Shermy

I took both Bbs and both fluegels to the pro yesterday. I've played with this guy on a gig before, so he's heard me play, but it was in a big band setting a few years ago. So, I played on the Bach first to let him hear how I sound on it. I know, not a true blind test. It still was effective. Next I let him play on my Bach. After that, I played it again for a few notes. Then I played the same thing on the Kanstul. He said it definitely sounds darker, which is somewhat what I am looking for. Next, I let him play it. He felt it was much freer blowing than the Bach and definitely more responsive (all traits I experience as well). I then asked him to try to play up above high D on my Bach. He wasn't quite warmed up, but said it feels really stuffy up there. He did the same on the Kanstul. He was able to move around up there quite a bit more easily. I then took out the single radius slide and put in the double radius slide and played it for him. He said it made the sound a little bit brighter and more focused.

So, the verdict for the trumpet is - It's a Keeper!! To reiterate, from my experience (as compared to my Bach 37) it is freer blowing, a little darker in tone, has better intonation, isn't stuffy above a high D, and with the additional slide becomes a little brighter and more focused. Also, the valves are awesome and it looks beautiful.

The fluegel is a no brainer. We both played it. It's amazing how well this horn speaks. He only had one complaint about either of the horns. He said the valves on the fluegel were a little too fluffy for his liking. He would prefer some stiffer springs. That's an easy fix, if I ever think I would need it. I don't mind, or really detect, the fluffyness.

Verdict on the fluegel - Keeper.

I'll be giving Clayton a call later today to let him know he can run that credit card through.