Adams v Monette v Taylor

vwag · Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2017 10:54 am Post subject: Adams v Monette v Taylor

Hey all, I had a lovely opportunity to play an Adams A4 this week when in NYC. Just an amazing horn, I have never experienced the resonance and feedback playing that this horn provided.

This got me on path of wondering how similar / different these custom horns are. They each seem to have a similar design aesthetic with some of their lines.

So, my question IS NOT what is best... more along the lines, what are they known for and how might they be different? How might they be similar? Has anyone played these three and can offer any insights?

TrentAustin · Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:37 am Post subject:

I have played and owned all three. Multiple versions of each (maybe 4 Taylors, 9 Monettes, and far too many Adams)

I'm highly biased as you might know... I feel the Adams are the best quality made horns (handmade and 100% in-house), fairly priced, and the best customer service I have ever experienced.

I still own an STC4 Monette but never play it. My A4 crushes it in every way. Better in-tune, better centering, easier to play, much more versatile sound shape, and MUCH better made.

I can't comment on the new Taylor horns with Getzen blocks although I am super happy to see him no longer using Carol Blocks (they are fine blocks but not on 5K horns IMO... we have horns in shop with Carol valves for around 1K).

-T
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trumpet.sanity · Heavyweight Member Joined: 24 Oct 2016 Posts: 763

I've played a few Adams, and man I love the valves. As far as quality control I think they are at the top of the game.

I want a tricked out A5-ish horn with some more traditional Besson/Benge mods. Soon....

vwag · Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2017 1:35 pm Post subject:

I get a sense that I'll be giving some business to Trent later this year, that Adams was nuts. What a dream.

trumpetchops · Heavyweight Member Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 2644

Brent · Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2017 4:15 pm Post subject: Adams

Sounds like Trent Austin is just providing an honest assessment to me.
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patdublc · Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2017 5:23 pm Post subject:

Providing a very general answer to the question - I find the Adams horns to be the most balanced of the 3 brands mentioned. By balanced, I mean easy of play, intonation, sound quality, etc. I have not played any recent Taylor's so my opinion may be a bit dated.
I have not owned an A4, so I can't be very specific about that model. I have played a couple and, for my taste, prefer the A1. But, that's just me.

If this conversation were about flugels, my opinion would be:
1) Adams
2) Everybody else
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vwag · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 7:33 am Post subject:

I appreciate everyone's thought. Trent stated his bias, and I do appreciate his insights. I don't know much about Taylors, they don't seem to get as much press as some of the other custom horns.

jojocat · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 8:06 am Post subject:

After reading the above comments, it amazes me you have to give 2 arms and a leg for a Monette horn that's not lightyears away from mass produced horns. Just better...and equal if not busted by way more affordable boutique horns.

Just a matter of prestige or what?
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djpearlman · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 8:37 am Post subject:

jojocat · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 10:13 am Post subject:

vwag · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 10:36 am Post subject:

I hear you, and congrats on the Monette, I'm sure it's a dream! My OP was mostly around what are they elite horns known for? I'm looking to try a Taylor sometime soon, the Monette I'll try in a decade. I'm afraid I'd love it and I can't afford to love it. The Adams was just amazing and this aroused curiosity in similarities and differences in these custom horns as they have aesthetics that 'seem' to overlap (visually).

trumpetchops · Heavyweight Member Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 2644

zaferis · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 4:38 pm Post subject:

I have only played the 3 on a cursory level, but as someone that has performed next to and played above and below several players on each of these I have a definite opinion. So, no insight into their playability nor construction BUT....

I'd much rather sit next to an Adams than either of the other two. Easier to blend with and much less work to play in tune. Yes, the player and mouthpiece with have influence but, in my experience, Monette's sounds are too unique (ponderous and singular in overtones) and the Taylor's are just funky in tone or intonation.
Ultimately, it comes down to what produces the sound you want and the playability that you like.

good luck.
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jaysonr · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 5:14 pm Post subject:

I'd love to try a Monette. I'll never be able to afford one, but I'd sure love to try one out once.
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TrentAustin · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 6:53 pm Post subject:

Dan you sound really fantastic on the Cornette!

I know after a super long search you have found your dream horn and IMO that is all that matters. For me I feel like I am currently the closest to that with my newest horn (and after recording today I think it's reallllly close).

Be it a Bundy or a Besson finding the best horn that works for YOU is the most important thing.
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PakWaan · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 7:42 pm Post subject:

I love my Taylor Standard LB. I'm smitten with the way it sounds, the way it plays, the way it looks, and those amazing Bauerfeind valves. I sold all my Committees (including the unicorn large bore '40 Handcraft Committee) and all my Olds and kept the Taylor.

I'm going to have to give Trent some money as soon as I decide between an Adams A4, A4 LT and A9 and then I can contrast them. But the Adams will have to be an amazing horn to replace the Taylor.
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Gottfried Reiche · Veteran Member Joined: 27 Nov 2013 Posts: 184

Justin_Smith · Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2017 12:07 pm Post subject:

djpearlman · Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2017 10:53 am Post subject: