Quality flugelhorn?

Dashtrpt · New Member Joined: 25 Aug 2016 Posts: 4

Hi all, what's considered a good brand these days? I've tried a Yamaha which I like a lot. Must have 1st and 3rd triggers. Thanks!

shofarguy · Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 6:31 pm Post subject: Re: Quality flugelhorn?

Benge.nut · Heavyweight Member Joined: 18 Mar 2017 Posts: 695

Are you wanting a new horn, or looking at used and vintage as well?

jharris2 · Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 6:56 pm Post subject: Re: Quality flugelhorn?

tptguy · Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 8:50 pm Post subject:

First batch of the new Jerome Callet flugelhorn, the Grand Prix, should be available in about 10 days. Jerry's original large bore design is still highly regarded, especially in big bands. But this new .415 model is extra efficient and responsive with an even smoother, richer sound. Check them out at ITG.

VetPsychWars · Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 8:55 pm Post subject:

The Getzen Custom Reserve flügel is fantastic!

Tom
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giakara · Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 11:34 pm Post subject:

If you are lucky enough to found a Lawler grab it....

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1jazzyalex · Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 2:00 am Post subject:

It seems these days that at least some high school band teachers are insisting on a first valve trigger/saddle and these kids are playing pretty young ... so a Yamaha student model may be a great horn but also have the "unnecessary" 1st valve dealio...
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dstdenis · Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 4:57 am Post subject:

I have a Courtois 155R flugelhorn, which has triggers on the 1st and 3rd valve slides. I thought I would need the 1st valve trigger, since I use first valve slide adjustments on my other instruments. However, I found I never need it on this flugel. (I do need the 3rd valve trigger, though.) The Courtois 154 flugel is essentially the same as the 155, but without the 1st valve trigger. I would recommend Courtois flugelhorns if you want a deep, dark, mellow sound with lots of presence. I got the rose brass bell; the yellow brass bell is not as dark but still has a rich, mellow sound.

I'd also recommend the Kanstul flugelhorns, which have a nice balanced sound, and the Yamahas, which have a beautiful clear sound.

But wait, don't we always want the darkest, most mellow flugelhorn possible? Maybe not. You might love it during the play test but wish you had something more balanced when you're out playing it with others. (BTW, even though it's rather dark and mellow, I've been happy with my Courtois. It's sound is clear enough to work where I've played it. But I did switch from a really deep mouthpiece to a medium deep mouthpiece for a clearer sound and ease of play.)

I've heard videos of the Conn Vintage 1 flugelhorn, and I think it sounds great. I haven't had the chance to play test one, but I'd keep it on my list if I were shopping.

The Adams flugelhorns sound nice also. There are quite a few models and options to go through. Trent Austin sells them at Austin Custom Brass.

Tony Scodwell posted a very informative video about his Scodwell flugelhorn. No matter what you end up with, I think you owe it to yourself to check out that video. I'd keep that instrument on your shopping list if I were you.

ETA: I forgot to mention the Stomvi Titan flugel. Jim Rotondi plays one on his Dark Blue album. Beautiful playing with a nice clear, balanced sound.
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Benge.nut · Heavyweight Member Joined: 18 Mar 2017 Posts: 695

While I think differing bore size on trumpets are not a super big deal, the difference between .460-.468 for instance is easy for me to adjust.

But on flugelhorns, I think bore is a more important factor. I and most players I think, prefer the smaller bore size. I've seen flugels range from .410-.460 (maybe .470?? I forget the Callet Jazz specs) and the small bores have the light "fluffy" sound I'm looking for.

Some guys like the larger bore flugs, like the older Getzen and Benge from the 70s, but I think they sound tubby and more like an alto trombone than a flugelhorn. But you'll find diehards on both sides of the argument.

All that said, for modern flugelhorns I think Kanstul and Yamaha variations will be the most popular at least in the US. I don't like super dark sounding horns, so I'd lean towards yellow brass Yamaha Z horns (whatever the current model is) and the Besson and Couesnon copies Kanstul makes the 925 and 1025 are the current models I think.

I've played some Adams flugels recently that are just awesome horns. I like the Bach Strad flug, although many don't (I don't know why that is)

Going vintage and used is a way to go. Of course everybody loves a good used Couesnon from the 60s-70s or a French Besson...but it's a crap shoot and hit and miss finding one with out tons of issues and problems.

Trigger please.......

I wouldn't worry about a first valve slide trigger. I can't think of anybody that even builds a horn w a first valve trigger. Most have third valve triggers and that seems to be enough to fix any issues. I wouldn't keep that variable in my equation when buying a flugelhorn

Richard III · Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 7:12 am Post subject:

TrumpetMD · Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 7:19 am Post subject:

giakara · Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 8:45 am Post subject: Re: Quality flugelhorn?

trickg · Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 9:01 am Post subject:

I agree with the others who say that typically a flugel doesn't need a 1st valve trigger. Due to the nature of how a flugel blows, a small adjustment of the 1st slide - sort of a "set it and forget it" kind of thing - gets you close enough where you won't need to trigger it and you'll be close enough that your ear takes care of the rest. I do like having the 3rd slide trigger though.

A safe bet on a flugel is a Yamaha 631G. For me, it's the horn I compare everything else to when assessing a flugel.

I had a lacquered Kanstul 925 for a number of years that I loved. I sold it because at the time I wasn't using it, and I wanted cash for another project. I've kicked myself ever since.

There's a silver plated one on the marketplace now at a very reasonable price. If it was lacquer, I'd be taking a hard look at it.
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Benge.nut · Heavyweight Member Joined: 18 Mar 2017 Posts: 695

Don Herman rev2 · Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 10:19 am Post subject:

The overtone series is primarily dictated by the bell flare, and the player, not the finish.
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Benge.nut · Heavyweight Member Joined: 18 Mar 2017 Posts: 695

Halflip · Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 5:31 pm Post subject:

Crazy Finn · Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 7:16 pm Post subject:

HornnOOb · Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 12:03 am Post subject:

Kanstul 925 Custom Classic with a deep MP makes the classic flugel sound. I'm selling mine if you're interested.
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