| Erik
I hope you don't feel like you would have to completely understand the details of Monette's design before you would buy one of his horns.
If you like a horn, buy that horn. I think that too many people have wasted too much time trying to make their own horns play like Monettes.
One guy I know re-designed his own whole horn, but the end result showed so much influence of Monette ideas.....he might as well have gone to the "master".
If you like Bachs, play them. You might like a custom leadpipe or bell, but generally most things are the same. My old 37 with a 43 leadpipe played so well - until I tried and bought my New York Callet. My old 229 C with the H leadpipe satisfied me for years, as well. Then I played my Callet C (rose brass bell and big .468 bore). This has been my C for about 15 years now. I'll probably play on it until I can afford a Prana C.
Again, if you love Yamahas, don't worry about undertstanding the details of their horn design! Just buy one and play it.
Mouthpieces can be the same game. Don't try to be Reeves or Curry and start sanding and drilling at home.
I say all of this because I was one who tried for many years to be a "trumpet designer" and "repairman" - when what I am best at is being a trumpet player. |