I recieved a new tuning slide for my Stage 1 custom yesterday. It is a rounded slide with a brace and the crook is made of sterling silver. I thought it was a great idea when Felix had told me about it, due to the fact the sterling lead pipe makes such a difference. I tried this slide at Rayburns in NYC and really liked the feel and sound it helped produce (it helped that the lead player in the Philly Pops todl me I sounded good on it too
) Well, I took the plunge and got Felix to send it to me. While many of the guys like the square slides in this horn, I like to blow through a horn, the rounded slide seems to feel better to me.
It is obvious to me sterling silver is a great material to help produce a tone. The combination of lead pipe and slide create an incredibly clean sound with a full compliment of overtones. I am able to sound warm and rich, and also able to rip out some very fat lead stuff. The most interesting thing I have found in the short time I have had the slide is dont have to try very hard to play. The response is fast, the notes are clean and clear, and it takes less effort. Imagine that!!
The slide I already had was good, but this slide pushes my horn just a little further. I think I have found the set up for me. If you are thinking about a Stage 1 California give the slides a try, it still amazes me how much they can change the horn. Felix has yet a another great idea.
TD