Adams A4 vs A4 Shepherd's Crook

AztecMoxie · Regular Member Joined: 29 Jan 2011 Posts: 13

Hi all,

Is there anyone out there in Trumpetland that can give me a rundown of their impressions of the Adams A4 vs. the Shepherd's Crook version? Playability, sound, etc. would be great.

Thanks!

mbradd · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2012 2:28 pm Post subject:

Hi AztecMoxie,

If you haven't read it already, here's my review of my Adams A4 Shepherd.

http://www.trumpetherald.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=107041&highlight=adams++shepherd

In terms of the difference between the A4 and the Shepherd, the horns are identical with exception of the bell. Sound wise though, the biggest difference is that, from my perspective, the Shepherd is a bit more mellow and can delve into the flugel/cornet territory. But both horns are amazing. You can't go wrong with either! Easily the greatest horn I've ever played, and I've played a lot of horns. Let us know which way you go!
_________________
Adams A4 Shepherds Crook Bb
1970's Bach 37 Bb
1970's Getzen Flugel

AztecMoxie · Regular Member Joined: 29 Jan 2011 Posts: 13

Thanks mbradd, that's a really informative review! Just one question for you - you say the Shep has a little more mellow sound...how does she do up top?

mbradd · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2012 8:23 pm Post subject:

You asked how does she do up top. Well, I'm no screecher, but Trent Austin does a pretty good job up there, and he does very well up there on this horn. Watch his videos of the Shepherd's on his site. That's my horn, and it sounds pretty good to me. In my playing experience, I have zero projection issues inside a big band or concert band. It lights up in the higher register.

I think this horn does it all, but I've drunk the Kool-Aid. You need to try the horn for yourself! I have no doubt that when you do, you'll agree with my assessment. The horn is unreal, unlike any conventional horn that you've played before.
_________________
Adams A4 Shepherds Crook Bb
1970's Bach 37 Bb
1970's Getzen Flugel

mulligan stew · Heavyweight Member Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 1814

I can't compare them because I haven't played the shepherd's crook version. But the A4 (standard version) is simply the finest trumpet I have ever played. It's a joy to play.
_________________
Scott
My trio:
CD Baby
myspace

TrentAustin · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 6:35 am Post subject:

I am out of the shop today. I will try to get you a full comparison of the 2 horns and my feelings when I get back in. I personally think he's the best heavy trumpets ever made.

please feel free to email me and we can discuss this further. Thank you
_________________
http://austincustombrass.com
http://trentaustinmusic.com
Trumpet 102 is now available online below!
http://trentaustin.bandcamp.com
Have Horn, will travel

Booking masterclasses and workshops 2013-2015

mulligan stew · Heavyweight Member Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 1814

mbradd · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 2:17 pm Post subject:

bwoodard · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 4:18 pm Post subject:

AztecMoxie · Regular Member Joined: 29 Jan 2011 Posts: 13

I'm loving the feedback here, all - thanks a bunch! I can't wait to read Trent's thoughts - keep that great info coming! I know I want an Adams, I am just not sure which of the two I would love the most.

jetjaguar

mbradd · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 4:27 am Post subject:

AztecMoxie · Regular Member Joined: 29 Jan 2011 Posts: 13

If it is any consolation, I am glad there are people out there that want to talk about the Adams trumpets - there ins't a ton of info out there.

scatanas · Veteran Member Joined: 03 Oct 2005 Posts: 138

Before i bought mine i spoke to Trent and the first thing he did was he sent me 2 trumpets to try out. One was a regular horn, and the other one had a Shepard's Crook.

For me, the Shepard's Crook sounded much more like the sound i was looking for than the regular one did. Warmer, silkier, and less brassy (unless of course, brassy is what you're into). Idk, something clicked inside me when I played it. I was floored when I played it because it was more different (responsive, elegant, and easy to play than anything I had ever experienced) - It was almost as if it knew what i was feeling and thinking and helped me express that. I STILL remember that rehearsal because I stood there in awe and I kept looking at the Shepard's Crook Adams and was thinking over and over again "How the heck can they build a trumpet that can play like this???"

HOWEVER, regardless of what people say here, i'd recommend you speak to Trent and try the 2 different models yourself - that way you'll have full peace of mind that you made the right choice, with no room for "What ifs".
_________________
Talent is learned.

Selmer Concept TT

TrentAustin · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 5:03 am Post subject:

veery715 · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 6:07 am Post subject:

mulligan stew · Heavyweight Member Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 1814

I'll post a few files in the next day or two so people can hear how the A4 (non-shep version) sounds.
_________________
Scott
My trio:
CD Baby
myspace

shofarguy · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 8:04 am Post subject:

I'm curious how the shepherds crook affects the blow and resistance of the horn, as well as the timbre as one plays through the scale into the high register.

One poster commented on the crook making the horn more responsive to articulation, having a smoothness and sophistication that wasn't as noticeable in the standard model. I get that from the WT Short Cornet versus the Long model.

Do y'all find that the crook delays the horn getting bright as one goes above the staff and leans into it? Is there more or less resistance up there, or is it pretty much the same?

Last question: Is the front bell brace mounted in the same position on the mouthpipe assembly as the standard model? Is its position on the bell different relative to the rim, or is the brace designed to keep the mount in the standard location, though the rim is closer to the valves?

Brian
_________________
Flip Oakes Wild Thing Bb Trumpet
Flip Oakes Wild Thing Flugelhorn

There is one reason that I practice: to be ready at the downbeat when the final trumpet sounds.

AztecMoxie · Regular Member Joined: 29 Jan 2011 Posts: 13

mbradd · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2012 2:04 pm Post subject: