Quote:
Originally Posted by Fluffy615  I'll have to play them all to really judge.
Bob |
I've been playing a Bach Strad for about 30 yrs...and the same one for about 25 of those. (lightweight..72 bell..large bore...silver)
The short and sweet of it is...I first tried some of Felix's horns about 2 years ago. These were terrific playing horns (tuning/ease of play), but I just didn't find one (there were only about 3-4 models back then) that knocked me out - sound wise - out of the 2 I got to try. Go figure. Robin's point is valid to insert here...I only played 2 models that were NOT customized for ME...just what was available. Fast forward to now. Felix has tons of models and I've been fortunate enough to get to toy with gobs of options. He has a great test horn he'll have with him at this festival that will allow you to try 4 different tuning slides and 4 different bells. AND...these still aren't the only options he has available!!! (lead pipes...etc). Regardless, you will have some fun with what he will bring.
Oh...back to your REAL question. I just finished playing 32 shows (the Rat Pack is Back) with the California light (with a squared tuning slide and Rose Brass bell). I am totally sold. I did not even think about switching back to my Bach. I truly thought I wouldn't say that, but I had an absolute ball. This Stage 1 horn was soooo easy to play. It just floated effortlessly wherever you wanted to go. This particular bell had a great, gritty, fat sound that was perfect for this show.
I agree with Robin...that you can certainly find some great horns out there (including sifting thru and finding some great Bach tpts). However, with the quality, choices and service you can and will get from Felix...you will end up with an instrument truly designed for YOU to help you create the sound and feel you want...right off the bat.
Best of luck to you, Bob. I hope you enjoy the festival and please write back after you'd had a chance to meet Felix and play these horns. Mine has been a terrific experience.
PS>>> one more thing. You mentioned not knowing about all the technical mumbo-jumbo that goes into a horn to make it play better. Don't worry...Felix does. ha. I saw him work with a guy at a festival where he knew just what to add (in this case, it was another tuning slide made out of a different material that did the trick) to make things work great for that person. He surprised a lot of folks that day.