wilcox96

Thanks to Felix...it is official. Go here:

New York Trumpet Company - Artists

Not only am I proud of the relationship with Felix, but thrilled with my new horn.

As you may have read on this site, I spent a good bit of time "really using" this horn prior to it being officially mine. I also have tried many horns over the last 2-2 1/2 years. (this is not even to speak of having played on the same horn for 25 years). This Stage 1 (Cali light ...mainly with the Rose Brass bell, I have multiple bells) surprises and pleases me every time I play it. Thank you, NYTC...Felix!

Schwab

Congrats Brad! I've never worked with a better guy than Felix.

brem

wilcox: how would you describe the different bell materials, as for how they sound?

And congratulations on becoming an "NYTC artist" :)

max3k

Congrats Brad! I'm glad you finally got your own Stage 1

wilcox96

Honestly, the best description of these bells has already been done by Tony Domenico and can be found on the NYTC site here:
New York Trumpet Company - Stage 1 Trumpets

The only thing I will add is based upon personal preference so far - and that is I have gravitated to the Rose Brass bell for most everything I've used the horn on to date. I played a show a while back where I used a different bell on each night, so as to get a feel for the sound/feedback/etc. I quickly came back to the Rose Brass. I keep describing it as having "grit" to the sound that is very special and unique from the other bells. Fat, gritty, full of great overtones when I crank on it. When I play it softly...it sounds very silky. What a wonderful combination.

Read Tony's descriptions. They are terrific.

...and thanks to all for the kind words. I am very excited about the horn and the affiliation.

brem

brad: I was aware of Tony's descriptions, but wanted a "third guy" opinion :)

So... fat and gritty huh?

wilcox96

Yeah, Brem. Fat and Gritty! ha. I keep trying to think of how to describe the sound...and that's the best way I can think of it! You know..as opposed to "Bright and Piercing", "Dark and Round", ... etc, pick your analogy. Fat and Gritty works..ha.

As for Tony's descriptions...your point is taken. However, having played around with these bells for a while, I honestly can't say it any better and agree (mostly) with his descriptions. The fact he's gone with the Copper bell and I with the Rose is then down to personal taste. The descriptions are no less accurate.

I am havin' a ball playing. Beyond the "sound" that we've been talking about, it's also the ease of how this horn plays that is surprising every time I pick it up. Tuning...?? This is also part of what makes this horn so easy to play. You don't have to squirrel around with notes. Just blow down the center.

I didn't realize what I was missing. Hey...I still gotta practice, work on being in shape...and getting better. That part is on me. I just know my equipment is ready to do it's part and sure makes it easier.

Richard Oliver

Congrats all around!

wilcox96

I've noticed that today...when you click on the link I provided...I am missing! ha. No, I (nor Felix) have jumped ship after a day. hahah. Must be some technical stuff going on with the NYTC site.


..follow up...they are working on it. It is there most of the time...

In the meantime, here's another couple of pics of me and the horn:

wilcox96

....and to hear or see the horn "live"...I'll be in Raleigh NC this coming Sunday, 1/20 at the RBC Center playing on the Barry Manilow show. If anyone is in the area/coming to the show, you are more than welcome to stop back stage to say hello. I'll be happy to show you the horn!