miles71

I was able to attend the New York Trumpet Co. get together at Rayburn Music in Manhattan. Felix hosted the event at the store and both he a Rayburn’s staff where professional and welcomed all of us. (I apologize for the long post in advance, I am watching a group of kids take a test for 3 hours)

Many times, when you get more than one trumpet guy in a room, there is a lot of “sizing up” going on. Not at this event, this was one of the most easygoing groups I have ever got to hang with. I felt very welcome and it was a very enjoyable day of getting to put names with faces. I learned a great deal just from talking to everyone and hearing these guys play. (Never did hear Felix…….hmm). We all know NYTC has some great horns, but the people behind them are the real deal. I had the privilege to meet some of the nicest, down to earth guys I have in any field of music. I feel very fortunate to be part of the Stage 1 experience. On the other posts you can see the line up of attendees. Check them all out if you can wherever they are playing. Now for some horns.

Felix brought quite an assortment of toys for all to see. Rayburn’s is a small store but is quite nice. We where located in the main area, just inside the doors. On site where several configurations of the California Bb and C, a Vintage Bb, a Vintage Bb with some customization, a Classic Bb, C, and flugel, a New York flugel, Dylan’s NewYork Bb (he kept hidden) and many other personal Stage 1 horns, and the Stage 1 Cornet. Also present where an array of tuning slides for the Cal. Models. In the 5 or so hours I was present I got to hear some very fine players on some great horns. What was also very cool was seeing the different playing styles and preference of the players. What works for one guy does not necessarily work for all. I will try to give a “mini-review” from my observations. The other guys please jump in with your thoughts. These horns where being played in the store or in one of the practice rooms.

The New York 7, new model based on the Bach NY 7 Bb, played very nice. I have never played an original Bach 7 so I am unable to compare the two. However, I think the legit guy looking for a great Bach sound with an even blow and feel will love this horn. For me it was a little tight feeling, but I found myself forgetting about the feel since it sounded so nice. Other guys I heard on this horn sounded great (Tony K. sounded good on anything, which is very frustrating). I have always thought the Bach’s had a diffused tone, almost a little stuffy. This horn keeps the character of the old Bach’s, but has a clarity and life added. I would recommend anyone looking for the best Bach they can find check this horn out.

I was interested in the Vintage Stage 1 for a couple reasons. The price, the ability to get them in students hands,…………… and the price . With the price increases of “certain horns” I feel the need to find a good alternative for my students, not only high school but college students and advanced players. The vintage is under the price of a Bach Strad. but a little more than a Xeno. This horn plays better than its price. Nice even blow, good compact sound, and good workmanship. With parents asking about new trumpets for their kids I think this one needs to be a consideration. A couple of the pros present really liked this horn. (Might be a good way to get to know the Stage 1 family.) Felix had a Vintage with some customization on hand as well. It also played very nicely, but different. I believe it is Dylan S.’s old horn and for sale!!

Dylan’s New York Bb plays great. He is a great guy and was nice enough to let me play on it. Tons of overtones, a nice easy and even blow, and a rich tone make this horn something special. Every time I play one of the New York Stage 1’s I wonder if I need to get one. Not sure what the specs are on this one, but it played. The horn is very light and responds very quickly. Maybe I could have talked him into a trade…………….. I would be very interested in having one to really cut loose on and see how it performs.

The Stage 1 Classic, especially in Tony K’s hands, sounded great. This horn also had a nice even blow I am seeing in all the Stage 1 horns, but the tone was very rich with color and overtones. It had a more aggressive sound, well suited for the commercial player. The notes just popped out of this horn and didn’t need pushed very hard at all to sing. The valves are different on this model, but still very nice. (When I left I believe there was some negotiating going on with one of the attendees for this model.)

All of the California models played as expected: rich tone, even blow, even tone, and great intonation. This model seems to be the “swiss army knife” of the line. With all of the options for bells, slides, and lead pipes you can go crazy trying to decide. I am still amazed how sensitive these horns are to changes in the slide. I was able to play a new prototype Sterling Silver rounded with brace slide and if it where not a prototype I would have left with it. This thing was amazing. So many overtones and such a rich tone. The upper register was not just fat but really fat. (I got my name on the list to have one) Ken Brader was nice enough to listen to me on this slide and said “that sounds good” (all I needed from a guy like him). Tony G., Tony K. and I where in the room together at one time trying it out. It definitely has some …………personality. While certain set ups where popular, many of the guys liked different slides on different horns. Like I said, one of the neat things about what Felix is doing.

The Cal. C’s where on site as well. Not many legit guys on site but they still got some playing time. I still love the tone of the Cal. C horn, but the feel of the Classic C is wonderful. With the prices of certain “Mass produced” brands getting into the 3,000 dollar range, I don’t see why more guys wouldn’t be looking at these horns. They outplay the other C’s I have tested hands down. I believe Craig Morris is playing this model C, which is enough said.

The Flugels have a rich, velvety sound with a great ease of playing. Tony K’s still sounds great on these horns.

All of the NYTC horns have a common high quality and even feel and tone. Felix is doing some very cool stuff. I hope the day was as beneficial for him as for me. I was honored to be invited and to be able to hang out with these guys. Again sorry for the long post, a few of the kids are asleep on the desks so I guess I should dispense some justice. Check out the Stage 1’s, you won’t be sorry.

Felix, thanks again and keep it up dude!!

Tony D.

Richard Oliver

Tony, thanks for you thorough write-up!

MJ

I'm looking forward to trying that NY 7. With the crazy things going on with Bach these days... And the great reviews on that horn it sounds like Felix has another winner.

miles71

The NY 7 was one of the favorites. It plays very even and has a nice feel to it. The tone was very nice. Check it out on the website New York Trumpet Company - The Premier Custom Trumpet Shop

Walter

Hi Richard

Was that your New York 7 they were playing? Sounds fantastic.........!!

Walt

Richard Oliver

Yes Walt it is.

Good to hear from you!!

Hope all is well and is going well.

Richard

brunets

Hi Tony D.,

I was wondering how does the stage 1 Vintage Bb compare to a Yamaha Xeno ? I tested the 8335RGM model today and found it great. However, at more than 2600$ canadian dollars, it makes the Stage 1 Vintage Bb really affordable

Regards,

Stéphane

DubbaCTrumpetMSU

Stephane,
I'm not Tony D. but I will chime in! That horn is MORE than worth it! I played a California Light setup that was 'somewhat' similar, I suppose(yellow brass bell) and so on...and it was great. I'm going to dare say that you will more than get your money's worth on the Stage 1 Vintage.

Russ

miles71

Well I am Tony D.!!

The 8335RGS I had was a good horn, but I didint feel like I could get a lot of feedback on my sound. It also felt "different" throughout its range. After playing the Vintage for a while I can say it outplays anything "Mass produced". It has great valves, like all of Felix's horns, the tone is compact and solid, the blow is very even throughout the registers, and the intonation is solid. I believe this horn is in the 1850 range, which surprises me for its quality. If you are deciding between the vintage and a Xeno I would reccomend giving the Stage 1 Vintage a serious look.

brunets

Thanks for the feedback...

I was really shocked by the prices of Yamaha trumpets here in Canada. For the same model 8335RGS, one pay 700 $ canadian more here, at the current exchange rate of .92, that in the USA. Free trade or not, Yamaha prevents its US distributors to ship outside USA.

I think I will soon book a flight for a week-end in New York and have a look at the nice NYTC instruments.

No, Yamaha won't have my money!