VBS 196 vs Bach Artisian Picc

Ralph · Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 3:05 pm Post subject: VBS 196 vs Bach Artisian Picc

Well, I'm in the market for a piccolo, a good one that is. I'm specifically wondering how the Bach VBS 196 compares to the new Bach artisian picc? The specs show the artisian to be a bigger bore, but I haven't played either. Brassreview says good things about the VBS 196 but nothing on the artisian.

http://www.brassreview.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/2562/sort/8/cat/24/page/1

ertatta · Heavyweight Member Joined: 23 Jun 2004 Posts: 798

both excellent pro level instruments! my preference is for the more lively sounding artisan.

Ralph · Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 8:09 pm Post subject:

Thanks very much. That's the way I'm leaning too. I like the idea of the larger bore.

Trumpeterz · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 5:11 am Post subject:

I know this is slightly off the topic, but how do the two of those compare to the Schilke P7-4 or P5-4? Also what is your opinion on the Artisan Bb and C horns compared to a standard strad?

Chris OHara · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 7:00 am Post subject:

I currently play the VBS 196 and love it. I had the chance to play the Artisan piccolo recently and enjoyed playing it very much. The larger bore is definitely nice and adds some meat to the sound. I would have to play the Artisan more, but I think that I would stick with my VBS in immediate future. Regards to their comparison to the Schilke, I like the Bach sound much better. The Schilke's always seem shrill sounding to me.
_________________
Christopher J. O'Hara
Bach/Conn-Selmer Performing Artist
Denis Wick Performing Artist
www.chrisjohara.com

Ralph · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 8:41 am Post subject:

I agree about the Schilke comments. Certainly a nice picc, but the sound could at times cut glass. I didn't want to expand the topic too much and thought it best to ask a more focused question and limit the topic to tha Bach VBS 196 and new artisian. I really want to try them, but probably won't get the chance for a while. Second best option is to ask peoples experience on here.

gchun · Guest

Ralph · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 9:12 pm Post subject:

It looks like the Artisian is about $300 cheaper than the VBS196 both in silver plate. Is that because the VBS comes with a 4TH valve slide and converts the picc to a G trumpet? How useful is the feature?

chazman24 · Regular Member Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Posts: 47

P5-4. It's the pro's go to pic for a reason... Read the latest ITG Journal? The St. Louis Symphony trumpet section profile? All using P5-4s. You can't really argue with that. Especially when two of the greatest trumpet teachers in the world have their own model...(Butler/Geyer).

GordonH · Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 5:54 am Post subject:

65strad · Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 12:36 pm Post subject:

I own the VBS 196 and haven't found a better piston picc for me. Waiting to try the Artisan to compare. For me, a much nicer sound than the Schilke, and nicer valves with comparable build quality. Perhaps a bit sturdier but not bulky. A Stomvi and Bach collaboration is in the VBS 196's development and background. Stomvi started as jewelers and it is evident in the workmanship of the horn. Great sounding horn period, not "quacky" as many other piccs.

Don't count on either Bach or Stomvi to promote the VBS 196's attributes. Bach now has it's new Artisan picc about to make it's way, and I doubt that Bach wants to essentially compete with itself with this incredible but very limited production horn. VBS 196 isn't shown as available in the latest Bach brochure (interesting). Curious to see how the Artisan and VBS 196 stack up.

Schilke's have been the standard for years but some VBS players have sold their P5-4's for a reason. Choice is a great thing.
_________________
Tom
'08 Bach custom 43*G SN#2008
'65 Bach 181 37 SN#30836
'67 Bach 180 37 SN#39773
'70 Bach 181 37 SN#58831
'72 Bach 180S 43 SN#70503
'05 Bach VBS 196 Picc SN#560142
'07 Bach Chicago C SN#656602
'10 Dillon Flugel Rose brass SN#912508

Brassgurus · Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 1:00 pm Post subject:

Trumpeters,

As of 2011 the VBS196 and the AP190 are available. Who knows what they will be doing in 2012.

We will be receiving a AP190 and AP190S in two weeks. If anybody is interested please let us know.

The last AP190 that we had was sold to a forum member and he loves it!

Thanks,

Eric Hand
Peninsula Music and Repair
4335 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, Ca. 94306
650-948-5000 x722
brassgurus.com
eric@brassgurus.com

65strad · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2012 7:48 am Post subject:

I just stumbled across this link of Dr. Karl Seivers playing the very limited production and rare VBS 196.

This clip shows what a rich sound the VBS 196 has without the common toyish and sometimes shrill sound of many other "standards" (at least when I play them) of the piston picc world. Intonation and valves and build quality are outstanding as well. Valve alignment by Bob Reeves standard, as well as removable 4th slide with extra G slide that is optional on the Schilke and available as the Andre P5-4.

Although I liked the Artisan picc, I don't think it quite compares with the VBS196. This shows that a picc can have a big sound that sings beautifully. Nothing toy like is this picc's sound. It can also speak softly with a beautiful tone quality that can also fill a hall without feeling like it has a governer on it. Some call this the Bach P6-4.

http://vimeo.com/7999151
_________________
Tom
'08 Bach custom 43*G SN#2008
'65 Bach 181 37 SN#30836
'67 Bach 180 37 SN#39773
'70 Bach 181 37 SN#58831
'72 Bach 180S 43 SN#70503
'05 Bach VBS 196 Picc SN#560142
'07 Bach Chicago C SN#656602
'10 Dillon Flugel Rose brass SN#912508

charles1963 · Regular Member Joined: 01 Apr 2011 Posts: 21

65strad · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2012 3:48 pm Post subject:

drcarl · New Member Joined: 20 Mar 2012 Posts: 5 Location: Jasper

The Blackburn picc is a larger bore, I think specifically to improve on the P5-4's sound