JazzBird

Hi All,

Curious if anyone out there has played both the older Monette Chicago and newer 149XL horns.

Do these play and sound similar ? Are the older Chicago models lighter and therefore play and sound differently ?

JazzBird

rowuk

I have played both and they are different. The comparison is not fair though because the Chicago models have been VERY well played and that changes a lot. The sound on both is "Monette". The shape of the sound is pretty much the same, as is the color. The 149 slots better for me and seems to be more "secure". The particular 149 that I played had an incredibly free upper range. The Chicago model was very good but not as easy.
If you are thinking about buying one or the other - play them first!

__________________
Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

JazzBird

Thank you Rowuk for your feedback.

Since I posted this question I found out elsewhere that the Monette Chicago was actually called the MB 149, which I guess is a lighter version of the MB 149XL...so I guess the Chicago is in fact the 149 ? But either way your comparison was clear to me...and I appreciate it. : )

JB

rowuk

Jazzbird,
Dave is always "improving" his horns. They are handmade so there is no problem tweaking it before it is sent out. I am sure that the new 149XLs are different that the older ones.
How is your P3? I ordered one last year - hope to have it in June.

__________________
Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

JazzBird

Hi Rowuk,

The P3 is fantastic horn in every way...and in gold plate looks like a work of art too. I have had mine since May 2005.

What I like most is that it really produces the biggest and most interesting sound I have ever heard...and it locks in like no other horn I have played.

So I love the sound I get and this horn plays extremely well. However it is not the easiest horn to play (for me). I also have an 8310z. The 8310z is the easiest horn I have ever played...and much easier for me physically than the P3. However, I don't like the sound I get on the 8310z nearly as much as the P3. So at times I have this dilemma....love the P3...but I can play longer with less effort on the 8310z. Swtiching I find is also hard for me and it messes me up. With the P3 I have to be physically very neutral and be much more conscious of my body to make it work for me...whereas with the 8310z I can play it lying flat on my back if I had to.

My 2 cents...

No doubt I am sure you will love your P3...and would be interested to hear from you once you receive it and play it.

JazzBird