dcbrown1

Manny...this may be hard for you to answer considering the amount you play. But, based on your experience with several Monette models, would a part-time player with less than your Herculean endurance struggle more with a P3 versus say a P1 or Prana LT? In other words...is playing (being the only trumpet in a contemporary Christian group) a P3 versus a P1 analogous to playing a large versus a medium large bore when it comes to endurance? I recently tested a P3...and put my name on the list. It was obviously incredible...I preferred it to the lighter/smaller instruments. Just wondered whether or not I'd be man enough to play it in a group setting. i.e. would it suck me dry really fast trying to play over/lead the group. Had this problem with a Calicchio R37. It's not a problem with my Bach 37 or Eclipse MR. It's hard to make this determination while testing horns in Dave's central office. Thoughts? Thanks! Dave Brown

p.s. I do realize that hours of practice each day is an obvious solution...but the whole day-job thing (that enables me to even consider purchasing a Monette instrument!) tends to conflict with that.

dcbrown1

Manny Just realized...you probably need more info about me to answer my question. I'm 48...have played 38 years. Haven't studied privately since college (studied with Dom Spera at University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire)...but I make a point to play a bit each day...say 20-30 minutes. I play strong (big full sound) and have decent range/flexibility (solid/loud high G#...and can squeak out double C's). Biggest weakness is probably endurance. I play weddings and church services primarily. Thanks Dave

Manny Laureano

It sounds like you're right... If you're a part time player and you don't have the hours to devote to the horn as you would like to, perhaps the 1 is the way to go. Or maybe a slightly smaller mouthpiece would be the ticket?

The Prana 1 has a very warm sound yet with great clarity. The 3 is more and more of the same... a truly layered, complex sound and wonderful clarity. The upper register sparkles on these things... so much fun to play. So, you win no matter which you play as long as you have that ability to play with ease, letting the air lead the way.

ML

dcbrown1

Thanks Manny. Good point about the mouthpiece. Actually...now that I think about it...my poor endurance experience with the Calicchio took place prior to me switching from a Schilke 15 to a Monette prana B4. One of the benefits of the B4 was more endurance. Hmmm. So...just to clarify your perspective...it indeed does take more umph to power a P3 versus a P1...right? Thanks...again!

Dave

Jimi Michiel

I have always found the ligther horns more forgiving in terms of tension. I got my C997 sophomore year of my undergrad. I practice a lot less now that I'm a grad musicology student (too much time in the library!) and sometimes wish I had gotten a lighter horn.

-Jimi

dcbrown1

Thanks for the reply Miles. I'm not so concerned about the weight...in fact...the P3 was much lighter than my Taylor Chicago C. It's more that enormous bell that has me somewhat concerned.

Manny...I'm wondering whether an analogy can be made with cars...does the P1 get better gas mileage than the P3?

Thanks,

Dave