miles71

First of all, Felix and JC did a fine job with the PA trumpet fest. this past weekend. The experience gave me many ideas for this years Md. Trumpet Day and I look forward to continuing the work with the trumpet community.

Now to the horns. Felix had his new modular Bb at the show and I was able to give it a test drive before many people had shown up for the day. Let me tell you, that thing cooks. I have been a little sceptical of the copper rimless bell, since I had never played one. Felix had suggested this set up for my new horn so I was eager to try it out. Remember, I play lead stuff and also am in a regular Brass Ensemble, so I am looking for that versitle horn that can do it all. Well, I tried the Copper bell (about 5 1/4" rimless standard wieght) and was very surprised with how dark and rich I could make the horn. The tone seemed to just keep going and filled up the large hallway I was in with ease. I used both a shallow and deeper mouthpiece on this bell and was amazed on how even they both sounded, I could get an acceptable "legit" sound out of the horn with any mouthpiece set up. I tried the Gold Brass bell and Yellow Brass Bell as well, they both sounded great, but the copper had such a rich group of overtones it was hard to match.
Well, then Felix pulls out some slides he has for his Cal. line. The materials and bow of the crook change, and they make a world of difference. Even just the slide could change the character of the horn. To make a long story a little shorter, I can't wait to get my horn.

I ended up really liking the California Bb with a 5 1/4'ish solid copper bell with a Nickel squared slide for lead (and this thing really lights up) and an rounded yellow brass slide with a brace for legit (smooth as silk). I plan on trying more of the slide once mine arrives to really zero in on the perfect match for me.

Felix is making some amazing stuff. He was quite the star of the show and If I didnt know better, he may have gained some more players to his horns.

TrentAustin

pics pics pics... ;)

miles71

Dont have mine yet, but when I do the pics will be posted. He has the modular horn on his website.

DubbaCTrumpetMSU

Miles,
This just makes me more anxious for TMEA! I can't wait to try this thing out. Like you mentioned about the slides...Felix is going to send 4 with my unfinished horn...a nickel silver squared and a bronze rounded...a set with and a set without braces. I like what you mention about the horn, considering I need one to cover all the bases. It sounds like we've picked a winner. Let me know when you decide on a finish...I've got an idea for mine that Felix and Garry are going to work on...we'll see how it comes out. Miles, what did you think of the rimless bell-care wise? Does it seem very delicate? I don't know if it would be wise to put it on a stand-I was thinking maybe get a 'donut' pillow and put that on the stand then put the trumpet on it...Any ideas on that one?

Russ

miles71

The rimless bell is very strong. It is a normal wieght and I made the joke about sharpening the edge to cut meat. I dont think you will have a problem. I sqeezed the rim and it didnt go anywhere. The one Felix has is just good old laquer and it looks really nice.

Cant wait to get mine either.

swissdude

Felix's cornet now....man it is beautiful. I still hear that warm, full, nice, dark sound in my head. This is the cornet I have been waiting for many years. I knew that being part of the NYTC family was going to be great but man you got to try that one. I can see already my next recording project (cornet solos). Felix was great yesterday, he brought so many horns. I finally got to try the bflats with all the different bells. I am going with the gold brass one. The coper bell was beautiful too but I felt that the gold one match my playing better.

If you were there yesterday make sure to leave a message on the guestbook of the website: wcutrumpetfest.com

We will have pictures posted soon.
Thank you everyone...need to start planning next year now,

DubbaCTrumpetMSU

Sounds good, Miles....I was kinda worried about that(I'm still kind of leery of bringing it this summer to play Beauty and the Beast.) Swissdude, I know what you mean! That thing is a beauty. I almost bought one of Garry Stoner's restored Conn cornets on eBay a few years ago, and now he's working for Felix-doing one heck of a job at it too! This is going to be a fun time at TMEA...Swissdude, which one are you getting?

Russ

kadleck

Yes - J.C. and Felix were amazing. The festival appeared to be a huge success.

The Stage 1 rimless copper bell was fantastic! You can really hear the sound behind the bell. And listening to Craig Morris play it was extraordinary. I bet that will be one of his most popular models.

Felix was nice enough to lend me a Stage 1 flugel for the concert. It felt great to play and many people complimented the sound - great job Felix!

Tony

swissdude

there is the man. Tony you sounded amazing. This flugel solo you did was perfect. You are the man

swissdude

Check this out. This is my puppy Copper rimless bell. A real beauty.
Russ you are right Gary Stoner is great. He is such an artist. The only thing I need to decide is the finish for it.

http://www.newyorktrumpetcompany.com/stage1gscornet.htm