brunets

Hi,

I went for a small try on new instruments yesterday. I am thinking of changing my good old Conn 1958 for a new instrument in the near future. At the music shop, I had the opportunity to try and compare those four trumpets :

• a Benge 909BL (the shop want to get rid of it... Better keep my old Conn instead)
• a Yamaha Xeno 8335G
• a Yamaha Xeno 8335RGM, definitely my preferred one among them,
• a Schilke B5.

With all of these instruments, I could play really easily and in-tune on my whole range, except for the Schilke B5. On the low C#, the note played way too sharp. Even when pulling the 3rd slide completely I had to force the note down which was really uncomfortable. With the other instruments, no problem. I was so surprised that I put the trumpet down for a few minutes, played with another one, and switch back again... Same problem with the low C# on the Schilke.

I am not a good trumpet player (after 1 1/2 year, that's logical) but I have a good ear and an even better electronic tuner . Schilke trumpets are definitely fine instruments. So what went wrong ? Are there also "lemons" among Schilke instruments ?

Stéphane

MJ

Before you make up your mind you might want to try the NYTC NY 7 Bb trumpet. I'm looking forward to trying it myself.

brunets

Actually, I have learned, or confirmed, a few things these last days :
- fine instruments are most of the time easier to play than entry-level ones (this applies to classical guitars too)
- always try the trumpet before buying!
- don't buy your Yamaha trumpets in Canada

I tend to like handcrafted instruments rather than serial-made ones since I played on a handcrafted guitar. They are unfortunately more expensive but those instruments are usually piece of art and have an exceptional sound.

I planned to go to New York city this year or so, to have a try on these NTYC trumpets...

Vulgano Brother

Tres strange, brunets! Extending the third slide completely should have brought you almost to a low C on the Schilke. Other than the freak horn theory, I can think of only one other cause: the third valve slide might be a tad bit shorter than the Yamaha and Benge (nothing wrong here, just a different design philosophy) so the C# needed more throw than what you are used to. Sometimes we'll get a particular pitch in our heads, and focus on the "color." A sharper tone will sound more "vibrant", a flat tone "dull," and sometimes we can pull what seem like miles of tubing and still be too sharp, because our ears are set for the higher pitch and color and the lips obey. This is why some instrument makers insist the players are at fault if they play out of tune--rightly so perhaps, but some people make excellent trumpets for those of us who are imperfect, and it sounds like the Xeno is a good match! You might want to have somebody else test your theory and try the Schilke out when you go to pick up your Xeno or NY7. Have fun!

tatakata

Yamaha makes a really good trumpet. Sounds like there are some strange price things going on up there. I'd recommend playing a number of Bachs as well but who knows what is going on with the strike. I've never really cared for Schilke big horns. Love the small horns. This NY7 sounds interesting.

rowuk

Stéphane,
There is very little technically that could cause ONLY that C# to be too high. If the 3rd valve was that much too short, Eb and Ab would also be way too high.
If the low C was in tune we could rule out mouthpiece effects.
What it could have been is the way you that HEARD the tone. The Schilkes are probably the most "even" sounding trumpets built. That low C# is a bit stuffy on normal trumpets. Last time I played a Schilke, I was amazed how "clear" the C# and low F# were.
What mouthpiece do you use? Did you try the B5 with a Schilke mouthpiece?
I am sure that Schilke would fix this for free if it is a new horn.

brunets

I checked it with my Korg electronic tuner. Everyone seems to agree that Schilke make really good trumpets. That's why I was really disturbed by this.

I am using a Yamaha Signature Rod Francks mouthpiece but I don't know if it compares really well with the Schilke mouthpieces.

tatakata

I find it hard to believe Schilke built the trumpet wrong. Anything is possible but I really doubt it.

schilke

No Schilke lemons---It's you

Best Re
schilke

brunets

I am sure you can give more constructive explanations... (See posts above for examples).