galbrecht

Hi there. I'm in the market for an Eb/D to use mainly with my quintet, and an occasional orchestra job a few times a year. There's a lot of conflicting information on the various boards about these horns, and I'd like to get your advice. I currently play a Yamaha YTR-739T Bb with a Bach 1 1/4C, and a Getzen Eterna Bb/A piccolo with GR 64.4P mouthpiece. I like the Yamaha Bb because of the open sound, and the Getzen also delivers a bigger sound than most other brands of piccolos I've played. I'd like an Eb/D that plays with the same openness. Unfortunately, I can't find any local stores in the Twin Cities that carry Eb/Ds, so I'm going to have to make my best guess. Once I make my decision I'll probably go with a used horn that's for sale on one of the trumpet boards.

What I've read so far indicates that the Schilke E3L is kind of the gold standard when it comes to Eb/Ds. It sounds like the E3L-4 plays with a bigger sound because of the bigger bell, and also comes with the fourth valve which is a plus. Others have said the Schilke's can sometimes be stuffy, and that Stomvi or Kanstul models may play with more openness. Can you give me your opinions of these horns?

Thanks, Gary

trumpetnick

If you want a open E flat with big sound...I think that I have a better suggestion than the schilke E3L-4, though it is an excellent horn. Couple of months ago, I met Anton Possegger who is an austrian trumpet maker. He was working then on a prototype of a 4 valve E flat trumpet which I found really impressive. It had a very nice big sound, but there was few notes which were slightly out of tune like the high G which was a bit sharp. According to what I was told by Toni, he should sort it out till Xmas. If you want a big sound from an E flat trumpet...I believe that this would be one of the best option you may have. The price should be around 2000-2500 Euros. I guess that it should not be too difficult to tony to sort out a D set but this will surely make the price higher and you should contact him if you are interested.
Another very interesting option is Spada Music AG in Switzerland who makes very nice E flats.
Schagerl makes also quite nice E flats which worth testing

Depending on your location these may be very difficult to access for testing. As you did not mention it, I guess that Twin Cities is somewhere in US, right? About the Possegger horn, you may try to ask at NYTC, as he makes the New York line of Stage 1 for them . Felix may be able to get the horn for your if you are interested. I hope that he will chime in...soon or later

loudog

It depends on what kind of horn you want and what you want it to sound like.

For me, the Schilke E3L sounds really bright...unless it's gold-plated. Even still, I like a little bigger E-flat trumpet sound.

I play a Blackburn E-flat/D trumpet, and love it...not only does it sound great and play great, but I can make nice tight solo sound for Haydn/Hummel/Neruda, and a big fat sound for orchestral playing (Bartok Concerto for Orch etc).

I personally like the Yamaha copy of the Schilke E3L (can't remember which exact model) and the Kanstul's are awesome.

Good luck!

L

dstrad

I have a B&S Challenger. Great horn.

Lawler Bb

Charlie Melk with 229 or 239 bells, or if you are on a budget, grab a Bach 229 or 239 long bell Eb.

Vulgano Brother

Welcome to TM, galbrecht! How about buying a good C trumpet? Way more useful in the orchestra and in quintet as well.

bachstrad72

I have a 239 long bell and I love it!

rowuk

Everybody that wants a D/Eb wants a good one. Unfortunately, no "normally" priced brand has the market cornered on building these things consistently.
You will just have to play a bunch and pick one that works - or wait.

I have played good and bad Yamaha, Bach, Schilke, Selmer as well as some German brands. That particular pitch of horn seems to be harder to build than the rest. Intonation and blow are all over the place. This is nothing new. Many of the "historical" instruments that I have played show the same traits.

I have a Selmer Radial D/Eb that works reasonably well (picked it out of 10 instruments though!).

Good luck!

Lawler Bb

That's the best advice right there.

Johntpt

These days there are plenty of great D-Eb trumpets available off the shelf. If you have the money the Schilke E3L or the Yamaha copy are both great horns, the Schilke being a little better for solo and chamber, the Yamaha a little better for all around playing, including orchestra. Over the years I've played many Bach long bell 239 Ebs and I've never played a bad one despite Bach's reputation.

If you're not familiar with playing an Eb it's somewhat useless for you to try them yourself - have a teacher or respected friend test them for you.

JU