ithinknot wrote: ↑Sat Mar 12, 2022 12:21 pm
It's an interesting spec; just out of interest, what were you aiming for? (...whether in model comparisons or prose poetry...)
I wanted a flexible horn, with well balanced, but light slotting, in materials that would make the horn withstand both loud and high-register playing without cracking up; while at the same time being able to support soft playing through the register.
After extensive playing on both friend's and vendor's instruments, I made the estimation that a 7,75" bell might disperse the tone as I'd like it, while at the same time letting the first nodes outside the instrument sufficiently far out to not rebound when playing loud and/or in extreme registers. From playing non-gilded Silver Sonics, I felt like sterling silver would provide a good balance between resonance and decay/release, while the gold brass in the crook, gooseneck and the tuning slide would provide a softer, but perhaps larger response to the vibrations of the air.
As I wanted the horn to have a pointed but not sharp projection, I found that a medium, straight small bore would be what I wanted, hence I choose the 0,500 bore (I find dual bores to be too soft and unpoignant with my playing) to be a suitable compromise between a large and a small "playing-flow". After reading up on the Shires web site, I concluded that their 1,5 design tuning crook would be good, and though I first asked for the wider flare (like old King), Shires informed me they had stopped using that and I went with their standard measurements.
The result is actually quite spot on. For the first time ever I have a trombone that lets me play my full high range without giving me the feeling that the tone is colliding in the flare, and pinching right outside the bell, while at the same time allowing me to decide the dynamics I want throughout. I have even played some bass parts on it, thanks to the great slotting and projection of the fake tones from E (~3rd pos.) down to C (~7th). There is even a low B to be found, but I would not trust myself to find it spotlessly on demand every time. From Bb and down to about an F, it just has everything from a sparkling redlining fortefortissimo, to at least mezzopiano, with very little effort. The flexibility is lightning fast, but with enough slotting so I can ease back and let the horn make the air come to its best.
I have to take some time to record something representable, and figure out a way to post it here, to show what I mean.
walldaja wrote: ↑Sat Mar 12, 2022 1:31 pm
Both horns are SWEET! I love the thumb pad on the trigger of the Bb/F horn!
What mouthpieces do you folks use on your horns?
Thanks
Thanks, on my behalf!
I play a Bach 6 1/2AL on mine, and a ditto 7C on the alto. I've had the 6 1/2 for something like 30 years now, so it's very worn and I probably should buy a new.
