Jimi Michiel

Hi Manny,
I was wondering if you had any suggestions about e-flat trumpets. I'm currently borrowing a friend's Schilke, but I just can't force myself to like it. Everything about it (sound quality, response, intonation) is OK, but for almost three grand, I'd like a little more than OK. Any suggestions?
Also, do you use the same E-flat trumpet for orchestral and solo work? I recently tried two different Monette instruments, the 900 series E-flat and a very old pre-STC1 E-flat. I found the 900 to be too big and dark for a lot of the solo literature that I would use it for, but I'm sure it would be great for section work. The pre-STC1 was much brighter and seemed more appropriate for ligther classical concertos. Just some observations...
Thanks,
Jimi

Manny Laureano

One, quick queston: are you, using a Monette mouthpiece for the Monette Eb?

Otherwise, yes, I use the same Eb for orchestral as I would solo work. I don't have the same assessment about the "dark" sound as you do. I find the sound to be very rich and appropriate for both idioms.

Anyways, so what about the mouthpiece?

ML

Jimi Michiel

Hi Manny,
Thanks for the quick response. Yes, I own an E1-2 (stc1, regular, not prana) which I got so that I would have something to test out/borrow instruments. On the 900 series horn that I tried, I used the Prana mouthpiece that came with the horn (I think it was E1-1).
Thanks,
Jimi

Manny Laureano

Jimi,

I recently bought a 900 series Eb from Mike Thompson and absolutely love it. They're more expensive than the usual instrument but I don't think I've ever had so many nice comments about a smaller horn than I did with this one. The intonation was near-perfect and the horn has a very supple quality and a high C that is brilliant.

In other words I like the 900 horns.

Good luck finding something you like!

ML