stinam40

Looking for recommendations about what to purchase in a new horn... I am no professional - like to play for fun. Community/church stuff and mess around on my own. Played since age 10 or so, through HS and college (though not a music major), and on and off since then. I'd like to practice more though, and think I would if my horn had a decent sound and worked well. $$ isn't really an issue, within reason. I think I'd like "professional" quality, and have heard Stradivarius or French Besson are good. Any recommendations re: styles and why, and even mouthpieces or other issues of consideration would be appreciated (range, sound, etc). Thanks much!

veery715

Search on "new horn" "upgrade" "professional" and similar. There are nearly endless threads here on the subject.

Most everyone will tell you to try to go to a store where you can play many different horns. If you have a mouthpiece you are using predominantly then take it with you. Do not mix trying out new mouthpieces and horns at the same time.

veery

stinam40

Thanks for the advice - I will check it out.

ewetho

Most guys (OK may not seem like so on these boards but seriously) most guys for an all around horn go with a Bach Stradivarius. The standard 180S with what ever bell you like. But play the LT (lightweight) and LR (Reverse leadpipe, lightweight body normal bell) too and which ever horn just makes you smile is the one.

Now look at my Signature --- Yup, I do not own one and don't care for them really. Closest one for me was an LR180.

Normal Mouthpieces would be from a 7C to a 1 1/2C. You can go to a D or B cup to color the sound a bit.

These would get you that typical sound that you know.

Now what do I like???? Me I like the traditional Benge, CG Benge or the Kanstul Chicago (New Benge). CG Selmer would do too.

I like a CG Personal Mouthpiece too.

I find I can blend into a line of Bachs with little difficulty unless it gets really loud and above say E in the staff then it gets harder to hide. Even with that deep funnel MP it just sings in the over and undertones and tends to dominate!!! I love it!!! Not that is particularly sticks out as a strange tone it just carries VERY well. Learning to back off.


But before we can really say you need to know how you play. Do you like freer blowing horns. Do you have say a King or a Bach TR300. The Bach would be very tight. What do like? That can help determine what would fit you too.

Do you have a teacher, he/she should be able to help a bit too. If you kind of got into the Claude Gordon method you probably should just get a CG Personal MP and either a CG horn or my teach likes my 1001.

Schilke makes a great horn too.

If you don ot stray too far of the beaten path anything you like best will probably do just fine.

__________________
Kanstul Chicago 1001 w/ CG Personal GP
Conn 80A w/ CG Personal GP