Walter

I am going to visit Eclipse to try their horns...I have considered trying Taylor as well....I play mostly jazz in both large halls (miked) and in smaller more intimate settings. I want a lifetime horn that has a less orchestral sound than my lovely free blowing LB 25 Bach (with MK rounded tuning slide and Monette B2 mouthpiece). I would to love hear of peoples experience of horns from these two makers ...especially those that have tried both......ideally I would personally try both but time and distance is a problem.

Hopefully the comments will be non political and objective....thanks

Solar Bell

Give a listen to Trent Austin playing jazz in both large and small venues.

He plays an Eclipse MS, (as do I) and the horn is fantastic as both a combo horn and a riding high lead horn.

Here is a clip of Trent playing Donna Lee in concert...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdbhHVGOVXE

Look at the links on the right of the clip for other examples of Trent on the Eclipse MS, Medium Solar Bell trumpet. Green Dolphin Street is another great example!

Have fun with Leigh at Eclipse!

-cw-

__________________
Chuck Willard
The Willard of Oz

"Don't be afraid to see what you see."
Ronald Reagan

rowuk

If you are going to England, you should also try Smith-Watkins Trumpets. Derek Watkins sound is INCREDIBLE. This is the Schilke of England to me. A scientist (Richard Smith) with his heart and ears in the right place - just like Renold Schilke years ago!
Here is a website with sound samples:
http://www.smithwatkins.com/
http://fineartsbrass.co.uk/

I am sure some of the TMers in England could fill you in on other great things to do during your visit! I was in London 2 weeks ago and had a great time!

__________________
Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

camelbrass

Hi,

I actually own a Taylor Chicago II standard and have played a bit on a friends Eclipse MR but not extensively. Wow, what a choice and it really is down to which one pushes your buttons..both great trumpets!! I haven't tried the Eclipse LHR or LR which would be a little more directly comparable to the Taylor.

The Taylor works really well in both of the environments that you'd want it for, actually it's ideal, but I suspect that the Eclipse will feel more familiar. They both play open, but I felt that the Eclipse was probably more so even though my Taylor is a large (470) bore. Both have great hardware (actually very,very similar in this regard) but I feel that from the examples I've seen that the Eclipse is finished a little better.

Andy is only up just outside of Norwich and if your looking to spend 2000 quid it's worth the drive.

Hope this helps.

Regards,


Trevor

Walter

Thank you all for your helpful comments and links.....

If I consider a Taylor I was thinking about the Standard model..a little more to the middle of the range..... The audio samples on the site are good.

I have heard good things about the Smith Watkins trumpet but because the web site was unchanged for so long I was not sure what they were up to...I notice it is revamped...good samples as well.

Of course I want it all!! Warm and creamy, fat, edge to cut when needed, clean and easy at the top with superb intonation, great valves, good looking...substantial but not too heavy ....ha ha the list goes on.

Watch this space as I will try to keep you informed as I go on my quest.
By the way I live in the UK so it's probably not impossible to try them all.

Liad Bar-EL

I also own and treasure as my best sounding horn a Taylor Chicago II standard. Andy has an artist touch to his horns.

Let us know what you decide…………..and why.

Good luck and give Andy my regards,

Liad

Dave

..

jackboyko

Hi, I own them both, If you want a smokey jazz sound the Taylor is just right for that. A big band horn to play 40's stuff, the Eclipse is well suited. Overall, I would pick the Taylor. Wonderful horn, and back up by Andy. As for looks the Eclipse wins hand down. Enjoy either horn, they are both great. Jack

FreshBrewed

I can only speak of the Eclipse horns, as I have only play tested a Taylor once. By the way, the Taylor was a good horn that I would have liked more time on. I play the MHY Eclipse and love the sound it gets. I currently have a very small place to practice but the horn still sounds great in a 10 x 10 room. I know that Noel refers to this model as a great symphony horn but I promise that you will be pleasantly surprised with the jazz sound it can project. Nothing against Noel's opinion as he is a VERY fine player. Hands down, the valves that Eclipse use are the best in the world, IMHO of course. I'm sure your decision will be a tough one and I wish you luck. In the end, it's realy all about what horn suits you best.

__________________
Mike
Eclipse MHY Bell
1949 Olds Ambassador

Listening has nothing to do with moving your mouth!

Liad Bar-EL

It is my understanding that Eclipse uses the same valve block as Taylor and if not the same one from Taylor it is from the same German company, which is Bauerfeind.

Liad