| Re: My new Trumpet?
Maynard the 1st played a Monette with a 2-piece bell, his tone was pretty clear. Chris Gekker also has no problem with clarity. I think the point that was made above is that 'One Piece' 'Hand-hammered' bells, and 'medium-large' bores, etc, etc are marketing terms which manufacturers use to distract us. I say this because, whereas these terms are useful in understanding the general construction of the instrument, they do tend to say very little about the instruments playing characteristics, nor do they reflect what the musical/sonic qualities of the instrument would be. There are many factors that go into making a great playing horn - and no horn plays itself! Some players can make a super extra large bore instrument (which we would be led to believe would impart a 'dark, teutonic' sound) SIZZLE - think of Maynard on his Holton, Arturo on a Schilke X3, etc. The reverse, of course, can also be true.
Bottom line - play a bunch of horns. To now make myself a hypocrite; a Yamaha, Schilke, or Getzen is probably what you're looking for.
Best, and good luck!
-db |