Toughest Horn!?

vwag · Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2017 7:12 pm Post subject: Toughest Horn!?

We always read about horns that are the easiest to play (to each of us), but I rarely see someone call out a make/model of horn that’s notoriously difficult to play. Do you think there are any horns that have a challenging reputation? One that the majority might agree that is is just a tough horn?

I wouldn’t read difficult = bad, just challenging to the average player, or maybe one that might take a long time to adjust to.

Andy Del · Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2017 3:42 am Post subject:

Bach 229/25H - pitch all over the pace
Sovereign flugel horn - nice sound,nice valves, doesn't work of the stave
Sovereign Bb cornet - like playing as paper machete bucket

cheers

Andy
_________________
so many horns, so few good notes...

shofarguy · Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2017 5:07 am Post subject:

The toughest trumpet I've ever played is the Adams A-8. I had a quick go at NAMM a few years ago and couldn't make it play the same pitches in an ascending scale as a descending scale. It seemed to have no pitch centering at all.
_________________
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.

jazzvuu · Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2017 6:44 am Post subject:

I agree with the 229/25H. Great sound and projection but was lots of work to play. Some days I loved the sound I got and other days, felt like I was not good enough for the horn. I have gone to a Yamaha Chicago C that is great sounding (not as thick of a sound) but more consistent from day to day.

TKSop · Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2017 7:55 am Post subject:

Couldn't agree more on the sovereign flugels...

Can't let mention of sovereign's pass without adding two of the worst soprano cornets ever made to the list - the B&H 925 and Besson 926 - awful pitch and just all-round a misery to play

yourbrass · Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2017 8:16 am Post subject:

Most flugelhorns - intonation sucks.
_________________
"Strive for tone." -John Coppola
Edwards X-13
ACB MV3C /ACB A1/26 backbore
https://yourbrass.com/

James Becker · Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2017 1:38 pm Post subject:

It's not too surprising to hear some feel the Bach 229/25H combination is difficult to play. You will hear folks rave about the sound but it can be a struggle to play in tune and maybe too open. Noting that the 229 sound is preferred by the great majority, the 239 bell has a better scale. So if you can make a 239 work in your orchestra that could be a good alternative.

All that being said (I sound like a broken record for saying it) we have ways of making Bach 229/25H trumpets play with greater evenness/efficiently and improve pitch. Our trumpet blueprinting service targets the problem areas that contribute to uneven response and tames the more egregious pitch tendencies of trumpets making them more manageable to play in tune. All the while retaining the characteristic sound Bach trumpets are famous for.

Blueprinting also can do wonders for all keys and brands of trumpets/cornets and flugel horns as well.

My 2 cents.
_________________
James Becker
Brass Repair Specialist Since 1977
Osmun Music Inc.
77 Powdermill Road Rt.62
Acton, MA 01720
www.osmun.com

Our workshop is as close as your nearest UPS store https://www.ups.com/dropoff?loc=en_US

HERMOKIWI · Heavyweight Member Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 2581

The Holton ST-302 MF Horn is a tribute to Maynard's ability because there is nothing easy about playing that model.
_________________
HERMOKIWI

trumpet.trader · Veteran Member Joined: 02 Jul 2017 Posts: 200

Craig Swartz · Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2017 3:53 pm Post subject:

My old Conn Director cornet that I started out on withstood everything I could throw at it for about 5 years and then went on to be abused by one of my younger brothers. That's tough.

As far as playability, I had a Taylor Bb years ago from BBWW, tried to play on it for a week and sent it back. To give credit where credit is due, however, while repacking it, in amongst the shipping peanuts and stuff a mouthpiece made specifically for the horn fell out of all the packing material. It probably made a hell of a difference but I didn't have time to try it out before returning it. It didn't work well with the Schilke 19 I was using at the time, though.

I also agree with Jim on the 229/25H. I must not have the breath or something.

JoeLoeffler · Veteran Member Joined: 20 Sep 2004 Posts: 243

The toughest/worst playing trumpet I have ever played was an Andalucia AdVance. A Bb trumpet with a huge bell apparently from a g bugle (from what I saw on the internet, a copy of either a DEG or King bell...) with a shepard's crook. The thing had an awful scale, mitigated by a complete lack of any tonal center. A wiggly foghorn that required every note to be manipulated. The thing was so amazingly bad, I took it to show it off to my private students. Even they (a bunch of high school kids) were impressed by how bad it played.