TrumpetMaster - View Single Post - Trying to decide which flugelhorn to buy.

Jeffstellation · 04-30-2008, 01:48 PM

Debbie - flugels come in a range of bore sizes. The smallest might seem fickle, but use less pressure. This will allow you more artistry/inflection with a lighter touch. The largest may seem a bit cumbersome or perhaps 'straight ahead'. That is, they have a feel that is most like trumpet.

I own a LeBlanc/Holton Sandoval model with a fairly small (0.42) bore, designed after the Kanstul. From what I've read, it's hard to go wrong with either of these.*

I think it's Yamaha that produces a mid-sized 0.433 bore flugel. A teacher friend of mine prefers this and performs with it all the time.

*He also recommends laquer or silver, but cautioned me to be wary of copper bell instruments, as they dent easily. I got the rose brass F-357 anyway. Looks & plays sooooo nice.

As mentioned above, the more F-horn-like the mouthpiece, the mellower the sound. Put another way, the more c-cup/ round the mouthpiece, the less flexibility of timbre and tone with the flugel.

Best of luck, and consider eBay or Craigslist. I met with a local CL-er, tried his horn, and that worked for both of us.

04-30-2008, 01:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jeffstellation New Friend Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1	Re: Trying to decide which flugelhorn to buy. Debbie - flugels come in a range of bore sizes. The smallest might seem fickle, but use less pressure. This will allow you more artistry/inflection with a lighter touch. The largest may seem a bit cumbersome or perhaps 'straight ahead'. That is, they have a feel that is most like trumpet. I own a LeBlanc/Holton Sandoval model with a fairly small (0.42) bore, designed after the Kanstul. From what I've read, it's hard to go wrong with either of these.* I think it's Yamaha that produces a mid-sized 0.433 bore flugel. A teacher friend of mine prefers this and performs with it all the time. *He also recommends laquer or silver, but cautioned me to be wary of copper bell instruments, as they dent easily. I got the rose brass F-357 anyway. Looks & plays sooooo nice. As mentioned above, the more F-horn-like the mouthpiece, the mellower the sound. Put another way, the more c-cup/ round the mouthpiece, the less flexibility of timbre and tone with the flugel. Best of luck, and consider eBay or Craigslist. I met with a local CL-er, tried his horn, and that worked for both of us.