jazz9

This is the horn I plan on getting. Anyone here who has one or has played one is welcome to comment on it. I want to find out all I can about it. Post pictures if you'd like, I just want to know what people think about this horn.

rowuk

Call Felix at NYTC. He may even know of a player in your area!

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

patdublc

The Californina light is my favorite horn in Felix's lineup. I played one a couple of weeks ago at the West Chester Trumpet Festival and really liked it. It has a very fast response and a great open sound.
Like Rowuk said - call Felix, he's a great guy and will help guide you.

jazz9

I've e-mailed him several times, and he's been really nice about everything. I just don't know how long it will take for the horn to be built. I hope it's not too long because I've got to get used to the horn before my college audition.

misty.sj

Didn't NickD play one in his NYTC contest video?

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--Misty
Hit it hard, and wish it well. -- Claude Gordon

1925(?) Conn Cavalier Bb (s/n 14142)
2007 Barrington Bb student trumpet

Mark Bradley

I'm playing the Stage 1 California (hand me a Bud) Light and really like it. The unique bracing-- or actually lack of it seems to work well. Note on the photos of this horn the minimal bell bracing, hence I deduce the "light" name. Otherwise it's not a lightweight horn as far as I can tell. The bell, body, etc. seem to be standard weight thickness and it has a heavy weight receiver and valve caps which are pretty cool looking and no doubt effect the way it plays somewhat. I believe the parts (valves, bell) of these trumpets are made in Germany, according to Felix. I don't know exactly who but it all seems to be top notch. I guess the folks at NYTC then assemble them to their specs. They do an excellent job and know what they're doing. Despite the unique bracing this horn is very sturdy. Great quality, great valves, great sound, you name it-- a very fine trumpet. A joy to play. I tend to go through equipment like poop through a goose and have played just about everything at one time or another and this Ca.Light is as good or better than anything I've played. It does everything well and is versatile enough for any type use-- not super bright or dark, it has a nice middle of the road sound. The only "bad" thing about these horns is a recent big price increase stemming from a 40% increase from the parts makers in Germany (darn Germans!). But Stage 1's are not out of line with many other high end trumpets nowadays so that's the world we live in. I have photos of my Stage 1 on the Gearhead Page of my two bit web site (link below) if your life is at a such a suitable standstill at the moment that you'd care to take a gander.

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http://jazztrpt.freeservers.com

jazz9

You just bought that Cal Light recently, didn't you? It is still on the demo/used page on NYTC's website, and I asked Felix about it. He told me it was sold, and it looks exactly like the one you have on your site. Anyway, thanks for the info. BTW, do heavy caps come with the horn, or did they just come with yours? I think I'll order a new one, and I'd like to get some of those for it.

Didn't NickD play one in his NYTC contest video?- misty

Yes he did, and it was a beautiful horn.

Mark Bradley

Yep, I got the demo. I believe they come standard with those heavy valve caps but you can go over all those details with Felix as you order the horn. A good choice! Good luck!

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http://jazztrpt.freeservers.com

jazz9

Thanks, I appreciate the encouragement.

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Bach Strad 37

wilcox96

If you do a search for my TM name, you will find several personal reviews of this horn. One such discussion is here:

http://www.trumpetmaster.com/vb/f139...ial-37766.html (It's official...)

another is here:

http://www.trumpetmaster.com/vb/f139...est-36204.html (Charlotte NC hosts NYTC Trumpet Fest)

My compliments and positive reviews of this horn do not come lightly. I have played the same horn for 25 years..and I had to be pretty impressed to make a switch. I am not a hobbyist and therefore need an instrument to work for me "on the gig".

Anyone may shoot me a pm or just ask more questions here. I'll be glad to help.

As for the wait to get your horn...these are not spit out at the rate of 100 at a time. They are made to order. Parts take time to be made and arrive here. Time is taken to put them together properly to specs. This is the next level folks. The by product is, that it takes time to do this stuff right. This is a horn made "for YOU". wow.

Great horn...coupled with great service. That's a good combo.

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Brad Wilcox
NYTC Endorsing Artist
Stage 1 California Light
Bells: Rose brass, Copper rimless,
Gold brass, Yellow brass rimless
Bach Strad Flugelhorn
GR Mouthpieces
http://www.newyorktrumpetcompany.com...rad-wilcox.htm

http://trumpetland.ning.com/profile/BradWilcox