My regular Bb set-up is a Bach 72* from the mid 90's. The horn plays great but mechanically is marginally better than a student horn. The slides are very stubborn (even after cleaning) and the valves are just so-so. I've had the horn close to 10 years so it's just something I have lived with. Enough Bach ranting.
I like the sound that I get on the horn but have always felt like it was a little too spread and lacked a certain amount of "weight". I've played and owned a number of Bach 37's and like the sound that I get but 37's have always felt stuffy to me.
I was in Nazareth Music a few weeks ago and tried out a Schilke S22 (L bore, ML bell) and man what a sweet horn! The schilke was free blowing, had a focused sound and a little more weight in the sound than my 72*. It did not however give much feedback, which my bach does. It felt great up top with just a little resistance to lean against. It got me thinking about what I like about my Bach, what I liked about the Schilke, and if there is anything out there in the middle.
*FINALLY TO THE QUESTIONS*
-In the meantime, can anyone offer a suggestion based on their experience, of a horn that has focus (sound), feedback, weight (sound), and is freeblowing.
-Are the playing characteristics of the Schilke due to the large bore and tighter bell as opposed to the Bach, ML bore, wider 72 bell?
-Should I suck it up and give myself 6 mos. on a 37 to get comfortable again?
-Does any of this make sense or am I chasing a unicorn?
-I plan on buying a horn in 3-6mos. so maybe I should just give Felix a call!
Gerard