Hi List, Horn design is very simple, basically the better instruments are smoother through everything. Look at Engelbert Schmid Lawson Patterson And sometimes Atkinson, they are such great playing horns because of the smoothness through the taper of the instrument. There are no inflictions with the vibration throughout the horn. If there are rough edges and solder inside, certain partials will come out stuffy and the horn will not play with ease. Some people like this some don't. I have found that even in Conn 8d's....usually the biggest problems are right around the first branch, bell tail solders and leadpipe taper. If conn would spend maybe two more hours on each instrument they would all play ideal and UMI would have happier customers. The old Kruspe and Elkhart 8d's are also great instruments, Why? It took more time to make and machines didn't stretch the metal, actual humans put it together eliminating excess solder and a smoother even taper throughout the horn.
I currently play on a Cleveland model Reynolds Contempora. My first two years of playing, I noticed 4 notes that just wouldn't be in tune, d4 through f on top of the stave. I eventually ended up sending it to Atkinson brass, adding an appropriate leadpipe and a different bell tail and heavier bell. He evened out all of the taper from the first branch out and the right length of leadpipe helped the horn considerably. With the original build quality of the horn which was superb and the refinement of the mistake in manufacture, it plays as good or better than any elkhart horn with no bad notes and great resonance. It is more comparable to a Kruspe horn with no bad notes and a larger dynamic range. Go play a really middle of the road built Yamaha 667 or 668 and play the similar v series. You will be amazed as for 2000$ more you get something that is a little more free blowing and something that slots a lot better. The only difference in design is a different valve section which really isn't that much more drastic, the rest is simple build quality. Oh hope this is food for thought for everyone on the list and I should add that I'm only an amature and this is only my personal spoken opinion. I find my ideals are right you may think totally different, my 2.22$, Hoss
_______________________________________________ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
