Lawler Bb

Hello all,

Things have changed a bit for me as of late, and I seemingly have gotten over the fact that I need Bach-like resistance and feel for my Bb trumpet(this is another story in itself...........I'll enlighten anyone who really wants to know). So, that said, I have decided to jump head-long into my Eclipse Medium Classic. Yes, this is the same horn that I had up for sale for the past 3 1/2 months.

I am really starting to settle into it and enjoy what it has to offer, except for one major thing. My horn plays very flat below low C. I've played dozens of horns and have never once had an issue with a flat low register. My low A, Ab, and G are especially low, nearly a 1/2 step if I really concentrate on sound versus pitch. It also feels like the horn is a bit unstable down there, like there may be a gap issue or something. I have had Charlie Melk check the gap and he deemed it "in the ballpark".

I have experimented with many kinds of mouthpieces........deep, shallow, medium, vintage, new, Bach, Monette, GR, etc. Most mouthpieces don't seem to "lock in" so to speak. I have had the best luck with a 1970s Bach "3", followed by a Laskey 80C and 1980s Bach 1 1/2C. I use the 1 1/2C on my Bach C and really enjoy it. All mouthpieces are stock with no alterations.

I am coming to the Eclipse after playing Bach Bbs exclusively for the last 3 years, and a Lawler before that (which I still have). That pretty much sums it up. Any thoughts?

Bruce Lee

Hi, Eric!

Good decision on staying with the Eclipse Medium Classic. Have you experimented with backbores? Most players have found that mouthpieces with a tighter backbore are a bit more helpful in achieving the right individual resistance/balance with the Eclipse trumpets.

Best always,
Bruce

Solar Bell

I can echo what Bruce said.

I used a custom GR on my Schilke B6 and my Lawler C7.

When I got my Eclipse it was just a touch off.

I had Gary build my same custom GR with their new T-72 backbore, just a bit tighter and the Eclipse became everything I wanted.

-cw-

Lawler Bb

Hi Bruce and Chuck,

Thanks for your replies. I have also tried a couple Warburton combinations. I used a 4MD/8 on my Bb and C before the 1 1/2C. The 4MD/8 doesn't feel quite right, and I have tried my other Warburton combinations too, a 4M cup and #6 and #9 backbores. Any other thoughts?

Thanks!

dcbrown1

Hi Eric...I certainly understand where you're at. As part of my daily playing ritual, I end up playing my Eclipse MR, Bach 72 and Bach 37... comparing them...looking for the optimum solution (is it possible to experience both enjoyment and some frustration at the same time? I think so!). Fact is...(as I think I mentioned off line) I'm not sure there is a perfect solution. Assuming good Bachs...each horn is superior at different things. That's what's fun. Clean attacks...staying firm on notes favor the Bachs. Mello, smooth sound and fast passages greatly favor the Eclipse IMHO. As a part-time semi-pro player...I've found that the Monette Prana B4 and Prana B4 Slap work pretty well across the board for me. The mouthpiece has become the constant for me...horns the variable. Dave Brown