| My recent trumpet safari
Hey "Peeps" how is everyone? Forgive me Father it's been a while since my last post (ha).
I have been playing a bunch and thought I would tell everyone about a new horn I just picked up and the little adventure I had in trading till I found it. The two horn I now own are some of the finest I have ever played. They live in a Wiseman case and I call them "The Twins" ha. I am truely blessed and God is so good!
As some on you know, I was fortunate enough to win an Eclipse XLR in last year's contest. FYI: I entered again this year for fun under "needanewtrumpet" (yes, Leigh gave me permission) but "Schilke B6" blew us all away! Congrats again bro.! I had so much fun doing my entry and despite my fake name, I didn't need another Eclipse...well, one could always use "another" Eclipse but it was nice to have Schilke b6 tast the thrill of victory.
My First Horn...
Why I had Leigh build me an XLR: I am a worship pastor of a large church here in Texas and a trumpet player for 30 years. I have a great horn section on our worship team that loves all the lead stuff, but the kind of playing I L-O-V-E to play is Ballad work... we also have some amazing jazz players in our church and we have played all over the world. Again, on this stuff, I am drawn to tunes that envoke emotion. So in talking with Leigh we came up with the XLR and it is an amazing horn and it will not break up on you no matter how big the room. I love this horn and I love the Eclipse company and what they stand for even more!
My Newest Horn...
I am a big Harrelson Trumpet fan as well. Another great guy! I was one of his first clients when he got started. The Triton II on his web page was the horn he built for me (for next to nothing) to help spread the word about his new company a few years back. I can honestly say that it was one of the finest Ballad horns I have ever played BUT it was so bizzare looking that I could not play it without cracking up ha. He took it back on trade and built me a Custom Muse in 24k-even trade. This was a great horn but it was not a fit for my sound and I am not a Kantsul/37 part farm fan. Ok, here is where the fun begins...
I traded the gold Muse to DrDave who owned Gary's former Eclipse MR/ three rings/ silver with saturn water keys (yes, the infamous Eclipse with saturns!). For two days, I owned two Eclipse horns ha. This was a world class instrument and one heck of a deal but my trading did not stop... "are you crazy?" Well, I can't help my dark Ballad issues so I traded the same week for an almost new gold beaded Getzen Genesis and some cash...score!
I ordered some custom heavy caps, replacing the standard size ones it had-not sure why they were missing? I also had Felix order me some gold Bauerfine finger buttons- I hated the pearl tops that come standard with this horn. (if you ever need anything trumpet related, please give Felix the business, he rocks!).Getzen vented valves with Bauerfine buttons are pure bliss!!!!!
Ok, I know what your thinking...why have two horns so similiar? Because I can ha. The Getzen Genesis is an amazing,amazing horn. I like the big open sound using the O lead pipe and my trusty Monette B1-1. When I want dark chocolate I use a B1-1fl. Oh man, I can not say enough about this horn!
How to compare the two... the Eclipse build and finish are untouchable. The Getzen Gen. is a very nice bead blast but not like the Eclipse finish. The Getzen feels more open and free blowing and that says alot considering the XLR is a beast. The Bauerfine valves and the Getzen vented valves are the two finest in the world so it's a toss up. The XLR is a longer valve and the Getzen is a short block. I can get around quicker on the Getzen short. The XLR bell is think walled bell and the Getzen is 5 1/8" flare, hand hammered, one piece, yellow brass with large throat. They both are wonderful and BIG. The XLR feels meaty and custom made the Genesis feels soild and stable. I love the Getzen ovate tuning slide-is this a poor man's Monette?. I love Rick Braun but it's cheezy having his signature on the Getzen horn. Good thing with the bead blast finish it is bearly visable. These are two killer Ballad horns.
Bottom Line... I love the Eclipse and am honored to own such a fine instrument. Anyone who is considering this instrument would be VERY pleased with the horn. I will never part with it. The Getzen is, I believe, every bit as special for the type of playing I prefer. Personally, I can get darker and "fluffier" with the Getzen and when you consider the price difference it is a fantastic deal.
My digital is charging but I will soon post pictures of both horns side by side. Night all.
Finish Well,
Dan |