acorn484

I was wondering what people think of the Lawler TLFLG Flugelhorn. If you own or have played one, it would be cool if you could give a fairly detailed explanation of your impressions. Also, what exactly is the multi bore? Thanks

tatakata

I heard lawler uses not so great valve sections. never played one

Lawler Bb

The valve sections are fine. Roy uses Getzen valve sections, arguably the best in the business. While I haven't played his flugel, I did own a Lawler trumpet for many years and can attest to the playability and build quality of his horns.


I'm not sure where tatakata gets his information from.

trumpetgeek

Then don't post it!!!

I LOVE the feel and sound of Roy's flugels. Real smokey! I'm waiting for the day he makes them a bit more compact..... I LIKE TIGHT BODIES!!!!

tatakata

has he always used getzen valves?

I get my information from a friend who owned a Lawler trumpet for a while and had massive valve problems. the valves were not getzen. I will ask him about this.

tatakata

why?

Lawler Bb

No, Roy has not always used Getzen valves. He has for the last few years, however. The Lawler trumpet that I owned had Kanstul valves and they worked great as well. There is some info on the Trumpet Herald about the different valves that Roy has used over the years. Yes, there was a very short time when a particular valve section he used did not prove to be satisfactory, and he moved to something else in short order.

To write a blanket statement that Lawler trumpets have bad valves is poor form. That would be like me saying that all Benge trumpets have fussy valves just because the valves on my Benge piccolo are in fact a bit fussy. I have only played one other Benge trumpet and that does not give me enough experience and/or authority to state that Benge valves are bad.

To my knowledge, there have been no complaints with the Getzen valves used on Lawler trumpets, and Roy has used them since he came out with the TL series horns, of which the TLFLG is a member.

trumpetgeek

NO DISRESPECT! But this sounds like a negative rumor you've heard from some one. Have you seen or heard any debates on the matter before posting. Sounds like you haven't seen a LAWLER.

Roy's shop and business is very small compared to most and a lot of his business comes from what people reads here. I for one have played and owned MANY of his trumpets. Some I didn't care for others I LOVED. But none had valve issues.

Looks like he's gone over the 1000 mark this year so there's not many out there. But if you find one with bad valves, guess what.... He'll probably send you another horn if he can't make you happy with that one!

dacapo742

acorn484, I've owned a Lawler flugel for over a year and play it in a brass band setting. The horn is very well suited for that need. I've used a large Wick MP and sounded like a trombone, or a small Yamaha and sound like a cornet. I settled on a Curry 1 1/4 and it gives me a nice smooth sound that fits well between the cornets and alto horns. I can blend with either section when needed. As with any flugel, the sound changes greatly depending on the MP - your resluts will vary.

A friend used it in a big band with a small MP and it blended well with a section of Conn V1's. He did tell me that he had to back off because he felt like he was overplaying to the section. I played his V1 and they are very similar, although we both agree the Lawler has a better high register. Very free and open while retaining most of the flugel quality.

The horn plays very well above the staff. I added Harrelson caps and it slots (for me) up to the Eb although I never have to play that high in brass band.

Intonation is the best for any flugel I've played (which includes Yamaha, Conn and Bach). It was difficult for me to learn the horn because I've spent 30 years adjusting the 4th line D and G above that. No need with this horn.

One issue with the valves - I did have to send it back to Roy because the first valve was pitting. It's not the fault of Roy, but the Getzen factory. Roy stands behind his work - it was repaired at no cost and he reimbursed the shipping costs.

Sorry, but I can't tell you about the multi bore. Roy did tell me about it when I ordered the horn, but I was not listening to closely and could not give an accurate description.

DH

acorn484

Dacapo742, If I get one I would mostly be using it in a small group jazz setting; do you think it would be suitable for that?