The B1 was much closer (or bigger) in sound but was still easy to play. It became my "only" horn until I won 2nd prize in last year's Eclipse contest.
Our Community Band is making a road trip at the end of February and I was hesitant about risking the Eclipse on the bus. I still had been practicing at home every once in a while on the Schilke and the sound seemed really close to the Eclipse so I decided I'd "sacrifice" the B1. Well, I took it to band last week to help get more used to it and in a larger room it was so much brighter than the MR in sound that I honestly wasn't sure I was on the right notes most of the time! It must be a reflection (pun?) of the room but I guess I was hearing a higher proportion of "back resonance" than at home. (I refer to "back resonance" as the component of sound the player gets that resonates off the back side of the bell). In a smaller room the reflection of the core sound (what comes "OUT" the bell) is more immediate and thus, stronger which makes the difference less noticeable.
The difference was so great that I made the decision to take the Eclipse on the bus....I'll have to trust the Torpedo Bag to keep the nasties away from the horn. The tuning on both horns (and you sell Eclipse so you know how precise they are) is VERY similar... I don't adjust any different when I switch back and forth. The valves are virtually identical in feel and valve stroke (they differ by 0.5 mm).
I am still keeping the Schilke for a "backup" horn but will probably only be using it "to keep it exercised", for trumpet choir things, and solo stuff. Perhaps if my son stays at trumpet and continues to develop his playing he may "inherit" but that's a big "perhaps".
You can't go wrong with Schilke quality, consistency, and factory support. They really are the "bargain horn" of the "custom makers". (Although I'd love to try a Lawler!) |