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Bear · 01-20-2008, 11:39 PM

Ok, maybe I'm not a "professional" in some of the meaning but...

People say looks don't matter. I disagree to an extent. The first thing I do is check out the craftsmanship, checking solder joints and the angles/lines of the instrument. I'll pull out some slides and a valve or two and look them over. Basically looking for machining marks (which can lead to costly repairs, etc) creases, flawed material, etc. Sometimes bad metals/alloys do get past the QC guys. I'l check out the action and slide movment (although, that'll change with personal lubricants, prefrences etc.) After that I'll do some long tones low to mid register at different dynamics, checking out sound and manipulation (bending, etc) quality/quantity. This also gives me a check on air flow/resistance/feedback. After that I'll take it through the runs in the extreme registers, and play several selections of tehnical and lyrical stuff at different dynamic levels. Basically, I try to do an abreviated version of everything I would do on the horn and listen for that sound you want and the ease of producing that sound. It always helps to take an extra pair of ears with you too. I like to play test with three or four people, you really get the notion of what the horn can do. Of course, the main reason to have extra ears is because what you hear may not always be what is coming out of the bell... HAHA. Take care. Hope that helps a lil.

Tim

01-20-2008, 11:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
Bear Mezzo Forte User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: CO Posts: 805	Re: How pros pick a horn? Ok, maybe I'm not a "professional" in some of the meaning but... People say looks don't matter. I disagree to an extent. The first thing I do is check out the craftsmanship, checking solder joints and the angles/lines of the instrument. I'll pull out some slides and a valve or two and look them over. Basically looking for machining marks (which can lead to costly repairs, etc) creases, flawed material, etc. Sometimes bad metals/alloys do get past the QC guys. I'l check out the action and slide movment (although, that'll change with personal lubricants, prefrences etc.) After that I'll do some long tones low to mid register at different dynamics, checking out sound and manipulation (bending, etc) quality/quantity. This also gives me a check on air flow/resistance/feedback. After that I'll take it through the runs in the extreme registers, and play several selections of tehnical and lyrical stuff at different dynamic levels. Basically, I try to do an abreviated version of everything I would do on the horn and listen for that sound you want and the ease of producing that sound. It always helps to take an extra pair of ears with you too. I like to play test with three or four people, you really get the notion of what the horn can do. Of course, the main reason to have extra ears is because what you hear may not always be what is coming out of the bell... HAHA. Take care. Hope that helps a lil. Tim __________________ Of what value would it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live?! - anon.