| Eric,
Where to start?
Mouthpieces-generally the common consencus is that it's better, particularly if you intend to double, to have the same (or similar) rims for both. Flugels are all about sound and deep cups/large bores are a must. Be careful as there are 3 different mouthpiece tapers so the mouthpiece that fits one won't fit another.
Horns-Broadly there are 3 types:
1. Small Bore (409-421) Kanstul, Bach, Eclipse, Taylor, New Getzen, old Cousenon (Queenies), Wild Thing
2. In between 430-440 Yamaha, Lawler
3. Larger 453-460 Older Getzen, Olds, Old Benges
Don't equate these as strictly as you would view a trumpet's bore size...in this case bore size really is irrelevant. Some of the smaller bore flugels are very easy to play despite the numbers.
OK Price:How deep are your pockets? Rough prices in US$
Taylor and Eclipse at the top $3,000-3,500)
Wild Thing $2500+
Lawler $2000-$2,500
Kanstul and Bach $1500-2000
New Getzen in here somewhere (I guess)
Yamaha $1200-1700
A good old Quennie who knows-probably +$1000
Older Benges $800 ish
Older Getzens $600 ish
The more expensive flugels have intonation and response that is as good as most trumpets. Some of the older ones are a bit 'squirrely'. However, I'll repeat it I think a flugel is all about sound..OK you don't want to wrestle the thing but one that sound great and is in tune is a diamond.
Jupiter and Weril make cheaper flugels that are reasonable for $600-$700 that are essentially very much like the lower model Yamahas and lots of players find that these are more than enough.
I find that when I play flugel I throw an internal 'switch' and try not to even think about trumpet. I don't 'hear' trumpet, I have a definite idea of what I want to sound like on a flugel and that's very different from a trumpet. Don't try 'loud' or 'strident', think 'light' and 'velvety'. Playing flugel with a trumpet sound concept won't work...neither will pumping it full of air...it's just not the point and won't work, let the horn do the work.
Look that's really just a start. If there are any other questions raise them...I'm sure that this will be added to/corrected.
Regards,
Trevor |