MahlerBrass

Howdy all, I'm in the market for a new Bb, and my choices are pretty much between one of the Yammie artist models (NYS or CHS), a good ole Bach Strad, and a new spark of interest in the Blackburn Bb's. So I actually don't have much information or experience on playing Blackburns other than word of mouth (reliable mouth at that), so I'd like to get more of an opinion from the general public on these horns, how do they compare to the traditional orchestral line of Bb's (if there is such a thing), how well do they blend, pros/cons, who plays these horns (famous orchestral players)? Any information would help, thanks a bunch!

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Heavens2kadonka

Jeff Bailey of the NSO is *ALL* Blackburn. In fact, he got rid of his Yamaha artist after he got the Blackburn this month. Oh, Dr. Charles Decker of TN Tech is also a Blackburn man.


The Blackburn horns sound just fantastic. Lot of presence, very even feel throughout, and the "sparkle" that the pamphlets describe in the sound is definitely there (with the ambronze horns, at least). The horn is great in that it can blend in a Bach section, and sing in a solo.

However, isn't the waiting list for the Blackburn still extraordinarily long?

Van

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Stage 1 California Light
'94 Bach Strad 37
1900 Eb Cornet

LOUD Steve Patrick 10 1/2 C
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MahlerBrass

There is a waiting list, but this little jewel is what sparked my interest... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MakeTrack=true

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Music isn't a career, it's a way of life.

Schwab

That horn probably does not suck.

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Dylan Schwab
Stage 1 New York

mike ansberry

Charlie Decker played my Eclipse MR a couple of weeks ago. He said that his Blackburn trumpets are better suited to his style of playing because they have a darker sound.

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"Music is a fire in your belly that has to come out of your mouth, so you'd better put a horn in the way before someone gets hurt" (paraphrase of Bleeding Gums Murphy)

40cal

My trumpet prof in grad school played on blackburns. They sounded gorgeous. They also played very well. At the time, if I would have had the $$ I would have purchased some, w/out a doubt.

Of course, he ended up going to prison so this comment is worth what you pay for it.

In all seriousness, great horns, no question.

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krossum

Well, it looks like I’ll have an abbreviated warm-up session today, this is the third post of mine in as many minutes! I just couldn’t let this thread slip buy (get it?)

I’ve been playing my Blackburn Bb (serial number 253) for over 15 years and it is absolutely amazing. It has performed EVERY style of music and has served me well on stage and in the studio. Finally – after years and years of Clark studies (and others) the horn is showing it’s age.

As soon as I became comfortable with this trumpet; I lost the excuse of blaming my instrument for any problems I encountered – that’s the only frustration with this horn. Whatever happens; it’s on you!

I whole-heartedly recommend buying a Blackburn for your primary Bb instrument.

Sincerely,
-Kelly

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“This art is acquired only by laborious studies, for the rebellious nature of the instrument demands a great aptitude coupled with a persevering willingness to become a master of it.” – F.G.A. Dauverné (1857)

rowuk

Hi krossum
15 years is a long time!
Did you have new valves put in or any other "maintenance" work done in that 15 years?

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krossum

nope; just took really good care of it. I had a travel toothbrush (for me, not the horn) in the case for the first 8 years or so...

excellent horn!

-Kelly

__________________
“This art is acquired only by laborious studies, for the rebellious nature of the instrument demands a great aptitude coupled with a persevering willingness to become a master of it.” – F.G.A. Dauverné (1857)