Thank you, for your very kind words,
Bandman! It was nice to meet you, your wife, and your daughter!
I'm very glad that you had a chance to try the Eclipse trumpets. It is just as you say... "a matter of personal preference" when it comes to finding a good match with the different Eclipse models. The consistent design and build quality of each Eclipse trumpet eliminates the "good trumpet-bad trumpet" experience, allowing the player to focus on his/her choice, based on "fit", rather than finding the best compromise.
As a trumpet player, it's always fun to sample everyone's instruments. I hope that you're able to get that "teaching horn" sorted out. It is most deserving!
I'm looking forward to visiting with you again... in Louisiana! BTW... Thanks for dangling that whole cajun food thing in front of me! I got a cravin'!
Best always,
Bruce
PS - I hope to hear from many more of you. Please send me a PM, or an e-mail, if you are interested.