Original Taylor versus Carol Brass Phat Puppy Comparison

[Rwwilson]

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare the original Taylor version with the Carol Brass version of the Phat Puppy flugelhorn? I’m wondering if there is a sufficient difference between them to justify the additional cost of the Taylor horn.

[markp]

Great question!

[HaveTrumpetWillTravel]

I'd just buy the carolbrass. That said if you want a custom finish or extra cool buttons, maybe you'd buy the original version. It's the same valve block, and probably nearly identical bell and leadpipe profile, right?

[Halflip]

[Rwwilson]

Halflip pointed out that the tuning slides are different between the two makes but this is only partly true. In some photos of the Taylor version the second valve slide is on the left and the first valve slide is folded over but in others the slides are like on the Carol version (see for example the one for sale at Austin Custom Brass). Perhaps the Taylor version changed at some point. [/img]

[Halflip]

Perhaps indeed!

I referenced the images of the Taylor version provided on Taylor's 'official' site, but who knows how well the site is kept up-to-date.
_________________
"He that plays the King shall be welcome . . . " (Hamlet Act II, Scene 2, Line 1416)

"He had no concept of the instrument. He was blowing into it." -- Virgil Starkwell's cello teacher in "Take the Money and Run"

[drmayne]

There have apparently been quite a number of variations of the Taylor one - for instance, here is a picture posted on Taylors FB page back in September 2018:

https://www.facebook.com/TaylorTrumpets/posts/phat-puppy-update-want-one-of-course-you-do-get-in-touch/10156248243634702/

But in a followup post done shortly after this image was posted, Bryan Corbette posted a link to a video showing one with a straight 1st valve slide, but with a finger ring attached to it:


Link


And here is an image of one apparently for order, with a straight 1st valve slide but no ring adjustment:



Notice the 2 piece bell on this latter one - the Carolbrass one is a 1 piece bell.

The Carolbrass also has a universal MP receiver pipe meant to handle the different Flugel MP morse sizes (along with the "trumpet" MP receiver pipe). The CB one also comes with a case.

I would imagine if you ordered one from Taylor custom, you could get it in any number of variations.

[Rwwilson]

I purchased a very slightly used Taylor made version from Trent Austin and it arrived yesterday. It has the wrap shown in the last photo of the previous post which differs slightly from the Carol version. The bell is two piece copper which also is different from the Carol version. It came with a single lead pipe that accepts a flugelhorn mouthpiece. Does it play better or worse, I can’t say as I don’t have a Carol version to test it against. I can say that I am happy with it. The valves are smooth and it plays well in tune. I was looking for a nice fluegelhorn tone that is a bit brighter than my Benge 5 and that is what I get with this horn.

[drmayne]

And an interesting video on early CarolBrass Phat Puppy prototypes:


Link

[Rwwilson]

Thanks for the link to the video. It seems that Carol was working on Phat Puppys with a number of finishes but now the only finish that I see for sale is shiny laquered brass.

[drmayne]

Yeah, the lacquered one seems to be the most predominate one they are making, but it seems there are some others out there (e.g. raw brass):


Link

[Hrossey]

I have had a Taylor Phat Puppy for maybe two years now. I love it. If I was buying one now I'd go for the Taylor, but price difference is relatively small in the UK. I would consider the Carol if the difference was greater.