Bach or Schilke?

[@piotrbalmusic]

I like both horns. They sound just wonderful. Nice presentation Jonathan. 👏

[@JonathanMilam1]

Many thanks! :) And thanks for taking the time to comment. :)

[@pitgroove.37_66]

I do have a quick question since you're demonstrating two trumpets with just one water key on the main tuning slide. I get that the Bach has a removable dump slide on the third valve slide, but typically, are you able to just dump everything out through the main tuning slide water key by just holding all the valves down at the same time while blowing through the instrument? I'm asking because now I can't decide whether or not I want a water key on the third valve slide

[@JonathanMilam1]

That is a really good question. Some horn builders (and some good brass techs as well) think it messes a horn up to have a third valve water key. Obviously Schilke didn't think so, nor Benge, but some do. Some have added a water key to a Bach and said it ruined the horn... Well, I'm not that sensitive. :) Still, I have no problem with a third slide with or without a water key. I almost never have to deal with that much water in a horn - even though I like a very wet, slice embouchure. Most guys have no problem with a Bach in standard (non-water key) third valve setup. Occasionally I'll dump the third slide and find some water there (I'm always a bit surprised). And I've had Strads that someone ADDED a waterkey to the third slide aftermarket - and I've had no problem with it at all. Frankly, on some horns I'll just turn it upside down with valves depressed a few times and I'm surprised how much water I'll get out. Trumpets are NOT French horns, but that method still works. So, whatever works for you - go for it. If you have a water key added to a Bach, I imagine it'll still play fine. And if you just use the dump slide - you'll still be good. :) Seriously though - it's a great question. Let's see if anyone else adds their thoughts to this.

[@markgandcompany]

Jonathan, I’ve played many Bach Strads and a few Schilkes. This is just MY personal experience. I’ve NEVER liked the blow of a Schilke because of its reverse leadpipe. Schilkes are a lot like Yamahas which Ive played many but never kept one. I noticed that YOU are able to articulate more efficiently on the Schilke. The Bach was brighter than the Schilke in tone. Everyone is different in embochure and technique. I like an easy blowing horn like a Getzen or an Olds much better. Just my opinion and I’ve played a TON of horns over the years. There is NO greater horn than the one that you are most comfortable with.

[@JonathanMilam1]

Mark, very well said; VERY well said. :)

[@Kenevans1258]

My vote is the Schilke. I was going back and forth listening closely to the same passage on the Bach & then the Schilke. The Schilke sounds a bit more resonant to me, while the Bach is sounding a bit more airy...less resonant. I am playing on a Kanstul Burbank 6*...quite a bright sound and have a Schilke flugel that is also on the bright side and VERY easy to move between registers (don't know if that is characteristic of flugels as this is my first and only). So...I'm a bit partial to Schilke. Nice playing Jon.

[@JonathanMilam1]

Ken, thank you. I lean toward the B series with Schilke horns - I've had the B6 and B1 and really liked them both. At the moment I've got an Edwards Gen II that is a superb horn... So many horns, so little money... :)

[@gordonwyper7324]

Hi Jonathan. Love your videos. What would you consider as the best trumpets you have tried?

[@JonathanMilam1]

Gordon, I've been very lucky and have had far more great horns than I deserved. :) I had a Schilke B1 that was a superb horn, but the last one I had (which was quite worn) wasn't even close. I've had two Callet Jazz horns that were both really impressive players; Callet worked closely with Kanstul on their production and the first one I had was tremendous. Henri Selmer of Paris made magnificent instruments; I didn't really like the way they played for me but I admired the craftsmanship of those horns. And I had a Benge 3, not the MLP, just a smaller 3, that was very nice. At this time though, I'm playing mostly Strad Bb trumpets - and enjoying them as much as anything I can recall. I've got my first Large bore, 25 bell, and it plays like a dream - I'm dissapointed that I waited so long to try a Large bore; it's NOT a drain, just a tad easier blow. Feel free to email me at [e-mail] if you want to carry on the conversation; as you can probably tell - I enjoy chatting about horns. Oh, gotta mention a little Puje I have...It has to be one of the most enjoyable horns to play. If you search KZbin, 'Milam Puje', or 'Milam Selmer' you can probably find most of the horns I've mentioned above. And be sure to let me know which horns you've enjoyed most, Gordon. Best wishes! :)

[@pitgroove.37_66]

Even though I've played Bach strads before, I would probably go with the schilke. I think in general I find Bach trumpets a little on the resistant and restrictive side for me, And I tend to prefer a horn that is in general more open and freer blowing, which is what schilke trumpets tend to be. But I definitely would like to try a Bach Stradivarius LR trumpet with a reverse lead pipe, from what I've seen online they play and feel fairly open

[@JonathanMilam1]

I’ve got a LR and ac25-O now; both are more open. Still, most Strads definitely give the resistance in the early part of the horn. Also, I’ve had 2 Large more Strads; shockingly wonderful horns; I loved the feel of both of them. :) But it is hard to complain about Schilke’s. And they all yield more than I merit in a horn.

[@TucsonDude]

Nice playing! From a quality standpoint, which do you prefer? (BTW, I own a 180S37). I am toying with buying an "i" series Schilke.

[@JonathanMilam1]

I've heard great things about the I series -but I've never played one. Maybe one of these days... :)

[@mayariskerrett9282]

I played Bach 37* (5 years) and 72* (15 years) .... Bach is a great instrument but I love Schilke B5, sound and projection is much better using my natural way to play.

[@JonathanMilam1]

Well said, Mayari. Really, I've met few pro horns that I didn't really enjoy playing - but the easiest way to play one's best is to find the best fit. I've had a tremendous 37* and a few good 72*s, but I'm sure enjoying this Schilke now. :)

[@johngoodfellow4776]

I prefer the Schilke,. I own a XL bore Bach model 43 (0.468) bur I'm looking to purchase a XL bore Schilke. I was lucky to have fhe chancs fo play a XL bore Schilke Handcraft with the copper large bell, and prefer the sound, warmth and responce of the Schilke over the Bach.

[@JonathanMilam1]

I love the tone of a Bach. Just about any, and every, Bach I've owned I enjoyed the tone. But...They can be a bit more work than I like to put into. I've had 5 or 6 in the last 18 months, half of them the new(ish) 190 version. Schilke's seem, for some reason, to be easier for me to play. Of course I have two Bach bells I'd like to mount on my present Schilke, so who knows? :) John, let us know how your journey goes if you get a Schilke, please! :)

[@johngoodfellow4776]

@@JonathanMilam1 As stated before, I have a Bach modei 43 XL bore. I purchased this horn, because at the time I playing a Benge with a number 3 bell, but I found the horn played alittle tight and thin, but was a good all around horn. I opened it up by using Schilke mouthpieces, stating with a, 20d2D, 22d2D and ended up with a Schilke 24, that I still use. The serial number of the Bach was pre-strike, but it seems to me the company was having problems before the strike, because the trumpet had a lot of probems in quality. comparred to the Benge or my Holton T-101 Concert. At this time I play the Bach with the Schilke 24, my Holton Statodyne model 27 Cornet, with a Schilke 23 custom, and my Yamaha 631 Flugel Horn, with a Denis Wick 2 FL. At age 80, I like a large bore instrument with a large deep mouthpiece, My range these days stops at E or F abve high C on good days. T0 day, I like a full round smokey sound, that's why I'm looking to get my hands on the Schilke Handcraft, with the copper bell, if I'm lucky enough to do so, I will be sure to let you know if it still gives me that warm feeling . regards John..

[@JonathanMilam1]

Please do let me know. The Handcraft is a beautiful horn; that bell looks big...and nice. :) Do keep in touch!

[@johngoodfellow4776]

@@JonathanMilam1 10-4 Regards John.

[@fleurafricaine5740]

Love the Strad up on the shelf. I’ll give you $2500

[@JonathanMilam1]

I think I will list a Strad for sale before long. I think it'll be a tuneable/replaceable bell; a 43B (43 Maricachi Bronze bell) with an optional 37 bell. It'll be listed here Items For Sale: www.trumpetherald.com/marketplace.php?own=15921 If I follow through on selling it. :) Thanks for watching - and commenting! :)

[@charlespatrick8650]

only Bach trumpet I liked was a C, never played a B-flat that I liked, only Schilke I ever played was awesome, great sound and super easy to play, could never afford one though, loved my Holton MF Horn, and played a Getzen 300 before that, it had a good sound and was also easy to play

[@JonathanMilam1]

I think Strad's have a pretty tight blow. As I get older (63 at present), I seem to enjoy them more than ever. I do recall playing a few when I was younger that were a pretty tight blow - but that doesn't seem to bother me anymore. :) Getzen and Holton both made, and for Getzen - still makes, excellent horns! I played an MF by Holton years ago that I thought, up to that time, was by far the best horn I had ever played. :) Thanks very much for commenting!

[@StopAndGetGas]

Nice. The Bach Strad gets it, this time. I've owned several 18037s and your 'NJ version' sounded exceptional! Although, the Schilke sounded nice and 'fat'. Good intonation with both (...if I can trust my ears with all this tinnitus). I play a Reeves 42 mpc also (S, w/standard backbore and sleeves). Thank you for this.

[@JonathanMilam1]

And thank you for the kind words. This IS a nice sounding Strad, isn’t it? Ditto for the Schilke, it’s also a fine player. I’m with you on the tinnitus too; not so great accompaniment. ;)

[@Auxi_sk8s]

Schilke

[@JonathanMilam1]

AUXI, thank you. It's a beautiful horn. I actually find it more enjoyable playinig on the brass bell that came with it. They sound similar up close, but I find the brass a bit easier to play for some reason.

[@박은혜-c2u]

I prefer Bach

[@tonypons9070]

You sound better on the Bach however I sound better on my Schilke go figure

[@JonathanMilam1]

Horns are definitely personal, aren't they? :) I've always enjoyed Schilke horns, but I'm doing better with Bach right now. Fortunately, we have tremendous options in choosing horns now. :) Thanks for commenting!

[@asarob]

A Bach 37 and King Silver Flair are the two most overrated horns in the industry. #FULLSTOP DON’T @ ME! 💯💯

[@JonathanMilam1]

I couldn't disagree more. :) I'm not really a Strad 37 lover, but a good Strad is a great horn to have. And I LOVE the King Silver Flair!!!!! Thank God we can all have different horns to love - and thanks for commenting! :)

[@asarob]

@ All good! Just my thoughts. I have a rather extensive collection of horns. Just under 100 of them. Those are two horns I’ve never been impressed by. I’ve owned both of them and sold them off.

[@JonathanMilam1]

What are some of the favorite horns you have now?

[@asarob]

@@JonathanMilam1 I have a little under 100 trumpets, I am a collector. My favorite is my Schilke X4. I also have an Arturo T357 which is a copy of an X3 which is probably my second favorite.

[@asarob]

@@JonathanMilam1 I have a spectacular Olds recording trumpet and cornet. Both are 99% perfect. Both have had custom valve alignments.