Well, I received my GFT LX Bb in raw brass today from Ken Larson ( http://www.brasswerks.com ). When I opened it up, I looked at the workmanship. Everything is first class, impeccable fit and finish. So far, so good. I put my mouthpiece in and played a B major scale very softly and played some slurs. I tried some intervals and other scales, still playing softly. The horn is very responsive and resonant, the intonation is right on. The slotting is fairly tight, which I like. The tone is very complex. Rich in overtones and very resonant. Next, I started to put some more air into the horn. The tone stayed very rich and in tune. The upper register is very open and even. As a matter of fact, the horn blows very evenly, from low F# to as high as I can play (only about G6). The valves are very quick and smooth. Then I put alot more air through the horn, and the tone really lit up. It was easy to change the color of the tone, from warm and dark to sizzling.

I played a Lawler Model T before this, and while I liked the Lawler alot, I Love this GFT LX.

I got the chance to play a couple of Ken's horns at ITG. I remember his conversions were great and his own trumpets were even better. He was a nice guy and his leadpipes and horns seem to be everywhere now. He knows what he is doing for sure. Enjoy that new horn.

Ken's horn's are great! I haven't had the chance to play any of the GFT horns, but I recently bough a Bach 239 with a Larson leadpipe, tuning slide and braces. I never though a horn could play so brilliant while retaining such an interesting depth of sound.

Chaos-got any pics?

-Jimi

Hey Jimi,

Sorry this took so long, I couldn't tear myself away from the horn long enough to do this! Anyway, here are a couple of picture (taken with my cell phone, but hey). Go to: http://www.caddell.org/images/GFTLXa.jpg and http://www.caddell.org/images/GFTLXb.jpg

Peace

Joe

Hey Joe,

Looks great! The bell has an interesting bend to it, it looks almost "ovate" (to use Monette termonology). Congrats, I'm jealous...

-Jimi

PS. You've got the double sleeve where the leadpipe meets the tuning slide, right?

Interesting how he puts that thrid valve stop where it is located on the Bb NY Yamaha Artist model

what do these horns run for?
I'm looking forward to checking out all the new horns at ITG this year...

Originally Posted by TrentAustin

what do these horns run for?
I'm looking forward to checking out all the new horns at ITG this year...

I paid $3600 for my LX in raw brass. That was $200 off of his normal price, he had a Christmas special.

Originally Posted by jmichiel

Hey Joe,

Looks great! The bell has an interesting bend to it, it looks almost "ovate" (to use Monette termonology). Congrats, I'm jealous...

-Jimi

PS. You've got the double sleeve where the leadpipe meets the tuning slide, right?

It looks like that to me!

Peace

Joe

I didn't realize they were that expensive. Who makes the valve sections for him.