Lawler or Taylor

NELATrpt · Regular Member Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Posts: 85

This past year I was "this close" to buying a Lawler, but a medical emergency took my money stash away. I'll be ready to buy again in a couple of months but a wrench has been thrown into my Lawler plan. A friend I play in a big band with has a Taylor Chicago Standard and I went a few rounds with it and found something I really like. Although his horn was a so called jazz model I found the upper range really easy to get to so I will be considering the Chicago Lite which Taylor markets as a lead horn. Does anybody have insight on these two horns for comparison? Input is appreciated as this will be what I hope to be my last Bb purchase.

LFRoberts5 · Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2003 12:53 pm Post subject:

Let me throw in another wrench. How about an Eclipse?

http://www.eclipsetrumpets.com
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NELATrpt · Regular Member Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Posts: 85

I have not had the opportunity to play an eclipse. How are their prices compared to the Lawler/Taylor? I have read posts and have seen nothing but high praise for the most part for the eclipse line.

LFRoberts5 · Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2003 2:12 pm Post subject:

Somewhere between $2400 and $2800 for the Eclipse.

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[ This Message was edited by: LFRoberts5 on 2003-12-12 17:13 ]

NELATrpt · Regular Member Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Posts: 85

Thanks, That falls right in my price range!

trumpetmike · Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2003 3:41 pm Post subject:

NELATrpt - "Input is appreciated as this will be what I hope to be my last Bb purchase."

"Last Bb purchase" - why???

Have you learned nothing from browsing TH, it never stops. Just when you think you have go the ideal trumpet, there is another one out there that you really must have!

Or that you must play.

Even if you buy one of these instruments, you will still want more. Speaking as a rank amateur collector (only about 25 trumpets and cornets so far, but I'm only 29!), it never stops, even when you have found an instrument you are happy with!!

As for the advice regarding these instruments, if you can get the chance to play one of each of them, take it.

I have played Taylors and loved the sound, haven't yet played the others but have heard great things.

TrentAustin · Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2003 4:21 pm Post subject:

I've owned all 3 horns...

I think you all know what my opinion is. Feel free to email me privately off list or go to http://www.eclipsetrumpets.com and click on my testimonial.

Best of luck in your search... I know this must be very exciting for you.

Best,

Trent

[ This Message was edited by: TrentAustin on 2003-12-12 19:23 ]

romey1 · Heavyweight Member Joined: 11 Jun 2003 Posts: 797

Go with the Taylor Blue Zeus Cornet.

romey

maynard-46 · Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2003 7:40 pm Post subject:

LSRoberts5
An Eclipse? Try $3200-3700...I just bought one! If you can find a new one for $2400 PLEASE let me know where!

BW

_________________
Bb TRUMPET -Eclipse Goldplated Large Red
FLUGELHORN - Kanstul 1525 Cooper bell
PICCOLO TRPT. - '80's Selmer Picc
MOUTHPIECES- Warburton GP #6 Series

[ This Message was edited by: maynard-46 on 2003-12-12 23:58 ]

highnote · Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2003 8:00 pm Post subject:

I hope that you realize you can have a Lawler custom built for you for under $2400

Kevin

jsou1 · Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2003 9:04 pm Post subject:

I recently purchased a Lawler TL6R-1A and I can't imagine having a better playing horn. Roy is a genius and a pleasure to work with!
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http://www.johnnysouza.com

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PatchesTheCat · Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2003 9:22 pm Post subject:

Is Eclipse only offered in the ML .460 bore? Nothing bigger or smaller? They have a beautiful site and thats all i could find on there. Very smooth looking horns.

camelbrass · Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2003 3:28 am Post subject:

Hi,

I play a Taylor Chicago Standard (with the heat treated bell) and love it. I got to try a whole bunch of Andy's horns at his factory and this was my favourite for all round playing (yes you're right it's not just a small combo jazz horn). I prefered it over the Lite which was a good trumpet but just lacked some of the character of the heavier one.

I haven't tried the Eclipse or Lawler but some very fine players recommend them. In fact I don't think I've ever seen a bad comment about either.

Regards

Trevor

Bruce Lee · Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2003 7:25 am Post subject:

Both the Lawler and Eclipse trumpets are excellent options. With regard to the .460 bore size, the "feel" of the horn doesn't have a whole lot to do with that one aspect. The rate of bell taper, size of the bell throat, the weight of the material, and the leadpipe/venturi, etc., have much more to do with the "feel" of the horn.

The Lawler TL1 and the Eclipse Medium have similar tapers, as do the TL6L and the Large Bell Eclipse models. For a more focused sound, the TL1 and the Medium are great choices. If you desire a warmer or more diffused sound, the TL6L or Large Red or Large Yellow Eclipse is a better choice. Add in the Lawler TL6R-1A, or the Eclipse Medium Red for a warmer sound with great focus.

Please feel free to contact me off board if you would like more information on either product line. I can offer other options with the Callet line, as well. Each model from each line has a distinct quality, and playing characteristic. I'm confident that we can find a great match, both in terms of quality and price. Thanks for reading!

Happy Holidays!
Bruce
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NELATrpt · Regular Member Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Posts: 85

Trumpetmike, if it's not my last Bb purchase I'll either be divorced or dead! Mr. Austin and Mr. Lee, thanks for the offer of help and input. I'll take you up the offer of off board advice.

The one thing that got my attention concerning the Taylor was the upper range I was able to get with the Ch. Std. model. Normally an A above C is a strain for me. With the Taylor I was nailing the A's with not near as much effort and this was at the end of a 2 hr big band rehearsal. I used to be one of those that believed the horn didn't make much difference in range. Either you had it or you didn't. now I'm not so sure.

camelbrass · Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2003 3:14 am Post subject:

Hi,

I must admit that I haven't noticed any appreciable effect on my range on the Taylor. What I have noticed is that the notes I do have above High C (not a lot) are lots more stable and generally more 'solid'.

Regards

Trevor