brianj

Hi Folks

I tried some of the original Eclipse trumpets in 2003 and loved them, so when it came time to renew the Bb a road trip to the factory was in order. It would only involve 2 ferry journeys, 2 overnight stops and a 1300 mile drive round trip drive. So the 2 cars were loaded with seven folk (my brother and a brass quintet of his pupils + me) plus a bunch of instruments and off we went to visit the factory. Was it worth it? Ooooooooooooh Yes!

Firstly this operation is a class act from top to bottom. Leigh had got in at 5.00AM to make up some more horns and when we arrived there were 15 or so Bb’s, a C, a couple of cornets, a picc and some flugels to try.

The welcome was great and both Leigh and John couldn’t have been better hosts. The pupils needed some work done and Leigh and John set about the jobs. The Paxman french horn got a complete service (nice work John!!) and a leadpipe repair, a Shew flugel that had been stood on by the trombone player in a concert the night before got the bell looking like a bell again. A bunch of stuff got done to a strad trumpet and an Edwards trombone. All of this was free of charge to the pupils, as was lunch for seven of us!!!!

Whilst the repairs were being done the trumpet players amongst us went to play in the “sweet shop”. I was looking for a trumpet and had narrowed it down to 2 medium reds, a medium yellow and an extra large red. I needed an all round trumpet but kept on coming back to the XLR – I will have one someday!!! It spoke so easily and was very easy to play at very low dynamics – this is a very fine hooter. I also loved the rimless horns and if a chap in California who has ordered a rimless trumpet with some customizations done to it is reading this I can tell him it’s an absolute stunner – he is a lucky man.

My brother rated the C trumpet very highly and even thought it was the best horn in the shop (now that is saying a bundle) – I couldn’t risk playing it as I’d sold my main Bb on ebay and needed a new Bb. My wife wants a bunch of money to spend in the US this summer and even she might be a bit miffed if I went out to spend £2000 and came back having spent £4000 on a Bb plus a C.

The flugels were lovely, very playable and the different materials really did make a huge difference to the sound. They were great; I really liked them all.

After an hour or so Noel Langley came in and in keeping with everything else at this place he was a gentleman and a class act himself. What a fine chap and a super player. He was in to test the new horns and it was lovely hearing him play on and his thoughts on the same horns I’d chosen as the ones on my short list. He spent time with me and in the end I went for the warmer sounding of the 2 medium reds. I am keeping it raw until the summer and get it finished whilst I’m on my summer hols. Of course I’ll have to go back to the factory to pick it up - damned fine excuse for another visit)

All in all it was a brilliant day. I played some of the finest metal on the planet and got to meet a great team. Leigh, John and of course Noel are absolutely top of the tree in their respective fields, it’s no wonder these horns are brilliant.

Do yourselves a favour and visit there if you can, but please don’t slow the boys up from making horns!!

All the best

Brian Jones

PS I briefly got to meet trumpetmike with a couple of pupils. What a nice chap but I couldn’t believe he didn’t have a laptop with him. How can he spend so much time at the factory and not fire off any posts? The chap mustn’t ever go to sleep ))))

JackD

Hi Brian, was nice to very briefly meet you. I agree that XLR kept on drawing me back too, hopefully I'll have one one day (though I'd need it as a 2nd Bb, so keep dreaming Jack...)

Have fun with your new trumpet, I'm jealous!

trombaG

Hi Brian,
This is the chap in California speaking.
So you got to play my new MS before I do. It is nice to know that you had a good time at the factory. One of these days I need to make it over there too.
BTW. Where did you travel from? Two ferry crossings, 2 overnights and 650 miles one way?

Best regards,
Gerhard.

trumpetmike

I agree with Brian - it is a stunning instrument you have coming your way

Tootsall

I believe Mr. Jones lives in the Orkney Islands... off the north coast of Scotland. Yeah, that's be one heck of a road trip all right!

brianj

Hi Gerhard

I came from Orkney. I tried a whole bunch of horns to narrow it down as the options are huge. I tell you my friend you are getting a fine hooter. I expected it to be really bright when I saw the rimless bell but the extra weight gives a depth to the sound whilst it still viibrates fantastically in the hand.

you are going to be a very happy man.

all the best

Brian Jones

Robert Rowe

Hello, Brian Jones.

You may remember me ... I was congratulating you on returning from the dead (on another horn forum, I believe).

*** for the uninformed: a Brian Jones was the original lead-guitar player in the Rolling Stones; the one found floating face-down in a swimming pool.

In any event -- glad you're still with us!

Cheers!

Robt Rowe

__________________
" ... Ya cain't polish a turd ...!" (old Southern expression)

~~ Love animals ... don't eat them. ~~

brianj

Hi Jack

Yes it was nice to meet you. We'd been away at the pub for lunch so at least you had some peace to blow the horns rather than have our mob around.

Damn that XLR was good though wasn't it? I'm loving the MR though and it camer through a gig last night with flying colours and practice today was just plain fun.

all the best

Brian Jones

brianj

Hi

Rolling Stones??? I assume by the use of the term "lead guitar player" that they are some sort of "modern beat combo" maybe???

all the best

Brian Jones

Bruce Lee

Hi Gerhard,

I'll do whatever I can to delay Leigh from sending that trumpet off whilst I am at the Eclipse factory. Perhaps I'll and have a chance to install a note or two!

I hope that you're reading this, Leigh!

Best always,
Bruce

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