Considering a new horn

[dukesboneman]

I`ve been a Small bore Bach player ( 8, 12, 16MG) for a long time and own quite a few really great horns.
However Lately I`ve tried some newer horns and have been quite impressed.
With the horns like Shires and Edwards , I know every variable can be customized.
But I`m looking for a horn with quick response , a free upper range and a dark sound
opinions?

[Matt K]

The new Shires artist series horns (MD, MD+, Marshal Gilkes) are really spectacular, more in the vein of Kings rather than small bore Bachs in my opinion, which may be the direction you want to pursue one way or another.

Rath & Edwards both have some really great stuff too. If you want to go new it might just be best to pick which one you want to go with and talk to the rep there as they fit stuff given peoples desires etc and are usually pretty close. My guess is you'll probably end up in some capacity with a 2 piece bell with a soldered bell bead, probably yellow brass bell section and a nickel slide and maybe a 1, 1.5 or 2 leadpipe.

FWIW, Getzen horns are the same as Edwards but soldered together. The 3508R might be a cool horn for you too.

While I'm on the subject, for non boutique horns the 3B or 2b+ might be worth checking out as they are more in line with the quick response vs. Bachs, in my opinion. And the Yamaha YSL 891Z or 691 horns that I've played have been very quick to respond but with their 508 bores are less bright than the smaller alternatives.

[Burgerbob]

I'll go out on a limb and say you won't find anything that sounds like the Bachs. I think there are easier horns to play on sale now, but nothing with that character. It's always a tradeoff.

[Fidbone]

I'd be tempted to try the Shires Marshall Gilkes and the Michael Davis models.

[deanmccarty]

The Rath horns just blew my mind when I first tried them out… since you are maybe wanting to go a little larger I would recommend trying an R1 with a nickel bell… I play an R10 (slightly smaller) with a nickel bell… it has the power to rip the paint off the wall when playing lead or in a rock band… but when you back off, it’s got a warmth that is so sweet. The R1 or R2, if you want more of a King 3B feel, will definitely give you that dark sound. Mick Rath is great to work with too.

[MrBadger]

@deanmccarty ...

Quick question - does your R3 slide fit your R10 gooseneck?

[Digidog]

Well: I do have a new custom horn currently on order. I was thinking along the same lines as OP, and I made my decision from what I could combine from what I have test played through the years, and what my imagination could tell me I can get from the various builders.

I'll post about my new instrument when it is delivered to me.

[WGWTR180]

Expect many tradeoffs with a new instrument versus an older one.

[Fidbone]

@deanmccarty ...

Quick question - does your R3 slide fit your R10 gooseneck?

No.

[MrBadger]

@deanmccarty ...

Quick question - does your R3 slide fit your R10 gooseneck?

No.

Thanks for the confirmation:-)

[vetsurginc]

The Rath horns just blew my mind when I first tried them out… since you are maybe wanting to go a little larger I would recommend trying an R1 with a nickel bell… I play an R10 (slightly smaller) with a nickel bell… it has the power to rip the paint off the wall when playing lead or in a rock band… but when you back off, it’s got a warmth that is so sweet. The R1 or R2, if you want more of a King 3B feel, will definitely give you that dark sound. Mick Rath is great to work with too.

Love my Rath

[TheSheriff]

I`ve been a Small bore Bach player ( 8, 12, 16MG) for a long time and own quite a few really great horns.
However Lately I`ve tried some newer horns and have been quite impressed.
With the horns like Shires and Edwards , I know every variable can be customized.
But I`m looking for a horn with quick response , a free upper range and a dark sound
opinions?

..
Have you found something yet? If not give Roy Lawler a call. A model 1 or 2 with a mid-weight red brass bell stem, a 7 1/2" mid-weight red brass flare with the flat Lawler bead, and an all brass handslide in either .500 or.508 and you will have what you are looking for. A very quick response with a rich, complex, warm and dark sound. With probably his #10 leadpipe. Being a Bach player you would probably be most comfortable with a model 2. The bell is set back like a Williams which is only slightly further back than a Bach. The model 1 is bell forward similar to a King.
..

[Pezza]

If I could afford a new small bore it would be a Lawler.
Lots of options to get it set up how you like, plus with spare screw on bells & leadpipes you can have multiple set-ups!