ZeuS Olympus, what are the true feelings

Zan · 02-03-2004, 10:24 PM

I am looking to buy a new horn with a Dark sound. Money is not realy an issue (but lets be reasonable I am on a budget). I need real info about the new ZeuS Olym. ie: have you played one, not just your oppinion about your favorite Bach etc...
Thank you
Zan
Let me make an additional (?), what are the oppinions about the look of the "valves forward" design? Is it strange etc...
I have an order form, and it's just itching to order a new trumpet.
Thanks again every one

trpguyy · 02-03-2004, 11:29 PM

I personally have not played one. Not many people have (the Olympus is very new). "Trumpeterb" who posts on this forum has the prototype, and if I'm not mistaken, a copper one (?). This is his review of the Olympus, copied from a different thread. Hope you don't mind, Andy!

Quote:

Here are my thoughts.

1. Response: The horn responds much better than my Bach, Yamaha and my Zeus G. I especially am impressed with the response in the very extreme dynamics. I have not been able to overblow the horn, and attacks at very soft dynamics are easier.

2. Intonation: Better than the other horns as well, although the Yamaha played similarly in tune. Normal trumpet tendancies are still present, but much easier to control with the chops.

3. Slotting: The slots are even throughout most of the horn. I have some trouble in the extreme upper register (above high G) with slotting, but a buddy of mine plays this register with ease on the horn. To each his own, I guess. It is my experience that the Zeus G is a better lead horn for me at least, but the Olympus is a better section or Jazz horn.

4. Sound: Velvet....smooth.....dark.....gorgeous. More difused than the Zues G, Yamaha, and Bach, but still a nice core to the sound.

5. Projection: Not a problem....trust me....this horn takes as much air as you can give it, and projects very well.

6. Overall Playability: Great playing horn. Very flexible, but centered.

7. Construction: Well put together. Braces are neat, valves are solid, bell is well made, etc. No problems.

8. Comparative: to the Bach 72: Olympus plays much more in tune. Bach as a brighter sound, Olympus has a darker sound. Valves are equally good on both horns. Bach has more resistance, Olympus is more open.

to the Yamaha 6335: Intonation is similar. Olympus projects much better, and has more "character" to the sound than the Yamaha. Olympus valves are nicer, I think.

to the Zeus G (scratch brush laquer finish): Intonation is similar. Zeus G has much more resistance, Olympus is much more open. Olympus is much darker sounding to my ear. More flexability on the Olympus. Slots are more defined on the Zeus G in the upper register, at least to me. Valves feel identical.

9. Gigs/rehearsals/etc.: I play with a big band near Pittsburgh, and I also play with a horn rock band in Youngstown Ohio. I used it with both. I also play in a faculty brass quintet at a local college. I was playing the 2nd book with the big band, and the horn was awesome! It blended very well, projected very well, and sounded great on the solo stuff (if I do say so myself Wink ). The horn rock book is more like lead trumpet stuff. It played ok with this group, but I like the Zeus G better for this type of stuff. The G has a brighter sound that cuts better for the lead work, and the upper register plays easier for me on the G. I also think the Zeus G mic's better than the Olympus. I use the Olympus with the brass quintet exclusively now. The other trumpet player is playing a Bach, and the two horns compliment each other well. When play individually, there is a difference in sound, but when played together, they blend very well. I believe that I will use the Olympus for my "legit" setup from now on. I guess I am glad I own both horns, as each are good instruments, and each one serves its purposes.

10. Mouthpieces used: Brass Quintet: Laskey 81D/Bach 1C
Big Band: Stork Studio Master 2
Horn Rock Band: Monette BL

trumpeterb · 02-04-2004, 11:49 AM

The Olympus prototype is in brushed raw brass. It is a really nice horn. I have had much more time to get used to it since I posted that initial review of the horn. I can now play lead trumpet on this horn better than I could on my previous horns. I just had to find the right mouthpiece combination. It is also a great classical instrument. It does play very dark when I use my bach 1c, and it blends great. I do not regret changing from my Zeus G to this horn one bit. If you are interested in one of these, I could help you out. If you are in my area at any time, you are welcomed to try mine out and see what you think.

Andy

PS. I do not mind, trpguyy, not at all. :) Have a great day all....practice hard.

Ash · 02-04-2004, 10:53 PM

Dig the string to hold the 3rd valve slide in (see pictures on ZM website). Is it just me, or does this seem kind of flimsy?

Tootsall · 02-04-2004, 11:02 PM

I think that's "one way" to keep the slide from coming off. Monette does it with their horns. It is quiet, it is low cost, and it's a pain if you need to pull the slide for any reason (or limit the extent to which you'd have the slide extend). Bach's system of a threaded rod with stop nuts on it is great but means there are fiddly little bits that can get lost when you are cleaning the horn ....

My personal preference is a small screw that holds against a ring on one of the slide legs similar to Yamaha's device.

I also have a Getzen cornet that uses their plastic "keeper"....I'll be getting that changed to a set screw when I get the cornet overhauled.... the plastic "bit" can rattle around or get broken too easily. (and it ain't very attractive neither)

Please, don't take this as a knock against the Zeus O... I'm just responding to your comment about the use of a string and pointing out that others have precendence AND that there are other "systems" for keeping the 3rd from bashing the bell (or getting lost!)

MUSICandCHARACTER · 02-04-2004, 11:19 PM

Picture:

Classy --- better looking than a bunch of hardware.

M&C

Ash · 02-05-2004, 12:06 AM

Sorry, I didn't know it had been used before. It looked to me like an afterthought. I would be concerned about the combination of lack of water key and hard to dissasemble slide.

trumpeterb · 02-05-2004, 10:06 AM

The string method is not a problem at all. Actually, I really like it. I untied the string, and re-tied it in a different way, and it works very well. I have the string looped around the second valve casing, and then I looped the other end over, not through, the finger ring on the slide. This holds the slide from falling out or being over extended without any problem. If I need to empty any water from the slide, I simply lift the string off of the ring, pull the slide, empty the water, replace the slide, and loop the string back over the finger ring. It takes me a total of about 5 seconds or less to do this, and it works very well. I would not, however, recommend putting the string through the ring or around anything that would require you to untie the string in order to remove it. It makes live much easier if you can just lift the already tied string off and on.

Andy

MUSICandCHARACTER · 02-06-2004, 01:11 AM

It looks as though the string is going to be replaced with more "rubber band" like device. Around the valves and over the ring -- easily removed over the ring to empty the slide.

The goal of the Olympus was to make a horn with minimal bracing and hardware -- letting the horn resonate! This type of slide mechanism certainly leans that direction!

M&C

Uncle Albert · 02-06-2004, 01:38 AM

My money says if there was an actual water key on that slide, there isn't one of you who would know the difference by playing.

02-03-2004, 10:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
Zan New Friend Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 2	ZeuS Olympus, what are the true feelings I am looking to buy a new horn with a Dark sound. Money is not realy an issue (but lets be reasonable I am on a budget). I need real info about the new ZeuS Olym. ie: have you played one, not just your oppinion about your favorite Bach etc... Thank you Zan Let me make an additional (?), what are the oppinions about the look of the "valves forward" design? Is it strange etc... I have an order form, and it's just itching to order a new trumpet. Thanks again every one
Zan New Friend Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 2

02-04-2004, 11:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
trumpeterb Pianissimo User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 58	The Olympus prototype is in brushed raw brass. It is a really nice horn. I have had much more time to get used to it since I posted that initial review of the horn. I can now play lead trumpet on this horn better than I could on my previous horns. I just had to find the right mouthpiece combination. It is also a great classical instrument. It does play very dark when I use my bach 1c, and it blends great. I do not regret changing from my Zeus G to this horn one bit. If you are interested in one of these, I could help you out. If you are in my area at any time, you are welcomed to try mine out and see what you think. Andy PS. I do not mind, trpguyy, not at all. :) Have a great day all....practice hard.
	__________________ Bach Bb 43 Bach C 229 Bach Eb/D 229 Stomvi Elite Pic King Flugel Horn Cerveny Bb Rotary

02-04-2004, 10:53 PM	#4 (permalink)
Ash Pianissimo User Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 123	Dig the string to hold the 3rd valve slide in (see pictures on ZM website). Is it just me, or does this seem kind of flimsy?
Ash Pianissimo User Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 123

02-04-2004, 11:19 PM	#6 (permalink)
MUSICandCHARACTER Forte User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Newburgh, Indiana Posts: 1,165	Picture: Classy --- better looking than a bunch of hardware. M&C
	__________________ Dr. Jim Fox Licensed Mental Health Therapist Mouthpiece chart: www.ibowtie.com/tmptmpccharts.html

02-05-2004, 12:06 AM	#7 (permalink)
Ash Pianissimo User Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 123	Sorry, I didn't know it had been used before. It looked to me like an afterthought. I would be concerned about the combination of lack of water key and hard to dissasemble slide.
Ash Pianissimo User Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 123

02-04-2004, 11:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tootsall Fortissimo User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Yee HAW! Posts: 4,641	I think that's "one way" to keep the slide from coming off. Monette does it with their horns. It is quiet, it is low cost, and it's a pain if you need to pull the slide for any reason (or limit the extent to which you'd have the slide extend). Bach's system of a threaded rod with stop nuts on it is great but means there are fiddly little bits that can get lost when you are cleaning the horn .... My personal preference is a small screw that holds against a ring on one of the slide legs similar to Yamaha's device. I also have a Getzen cornet that uses their plastic "keeper"....I'll be getting that changed to a set screw when I get the cornet overhauled.... the plastic "bit" can rattle around or get broken too easily. (and it ain't very attractive neither) Please, don't take this as a knock against the Zeus O... I'm just responding to your comment about the use of a string and pointing out that others have precendence AND that there are other "systems" for keeping the 3rd from bashing the bell (or getting lost!)

02-05-2004, 10:06 AM	#8 (permalink)
trumpeterb Pianissimo User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 58	The string method is not a problem at all. Actually, I really like it. I untied the string, and re-tied it in a different way, and it works very well. I have the string looped around the second valve casing, and then I looped the other end over, not through, the finger ring on the slide. This holds the slide from falling out or being over extended without any problem. If I need to empty any water from the slide, I simply lift the string off of the ring, pull the slide, empty the water, replace the slide, and loop the string back over the finger ring. It takes me a total of about 5 seconds or less to do this, and it works very well. I would not, however, recommend putting the string through the ring or around anything that would require you to untie the string in order to remove it. It makes live much easier if you can just lift the already tied string off and on. Andy
	__________________ Bach Bb 43 Bach C 229 Bach Eb/D 229 Stomvi Elite Pic King Flugel Horn Cerveny Bb Rotary

02-06-2004, 01:11 AM	#9 (permalink)
MUSICandCHARACTER Forte User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Newburgh, Indiana Posts: 1,165	It looks as though the string is going to be replaced with more "rubber band" like device. Around the valves and over the ring -- easily removed over the ring to empty the slide. The goal of the Olympus was to make a horn with minimal bracing and hardware -- letting the horn resonate! This type of slide mechanism certainly leans that direction! M&C
	__________________ Dr. Jim Fox Licensed Mental Health Therapist Mouthpiece chart: www.ibowtie.com/tmptmpccharts.html

02-06-2004, 01:38 AM	#10 (permalink)
Uncle Albert New Friend Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: US Posts: 25	My money says if there was an actual water key on that slide, there isn't one of you who would know the difference by playing.

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