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jazztrumpetbill Veteran Member
Joined: 01 May 2006 Posts: 316 Location: Traverse City, MI
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Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 6:51 am Post subject: Schilke B3 versus X3 |
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Okay all you gear (horn)heads. Who has played both of these models and which model do you prefer? Also, how do these models compare to the new Schilke Handcraft? I am currently playing larger bore horns but I have always liked the Schilke horns.
Thank you. _________________ Bill
Bb Burbank Benge L
Bb Schilke B1
Olds Silverstar Flugel
King Silvertone Cornet |
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yourbrass Heavyweight Member
Joined: 12 Jun 2011 Posts: 3636 Location: Pacifica, CA, USA
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Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 6:59 am Post subject: |
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The X3 has wide slots, nice jazz horn. Haven't played the other two models you mentioned. _________________ "Strive for tone." -John Coppola
Edwards X-13
ACB MV3C /ACB A1/26 backbore
https://yourbrass.com/ |
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Jerry Heavyweight Member
Joined: 20 Jan 2002 Posts: 2163 Location: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
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Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 10:57 am Post subject: |
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Call Schilke: 708-343-8858.
Ask to speak to Phil.
Ask him this question. You'll get fabulous information from a very nice (most Schilke-qualified-expert-there-is?) guy .
Ask him who likely has these three models in stock so you can go and give them a blow.
Consider a trip to Schilke so you can try these models and have great ears give you valuable feedback.
I've had several phone conversations with Phil and each one was very informative. His recommendations for me have panned out each time. |
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Def Trumpet Veteran Member
Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 357 Location: MI
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Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 12:26 pm Post subject: |
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I visited Schilke this past year and played a bunch of horns in their showroom including the Handcraft, B3, etc. All of them were fantastic horns and perfect for commercial, jazz, pop playing. They were easy to play, well-balanced and had wide-color palettes; soft and warm to bright and loud.
The HD series were also fantastic instruments and perfect for classical. Great all around trumpets with a nice core to the sound.
Primarily, I was interested in the Handcraft and was not disappointed. It shares many of the playing characteristics of Schilke's other large bore instruments, but has its own overall sound. It is hands down the warmest trumpet they make. That said, it is definitely its own thing and doesn't really compare to the classic B line of Schilke horns.
It was kind of a whirlwind day and I was somewhat overwhelmed by getting to try out all of Schilke's horns at once. You could spend hours there and still need more time to noodle around.
I normally play a Yamaha 8310z which has its design origin in the Schilke horns. However, I immediately felt that the Schilke was a better horn or at least a better fit for me. Felt better in my hands, more balanced of a blow, better valves - you name it, Schilke won hands down!
If you are considering Schilke, definitely give Phil a call as was suggested already in this thread. I can concur that he is a really great guy, very informative and helpful and Schilke is just an awesome pro company. They are surprisingly small considering their name recognition and make every single aspect of their instruments, from valves to bell, right their outside of Chicago! _________________ '50s Martin Committee M Bore
NY Bach Strad 42
MV Bach Strad 37
ACB 3CS |
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Adam V Heavyweight Member
Joined: 12 Nov 2008 Posts: 1765 Location: Los Angeles, CA
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Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 4:50 pm Post subject: |
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I owned a B3 for about a year, and have played the X3 on several occasions.
In my opinion the B3 is much better than the X3 at everything except warm, intimate jazz. By far my favorite Schilke horn, and the real sleeper of their Bb line.
It isn't as open as a lot of people think it is; it blows like an average ML bore horn would play, perhaps slightly more open. The sound is more focused and compact than the X3, and blows with a bit more cushion--a comfortable resistance. The characteristic Schilke sound (light, bright, broad, cold, piercing) really comes out when you play loud in the upper register, which is great if you're after that sound.
If you want that sound, and have your heart set on a Schilke, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the B3. _________________ 1970 Bach 37 Strad
Yamaha 635 flugel
Marcinkiewicz E3/3C |
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jazztrumpetbill Veteran Member
Joined: 01 May 2006 Posts: 316 Location: Traverse City, MI
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Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2013 6:58 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for all your comments. I have been to the Schilke factory and you are all correct; Phil is a great guy. This was a few years ago and the Handcraft was not in their product line. So I need to go back and play the Handcraft and see how that compares to the B3. _________________ Bill
Bb Burbank Benge L
Bb Schilke B1
Olds Silverstar Flugel
King Silvertone Cornet |
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Kennyg2019 Veteran Member
Joined: 15 Jan 2022 Posts: 261 Location: NY
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Posted: Wed May 18, 2022 1:11 pm Post subject: |
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Adam V wrote: | I owned a B3 for about a year, and have played the X3 on several occasions.
In my opinion the B3 is much better than the X3 at everything except warm, intimate jazz. By far my favorite Schilke horn, and the real sleeper of their Bb line.
It isn't as open as a lot of people think it is; it blows like an average ML bore horn would play, perhaps slightly more open. The sound is more focused and compact than the X3, and blows with a bit more cushion--a comfortable resistance. The characteristic Schilke sound (light, bright, broad, cold, piercing) really comes out when you play loud in the upper register, which is great if you're after that sound.
If you want that sound, and have your heart set on a Schilke, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the B3. |
I just tested the B3 and X3, and I agree 100%! Now I'm just waiting to get my hands on a Beryllium B3! |
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cgaiii Heavyweight Member
Joined: 26 Jun 2017 Posts: 1551 Location: Virginia USA
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Posted: Thu May 19, 2022 6:16 am Post subject: |
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If you get the L (tuning bell version) of either horn, you can have both by getting the other bell for it. The difference is in the bells. Been seriously considering this for my X3L. _________________ Bb: Schilke X3L AS, Yamaha YTR-6335S
C: Schilke CXL, Kanstul 1510-2
Bb Cornet: Getzen 800 DLXS
Pic: Kanstul 920
Bb Bugle: Kanstul
Bb Pocket: Manchester Brass
Flugel: Taylor Std
Bass Tr: BAC Custom
Nat. Tr: Nikolai Mänttäri Morales Haas replica |
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dershem Heavyweight Member
Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 1887 Location: San Diego, CA
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Posted: Thu May 19, 2022 4:24 pm Post subject: |
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I played a B3 for years, and have had an X3 for a very long time. Both are great horns, and you have to figure out which one fits the way *you* play and want to sound.
A few years ago I wangled a pass to the NAMM show. At the Schilke booth I played each horn there , in order from smallest to largest. Same set of licks. Each horn had a difefrent sound and a different response, and while the X3 fit me the best, the guy in the booth (an old friend named Rick) prefers the B5 because it fits *him* best. For me, the B5 is too tight.
Don't ask us - find a way to play them both and decide what works best for *you*. _________________ BKA! Mic Gillette was my mentor and friend.
Marcinkiewicz Mic G. trumpet, Custom Marcinkiewicz mpc. (Among others)
Marcinkiewicz Rembrandt flugel, Benge 8Z cornet, King 2B, Bach 36, Benge 190, Getzen 3062... many more. All Marc. mouthpieces. |
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Kennyg2019 Veteran Member
Joined: 15 Jan 2022 Posts: 261 Location: NY
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Posted: Fri May 20, 2022 11:20 am Post subject: |
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cgaiii wrote: | If you get the L (tuning bell version) of either horn, you can have both by getting the other bell for it. The difference is in the bells. Been seriously considering this for my X3L. |
Thanks for the suggestion. I've actually thought about getting a tuning bell (they're easier to come by nowadays)...and if I played in a variety of circumstances I might be tempted. As it is, I'm just looking for the brightest possible sound. Plus, I like to keep it simple. The regular Schilke (B3) is so beautiful because of its minimalistic design. |
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