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zkfan · 03-15-2008, 07:24 PM

I've made quite a few successful trumpet and cornet purchases on eBay. Naturally, I started looking there, when I got the bug to get a Flugelhorn, but as I've never played one, I have been a bit hesitant. The large difference in bore sizes and how differently they must play and sound based on the bore, let alone design and quality stopped me. I guess this is a long introduction to the fact that I went and tried several today. I'm glad I did! What differences!

A friend (flute player, picking up trumpet) and I (comeback player, doing better than I could in High School, which still is well short of what I consider "good") made the 2 hour trip to South Bend, IN to Woodwind and Brasswind to try some Flugels (and my friend, trying some piccolos, too). First out was a Yamaha 631G, Yamaha 6310 Shew and a LeBlanc F357 Sandoval, all in lacquer. I used the Shew mouthpiece on all, to remove that variable. The Shew handily won that round, with the best sound, slotting and quality. Next up, was a Courtois AC154R, where my indecision began. The Shew was easier to play, slotted a little better and allowed me higher above the staff. The Courtois sounded much richer, didn't slot quite as well and was more dificult to even get above a G. (still using the Shew mouthpiece, which still fit the AC154R, though long)

Price is equal. Might the difference be closed in by varying mouthpieces? Maybe something larger for the Shew, when I wanted a darker sound? Or would something shallower or tighter in bore help the Courtois' range? (changing, based on what was being played) I know, I should have tried while I was there, but I'd already taken a lot of time from WWBW and my friend and I wasn't going to leap at a purchase today, anyway.

My intended playing will range between church and jazz band, with rare concert use. Any advice for a guy, who is probably over his head, looking to add a new and interesting toy? Both would be wonderful to play, with a little more work needed on the Courtois to secure the notes and range.

Thanks!
Steve

03-15-2008, 07:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
zkfan New Friend Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 17	Flugelhorn advice needed I've made quite a few successful trumpet and cornet purchases on eBay. Naturally, I started looking there, when I got the bug to get a Flugelhorn, but as I've never played one, I have been a bit hesitant. The large difference in bore sizes and how differently they must play and sound based on the bore, let alone design and quality stopped me. I guess this is a long introduction to the fact that I went and tried several today. I'm glad I did! What differences! A friend (flute player, picking up trumpet) and I (comeback player, doing better than I could in High School, which still is well short of what I consider "good") made the 2 hour trip to South Bend, IN to Woodwind and Brasswind to try some Flugels (and my friend, trying some piccolos, too). First out was a Yamaha 631G, Yamaha 6310 Shew and a LeBlanc F357 Sandoval, all in lacquer. I used the Shew mouthpiece on all, to remove that variable. The Shew handily won that round, with the best sound, slotting and quality. Next up, was a Courtois AC154R, where my indecision began. The Shew was easier to play, slotted a little better and allowed me higher above the staff. The Courtois sounded much richer, didn't slot quite as well and was more dificult to even get above a G. (still using the Shew mouthpiece, which still fit the AC154R, though long) Price is equal. Might the difference be closed in by varying mouthpieces? Maybe something larger for the Shew, when I wanted a darker sound? Or would something shallower or tighter in bore help the Courtois' range? (changing, based on what was being played) I know, I should have tried while I was there, but I'd already taken a lot of time from WWBW and my friend and I wasn't going to leap at a purchase today, anyway. My intended playing will range between church and jazz band, with rare concert use. Any advice for a guy, who is probably over his head, looking to add a new and interesting toy? Both would be wonderful to play, with a little more work needed on the Courtois to secure the notes and range. Thanks! Steve