gchun

I've tried both a silver and lacquer 8335la. I normally play a Schilke S-42 (fixed bell).

I preferred the laquered model over the silver. The lacquered model played open and free and I liked the fullness of sound. Sound stayed full at soft volumes as well. The upper register (above High C) stayed nice and fat. I normally have a problem of getting thin in the upper register. I felt this could be a good small band horn as well as lead. Coming from a medium bore Schilke S-42, I'm a little concerned that this horn may be too big for me. It felt big on tired chops.

The silver model played similar to my s-42. It played a bit tighter and more focused than the laquered model. I had a lot more bite in on the silver compared to the lacquer.

I haven't had a chance to record myself and see what it sounds like in front of the bell. I have a feeling that it has a different feedback from a player's perspective, a little different than I'm used to.

They guy I borrowed the horns from liked the silver one better.

I prefer the Bergeron much more than the Shew 8310Z & 6310Z. I didn't have to "back off" on the Bergeron, although I could and it worked either way.

Definitely worth checking out. I'm still experimenting with it.

Garry