Joined: 18 Nov 2014 Posts: 8 Location: Long Island
Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2016 12:37 pm Post subject: Flugelhorn Advice
Looking to purchase a new flugelhorn. I was wondering if I can get some input from the masses to see what people like. I play on a Stomvi VRII trumpet which I love so I was considering the Stomvi Titan. I would also like to check out the Adams Flugels and Courtois but I will like to hear thoughts from people that have tried many different horns.
Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2016 3:15 pm Post subject: Re: Flugelhorn Advice
gtrmptman1 wrote:
Looking to purchase a new flugelhorn. I was wondering if I can get some input from the masses to see what people like. I play on a Stomvi VRII trumpet which I love so I was considering the Stomvi Titan. I would also like to check out the Adams Flugels and Courtois but I will like to hear thoughts from people that have tried many different horns.
Thanks
Flugelhorn can vary in style from one another quite a bit. Intonation is a primary consideration when choosing a flugelhorn. Mouthpiece choice can radically change how a flugelhorn plays. Make sure you are trying each model with the correct mouthpiece shank for that horn.
I suggest that you also try:
Kanstul and Kanstul-made models such as Besson, Wild Thing & Burbank
Upper end Jupiter models
Yes, Adams
Yamaha if you must (just kidding) _________________ Brian A. Douglas
Flip Oakes Wild Thing Bb Trumpet in copper
Flip Oakes Wild Thing Flugelhorn in copper
There is one reason that I practice: to be ready at the downbeat when the final trumpet sounds.
Joined: 25 May 2013 Posts: 2123 Location: Atlanta GA
Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2016 3:54 pm Post subject:
I bought a used Courtois 155 over the summer and I've been very pleased with it. Love the sound, and it's fairly easy to play as flugelhorns go. It's the same as the Courtois 154, except the 155 has a trigger on both the first and third valve slides, while the 154 has a trigger on just the third valve slide. The first valve trigger isn't really necessary, but this horn came up on EBay at a great price so I grabbed it. The sound is more toward the dark end of the spectrum.
I also play-tested a Kanstul 1025 with a copper bell, which must have been a special order instrument I guess. I liked it a lot. The sound is more toward the compact, brighter side of the spectrum while still retaining that flugelhorn timbre.
I also played a Carol Brass flugelhorn, which I didn't care for. It was used, and it might have had its own particular issues.
I haven't played a Stomvi Titan flugelhorn, but that seems to be a good instrument. I think Jim Rotondi plays one on his Dark Blue album, and he sounds great. Looking at their website, this horn has a configuration I like: small bore and a large 6-1/2" bell. Definitely worth a look if you can find one.
Last edited by dstdenis on Thu Nov 10, 2016 6:23 pm; edited 1 time in total
I would throw Eclipse in the mix, they are truly fine Flugels. Let me know if you would like me to send one to you to try. _________________ Authorized Dealer of Eclipse Trumpets
Joined: 19 Mar 2015 Posts: 10 Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2016 6:26 pm Post subject:
I bought an Adams F1 from Josh Landress in New York several months ago. Of course I love it....It has a nice big warm sound..... that's my idea what a flugelhorn should sound like. Iplayed 4 or 5 in his shop that day that was the one I knew immediately.
For me it didn't take over half an hour to pick. I had thought for so long about it, I knew I was a buyer that day and I knew what I wanted. Adams F1 was it.
Have fun shopping!
John in Brooklyn _________________ Selmer k-modified lightweight
Joined: 16 Aug 2011 Posts: 1320 Location: Twixt the Moor and the Sea, UK
Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2016 10:32 pm Post subject:
You must try the Eclipse and the Kamstul 1525. Two of the finest flugel available. _________________ "Nearly as good as I need to be. Not nearly as good as I want to be".
Smith-Watkins Bb
Will Spencer Bb
Eclipse Flugel
Smith Watkins K2 Cornet
JP152 C Trumpet
Besson Bugle
These Andy Taylor flugels sound nice going strictly by the videos I've seen. I think a lot of the sound he's getting in this one has to do with the mp as well as his personal approach. I have a Chinese cheapie that sounds really nice as well using a Denis Wick 4FL which is what he's using on the Phat Boy.
Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2016 8:48 am Post subject: Flugels to try
Naturally I recommend the Scodwell USA flugel available at Washington Music Center. With the unique tuning branch it stands apart in so far as response, pitch and clarity of sound. I'll have a new video about the my flugel up on my website in the near future for some good information. The Hub Van Laar flugels are definitely worth searching out. I believe Bob Reeves is now the US distributor.
For what it is worth...I play tested a Phat Boy and found the sound to be too "Trumpety" and it played with a little too much resistance for ME and MY playing. I would recommend play testing one and it might meet YOUR needs. As for Kanstul's 1525...I play tested several in an attempt to force myself to fall in love with it but for ME and MY playing...it sounded too "Tromboneish" your miles might vary. Remember...for any horn...try before you buy! _________________ God Bless,
Dan O'Donnell
"Praise Him with the sound of the Trumpet:..."
Psalms 150:3
Joined: 23 Aug 2016 Posts: 2 Location: Wyandotte, Michigan
Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2016 7:04 pm Post subject:
I play on a carol brass legends flugelhorn and it has an amazing sound! I also really love all of the Van Laar stuff, killing horns, they just often come with a price. Best of Luck!
Ben Green
Puje Classic
Bach 37
Carol Brass Legends Flugelhorn _________________ Bach strad 37
Carol brass legend flugelhorn
Raw brass custom heavy trumpet
Joined: 10 Aug 2012 Posts: 5461 Location: Suffolk, England
Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2016 12:55 am Post subject:
Hi
I admittedly haven't played many flugels, but I have always got good results from my Bach 183. I had a go on a colleague's Yamaha 631 the other day and it was a nice flugel, but I don't think that it had the sound of my Bach, at least with me on the end.
There are many more modern options, but I still think the Bach 183 is a nice flugel, and readily available used for reasonable price.
All the best
Lou _________________ Trumpets:
Yamaha 8335 Xeno II
Bach Strad 180ML/37
B&H Oxford
Kanstul F Besson C
Yamaha D and D/Eb
- James R New Custom 3Cs
Flugel:
Bach Strad 183 - Bach 3CFL
Cornets:
Yamaha Neo + Xeno
Bach Strad 184ML
B&H Imperial
- Kanstul Custom 3Cs
I have an older Couesnon Flugel that plays like a dream and has a great tone which I got for a very good price via Craigslist. One caution however when buying an older instrument they tend to be hit or miss so I suggest only buying something that you can test. e.g. I haven't had the best of luck over EBAY
-Mike
Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 9:04 am Post subject: Re: Flugelhorn Advice
Adams F1.
Kanstul 1525.
gtrmptman1 wrote:
Looking to purchase a new flugelhorn. I was wondering if I can get some input from the masses to see what people like. I play on a Stomvi VRII trumpet which I love so I was considering the Stomvi Titan. I would also like to check out the Adams Flugels and Courtois but I will like to hear thoughts from people that have tried many different horns.
Joined: 03 Nov 2011 Posts: 2310 Location: Beavercreek, OH
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2017 5:52 pm Post subject:
just picked up an XO 1646RS Pro-Flugel, Red Brass bell for an ultra low price from QuinnTheEskimo.
A very sweet sounding instrument, intonation is quite good and it responds throughout range and dynamics.
Comes with a very nice case, and a set of alternate (heavy) bottom valve caps, heavier springs, and solid silver finger buttons. The mouthpiece that came with is not great.
For the money it plays very well, much like my old Yamaha 631 red brass bell, with better valves and intonation.
If I had deep pockets, I'd re-look at Van Laar Flugels - played a couple at an ITG Conference and loved the sound, response, feel, look, etc _________________ Freelance Performer/Educator
Adjunct Professor
Bach Trumpet Endorsing Artist
Retired Air Force Bandsman
Joined: 25 Apr 2003 Posts: 720 Location: California
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2017 6:09 pm Post subject:
I have a small bell Olds flugelhorn that I bought for $50 in 1980. I played it way more back then than I do now. I might play 10 notes a month on flugelhorn these days.
Maybe my experience isn't the norm, but do people actually play flugelhorn that much anymore? They're kind of the corduroy bell bottoms of the trumpet family.
Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 733 Location: Worcester, MA
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2017 6:36 pm Post subject: Flugelhorns
Have been playing Yamaha Flugelhorns since 1981 (currently using a Bobby Shew YFH-6310Z I've also played Getzen Flugels back in 1978-81 (Too bright sounding) and more recently Tried an Adams Flugelhorn at Trent Austin's Brass shop.
I Love my Yamaha, but would consider purchasing an Adams in the future if I had the financial resources . . . Good Luck _________________ "Life Beats down and CRUSHES the soul, and Art reminds you that you have one" Stella Adler
"Music washes away the Dust of Everyday Life"
Art Blakey
"If you practice...It will come" Field of Trumpet Dreams
Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 410 Location: Utah, USA
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2017 7:01 pm Post subject:
If you can, try one of the new Cannonball flugels. The parts are made by Kanstul, and the bracing with Cocobolo wood. The horn is absolutely great. The upper register is especially free and open. Tuning is wonderful, too!! Seriously, try one of these.
Joined: 11 Aug 2012 Posts: 116 Location: Lexington KY
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2017 8:20 pm Post subject:
Definitely give the ACB flugel from Trent Austin in Boston a try if you can get your hands on one. Very decent horn regardless of the price tag! Plays almost exactly like a Yamaha 631. Worth every buck and more!
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