TRUMPET COMPARISON Pt. II - Testing 15 More Trumpets!

* Watch in 1080p for best video/audio quality *
Two years later and I'm still playing my custom Adams A4. It really does have the warm, dark, "buttery" sound I like. However, due to its large bore, the slotting and responsiveness have gradually become a problem. So I decided to check out some other horns. Here are some highlights from my recent search. - JB
Watch my "TRUMPET COMPARISON PT. I" video here:
• TRUMPET COMPARISON Pt....
TIME INDEX
00:18 - Intro
02:43 - Van Laar (B5)
04:01 - Van Laar (Aquino)
04:45 - Van Laar (Oiram light)
05:14 - Van Laar (Oiram I)
05:41 - Van Laar (Oiram II)
06:01 - Van Laar (Oiram III)
06:27 - Van Laar ("Chuck Findley" model)
06:40 - Van Laar ("Ruud Breuls" custom horn)
07:09 - Martin Böhme (Tumultus - Extra Large, Red Brass bell)
09:08 - Martin Böhme (Tumultus - Large, Red Brass bell)
09:49 - Martin Böhme (Tumultus - Large, Yellow Brass bell)
10:03 - Martin Böhme (Tumultus - Medium, Copper bell)
10:17 - Martin Böhme (Sturm & Drang)
10:59 - Lotus (Solo Max - Phosphor Bronze tuning slide)
11:42 - Lotus (Solo Max - Brass tuning slide)
12:21 - Lotus (Solo Max - Nickel Silver tuning slide)
12:44 - JP by Taylor
13:32 - Outro
After this round of testing, I'm thrilled to be ordering a trumpet from Klangwerkstatt Martin Böhme! Martin's trumpets are SO responsive and agile, thanks to the MAW valves, and his Tumultus model has the big/warm/dark sound I prefer.
Watch the Introduction Video of my new Tumultus trumpet here:
• Joe Babiak's New TUMUL...
To learn more about Martin and his beautiful instruments, check out his links below:
klangwerkstatt-boehme.de/en/
/ klangwerkstattmartinbo...
/ werkstattboehme
Intro/Outro Music:
"City Noir Reflections" by Joe Babiak
From Joe & Linda's album "Beyond The Places I Know" available exclusively at: joeandlindamusic.com/store/.
Joe Links:
www.JoeBabiak.com
/ joebabiak
/ joebabiakmusic
/ joebabiak
Joe Babiak Proudly Endorses:
Sonor Drums
Sabian Cymbals
Vater Sticks
Westone In-Ears
Protechtor Cases by Gator
:-)

[@JoeBabiak]

Greetings! Be sure to check out my "TRUMPET COMPARISON PT. I" video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pamUpouwgqejaqs. - Also, the music used in the Intro/Outro of this video is an original song of mine called "City Noir Reflections," from Joe & Linda's debut album "Beyond The Places I Know" available exclusively at: joeandlindamusic.com/store/. .

[@giuliocarmassi]

Wow what a treat to have all the Oriams in one place! :) Very useful gathering! Just like the first one. Cheers!

[@JoeBabiak]

Glad you enjoyed! 👍🏽

[@jasonsimpson4805]

Thanks so much for sharing this. Keep up the great work!

[@JoeBabiak]

You’re very welcome! All the best!

[@cosmicsalt8888]

I’m not looking to buy a trumpet or anything but i just wanted to say that i really enjoy watching your videos and keep up the good work!

[@JoeBabiak]

Greetings! Thanks so much for the warm message. I’m happy to know you enjoy the videos. More coming soon!

[@MrStarbor]

AMAZING!

[@EdmundTrujillo]

Thanks so much for this video. There are many great trumpets out there but advice coming from a person who isn’t on the payroll or who has a vested interest is refreshing. I’m glad you tried the Solo Max as that looked interesting to me as well.

[@JoeBabiak]

Greetings! You're very welcome!

[@EdmundTrujillo]

Joe. Based on your excellent review video I decided to order a Tumultus sight unseen from Austin Custom Brass. It just arrived and I’m looking forward to playing. Unfortunately it arrived on the same day that I had oral surgery so I can’t play it full force yet but am looking forward to it. Thanks for the video!

[@JoeBabiak]

Hey Edmund, thank you for your amazing message! I am THRILLED that my video inspired you to order your very own Tumultus! Please let me know your initial thoughts once you're able to fully play it. I believe you're gonna love it SO much! All the best man - JB.

[@thomasheberer3034]

Dear Joe, thank you so much to you and your wife for your 2 trumpet testing videos, very insightful and enjoyable. I have been playing the Adams A4 with the shepherd's crook for years and also love my Lotus Classic, going back and forth between the two, depending on the musical situation. I've been looking for the best compromise between a dark sound and good slotting & responsiveness for decades, I guess that'll sound familiar to you.......Thanks for inspiring me to investigate the Martin Böhme horns, all best, your friend Thomas

[@JoeBabiak]

Greetings Thomas, thanks for your warm message! Based on what you’re looking for, I would absolutely 100% recommend Martin’s horns. I searched far & wide for such a combination & his horns hit the bullseye!🎯 Do keep me posted! - JB

[@clarencespears5253]

Enjoyed your new horn-testing vid quite a lot I too prefer responsive instruments that produce a big, darkish sound Don't let the haters get you down

[@JoeBabiak]

Much appreciated! All the best!

[@yougianfir]

Thank you for share this test with us but.....poor your wife! Cheers!

[@JoeBabiak]

You're very welcome.

[@Kennygrooms]

Just ordered a Tumultus! The sound it makes is perfect...warm...full. The fact that you (and others) also say it's free-blowing and slots easily make this a no-brainer for me. Thanks, Joe!

[@JoeBabiak]

Congrats Ken & you’re very welcome! I think you’re gonna love your Tumultus! What bell size/material & finish did you go with? I’m super happy for you!

[@Kennygrooms]

Thanks, Joe! I went for the yellow brass large bell/heavy caps/all matte lacquered finish.

[@JoeBabiak]

​@@Kennygrooms - Excellent choice! Enjoy your Tumultus!

[@Kennygrooms]

Thanks, Joe. I appreciate it. I also just ordered my first Monette mouthpiece, a B4S S2, so I'm having a pretty good day! :)

[@JoeBabiak]

@@Kennygrooms - Gear upgrades! Good for you! Do you know Hammond Design mouthpieces in Chicago? I've retired all my other pieces and now only use their 1MLX. Along with the Tumultus, it instantly made playing easier; a winning combo!

[@jonaskopacek7602]

Van laar B5 gold brushed 👌 to my ears ;)

[@JoeBabiak]

Yea, it’s a nice one! 🎺

[@maconins123]

Funny, the Böhme looks by far the best. However you sounded incredible on the b5 outstanding actually 😊

[@JoeBabiak]

Thanks! The B5 was definitely nice to play, but, that was before playing Martin Böhme’s horns. After that, all the others faded away and it was quite obvious I had found my new horn. ☺️

[@selpingos]

o ok I think you put the name at the end, Beyond all the places I know. lovely tune

[@JoeBabiak]

The song is actually called “City Noir Reflections” from my album “Beyond the Places I Know.” Eventually I plan to release the sheet music for the song!

[@selpingos]

Thanks for this second video. I watch your first one every now and then. Have watched it around 20 times and still love looking and listening to the sounds. I live in Malaysia so we dont get to test many if any trumpets. Tell me do the heavy bottom caps make a difference and if so what in your experience . Im asking you because you are a player and not and manufacturer. :) Cheers

[@JoeBabiak]

You’re very welcome, I’m glad you enjoy the videos. As for heavy bottom caps, adding weight to your horn will make a difference, the question is, is that difference appealing to you? It also depends on the trumpet; some horns benefit from heavy bottom caps more than others. In addition to trying them on all 3 valves you can experiment with different valve combinations (1&3, only 3, etc). But generally speaking, adding/changing anything on your horn is going to result in a change to its sound/playability. You just have to see if it’s to your liking or not. All the best!

[@selpingos]

@@JoeBabiak I play a Bach 37 with a Monette mouthpiece and since there are not many real innovative technicians here who can tweek trumpets I look out for additions. Btw the Tumultus horn you played sounded awesome. To think that its only in my currency around 5 grand more than a Bach

[@JoeBabiak]

Yes, the Tumultus is a super-horn! Definitely the nicest trumpet I’ve ever played :-)

[@duwir5959]

The Van Laar B5 Sounds so good.

[@JoeBabiak]

I really liked the B5. Probably would have gone with it had I not discovered my Tumultus by Martin Böhme.

[@selpingos]

hey Joe, love your videos. Being a trumpet geek myself I was wondering if the next time you go on a hunt you could just do one with a "stock horn" comparison like Bach Schilke Yamaha, Getzen Schaergel B&S, Carol etc. Also perhaps one with the flugelhorn. Your videos are very informative especially for those of us who live in parts of Asia and don't have access to try these horns. Thanks

[@JoeBabiak]

Greetings. Happy you enjoy the videos. I actually have tested several “stock horns” in my first video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/pamUpouwgqejaqs). All the best!

[@selpingos]

@@JoeBabiak up I did notice that as I watch that video from time to time. what I meant was to recommend features that you thought were good in those horns :) Cheers

[@JoeBabiak]

I’m happy that so many people find these videos useful. While it’s fun to share my search process, I‘m not looking to “take requests” for any future videos. Again, I don’t get paid to make these videos; they’re simply a collection of horns that I was interested in testing. Hopefully people can appreciate them for exactly that. Cheers!

[@selpingos]

@@JoeBabiak Hahaha noted. Thanks for the videos though. They are my constant drool.....LOL!

[@JoeBabiak]

You’re very welcome! 😊

[@blainekelley816]

Hi Joe, I thought I'd replied to this long ago ... but didn't find it below. Anyway, I just revisited and enjoyed your playing and the experience of hearing this mix of great axes. The VL Aquino had a really nice sound. I also liked the Lotus with the Phoz Brass tuning slide. But the Tumultus was fabulous and clearly it 'fit' you. I really liked the XL red brass bell ... but then heard the XL yellow brass, which was smokey and smooth ... it would be a tough choice. Perhaps one of each?!!!! ;-D

[@JoeBabiak]

Hey Blaine, hope all is well brother! Yes, the Aquino is a very nice horn. Aside from the B5, the Aquino was my other favorite Van Laar horn; nice & dark. Yes, Martin’s XL red brass bell was actually the very first of his horns I played. I liked the 5.5” bell too, but, the L yellow-brass bell really seemed to help with the responsiveness I was going for. 100% made the right choice!

[@gilestrumpet3817]

Hey Joe ... great playing dude ! I'm toying between Lotus and Tumultus at the moment, thanks to your really informative testings. I haven't played either yet, but as Martin doesn't have any outlets in England, I fear I may only get to try a Lotus. Does Martin's trumpets REALLY do the job so much better than the rest, including Lotus ??

[@JoeBabiak]

Thanks man! You have to understand that each horn will play differently for each player. Out of all the horns I tested, Martin’s horns made an immediate impression with me, and afterwards, it was quite obvious I had found my new horn. That all being said, I would still try to test them for yourself to discover what feels best for you.

[@quantica812]

Hey. Joe thank you for your informative videos. Please share your experience with other Martin trumpet models. I'm interested in the Clarus model, how did it feel, how easy is it to play and what is its sound like ?

[@JoeBabiak]

You're welcome! I don't know if I played is Clarus model...but I can guarantee you the Clarus plays with ease, smoothly, and with beautiful tone...as with all of Martin's instruments! I hope you can try one for yourself...cheers!

[@MagnusMedina]

I had an A4 and experienced the same issue. I could not get it to slot a high D consistently. I could play the high E above it just fine. Such a shame because I really loved that dark sound as my playing tends to be too bright.

[@JoeBabiak]

Yea, I can totally relate!

[@laurencejacobs2084]

Hi Joe, wondered if you've ever tried or even come across Will Spencer trumpets? I have one and I love it.

[@JoeBabiak]

Greetings! I actually have not heard of Will Spencer trumpets. There really are so many great manufacturers out there. Cheers!

[@golf4funjn532]

Great review, Joe! Did you ever get to try the Adams A1V2 horn? I didn't see it listed on any of your reviews. Any thoughts on it if you did? Love your channel!

[@JoeBabiak]

Greetings and thanks so much! I did get to play the Adams A1 2nd gen at the Adams store and remember liking it better than the first gen version. Stay tuned for future content! All the best!

[@golf4funjn532]

@@JoeBabiak Thanks Joe, how would the Adams A1V2 compare to your new horn, that is if you can recall how it played?

[@JoeBabiak]

@@golf4funjn532 - Hello again! If I'm to be completely honest, there is no comparison between the Adams A1v2 and the Tumultus. Please understand, this is based on my personal preferences, but, the Tumultus has the rich/dark sound plus the responsiveness I wanted. I remember thinking the A1v2 was a step up from the 1st generation model, and I don't recall any negative points. But the Tumultus completely blew my mind and leaves every other horn I've tried in the dust.

[@golf4funjn532]

@@JoeBabiak Appreciate the info, Joe!

[@filipposantoro8830]

Joe, what was your take on the JP Tylor? Thank you for such an amazing content. Your playing is solid and beautiful.

[@JoeBabiak]

Hey man...thanks so much. For me, the JP Taylor had a nice dark sound...but...was not as free-blowing as I prefer. But for its very reasonable price tag, it did not disappoint.

[@selpingos]

you play a real dreamy like dark sounding tune on all your demo's. Its really nice. what is the name of it and is it your own compiosition?

[@JoeBabiak]

Thanks 😊. The music used in the Intro/Outro of this video is an original song of mine called "City Noir Reflections," from Joe & Linda's debut album "Beyond The Places I Know" available exclusively at: joeandlindamusic.com/store/.

[@danrichards5152]

Follow up to my comments. I played a late 70s Benge 3X+ and a Bach Strad C all through school. And then walked into the Monette shop and the horns blew my mind in responsiveness, ease of play and slotting. With all that in mind, would you recommend Böhme? Adams A4?

[@JoeBabiak]

I already owned an Adams A4...nice sound, but playability was SUPER difficult. I sacrificed responsiveness & slotting for the dark sound. After a while I became super frustrated with the A4. The Tumultus by Martin Böhme gave me that warm, dark, buttery sound I love but with the agility and responsiveness I was lacking with the Adams. Slotting on the Tumultus is also incredible. All around it's a super-horn, the best I've ever played! Again, in my experience, the Monette fell short of my expectations. A lot of hype surrounding those horns. Anything that I'm told I should like I generally dislike, as was also the case with Lotus Trumpets.

[@danrichards5152]

I am really considering the Böhme Tumultus. I have lusted after Monette after visiting their shop and playing a few horns 20 years ago. Neve have been able to afford one. can you comment on your impression of a lighter Monette horn vs the Tumultus? Thanks!!

[@JoeBabiak]

I would choose the Tumultus over and over again. Sorry for repeating myself, but for me, the Tumultus blew the Monette clear out of the water. The sound, the responsiveness, the ease of playing, and the support it provides stands out more than any other horn I've played. Considering the insane price tag, I was very underwhelmed by Monette. Whereas the Tumultus is without a doubt the finest trumpet I've ever played.

[@armandoperez4029]

How did those tuning slides affect the lotus trumpet? Was it a subtle or obvious difference?

[@JoeBabiak]

Greetings! I would say the difference between the different tuning slides was more subtle. I definitely didn’t “feel” any difference but any affect in sound was very minimal. Cheers!

[@alekonicolacakis7002]

What made you choose the Tumultus over the Lotus? I'm trying to pick between a tumultus, solo max, adams a4 or shilke hc2 right now.

[@JoeBabiak]

Greetings...for me, the Tumultus was easier to play, like really effortless. Plus it has the exact sound I wanted along with lighting fast responsiveness. Of course, everyone will have a different experience with a particular horn, but I did play the other horns you’re considering and the Tumultus stood out...by A LOT! Good luck with your decision, let me know what you choose! :)

[@brandonpolk2628]

Honestly, You seemed most comfortable on bohme sturm and drang, and jp by Taylor

[@JoeBabiak]

Interesting observation...though I can assure you the Tumultus for me, was the most impressive & comfortable playing experience out of all the horns I tried.

[@sabin2703]

Hi Joe, this is Amazing. Can you tell me why you chose the Martin Boehme over the Lotus Max? It sounds to me like both of those horns are what you were looking for. What made you not pick the Lotus?

[@JoeBabiak]

Greetings! I chose my Martin Böhme horn because it played like a dream. Effortless & very responsive. It feels like the horn actually supports me as I play. Whereas in my personal experience, the Lotus horns actually fight me as I play & don’t feel as open. The Lotus horns have a smooth tone, but the sound & playability of my Tumultus was precisely what I was looking for; warm, dark, & super responsive.

[@yourbarista]

How would you describe the JP by Taylor? It seems to be significantly cheaper than the others you tested. My concern would be that it may mimic the look but not the sound of the heavy trumpets it resembles, but I’d be happy to hear that it’s actually in the same league as the others. Certainly sounded good in your test, but then, they all did.

[@JoeBabiak]

Hello and thanks for writing. I remember the JP by Taylor being a surprisingly nice sounding horn. It's definitely got some weight to it (heavy) which leads to the dark sound. It's been a while, but if I remember correctly, it was not the most free-blowing horn I tried, but not too much resistance either. The brushed gold finish was nice, however I didn't care for the lacquer on top. Don't know if they offer it without the lacquer finish? All in all, if you're going for a sharp looking, dark sounding horn, I think it's a solid trumpet for its price point. But like with any instrument, it's worth testing it for yourself before deciding. Wish you the best! - JB

[@yourbarista]

@@JoeBabiak Thanks for the generous response. You've got a lot of us wanting a Tumultus, of course, for all the reasons you articulate.

[@bas0406]

How was the responsiveness of the van Laar Aquino and how did you like it?

[@JoeBabiak]

Greetings...I remember the “Aquino” playing well. Definitely MORE responsive than my old Adams A4 but with a similar dark sound. The Aquino & the B5 were my favorites in the Van Laar line. Cheers!

[@haroldoantunesdajunior1410]

Hello Joe, greetings from Brazil. Sound like, is there any trumpet like the ES 335?

[@JoeBabiak]

Olá! Unfortunately I’m not very familiar with the ES 335.

[@user-ht9lr5ss9e]

hello. I'm plan to order martin Bohme trumpet after watching your video. Can you give me advice between xl red bell , L red bell and L yello bell

[@JoeBabiak]

Greetings. I tried both the red XL & red L bell; if I remember correctly, not a huge difference between the two. They’re perhaps a tad darker & smokier sounding than the L yellow brass bell. I was definitely going for something warm & dark sounding, but after testing the yellow brass, it was obvious that that was the right choice; more responsive without sacrificing the dark sound I wanted.

[@hilalhamdi2592]

So,.. which Tumulus horn did you take? Thanks

[@JoeBabiak]

Hello. Here’s the video that explains my Tumultus: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHiXiaWDbbWkhck.

[@ISuperTed]

Hi Joe, hope you don’t mind me contacting you on here! I know this video is quite old now but was wondering how you’re getting on with the Tumultus? I’ve been on a bit of a Safari with horns (currently have an Adams A4) and have had similar thoughts to you in that the A4 has a good core but I’m finding it difficult to slot up high and something about the intonation isn’t quite right. I came from a lovely Eclipse Enigma ML bore which didn’t have quite the same deep core as the A4 but was more free blowing. I do a lot of big band/commercial work so need something with a bit of punch. Thinking seriously about trying a Tumultus but based in the UK so it will be quite a trip to Martin Bohme’s!

[@JoeBabiak]

Greetings Ian & thanks for your message! I was just playing my Tumultus earlier tonight and thought to myself “damn I love this horn!” Even just holding it feels good. So I can say with all certainty, it remains the best & most inspiring trumpet I’ve ever played/owned. No doubt. Honestly, I don’t even think about my old A4 since getting the Tumultus. And considering your application, I would suggest checking out Martin’s “Tumultus LL” model. That could fit you nicely. At any rate, I hope you can make it down to his shop. Keep me posted!

[@ISuperTed]

@@JoeBabiak Thanks Joe, I was having the same thoughts about the LL model. My wife likes the sound of a trip to Basel so hope to make it there soon.

[@JoeBabiak]

Yes, a trip to Basel would out you about an hour from Martin’s shop! Great idea!

[@Mike-qq5gp]

Hello. Can you please tell me which of these trumpets FEELS more like a Bach 37? Thank you very much. Bravo 👍

[@JoeBabiak]

Hello. Thats a difficult question. I don’t know that any of them remind me of a Bach. 🤔 I exclusively play Klangwerkstatt Martin Böhme. The most traditional of his horns would be the “Sturm & Drang” model, but of course it‘s different than a Bach.

[@Mike-qq5gp]

@@JoeBabiak so from your experience Sturm is as close as it gets to a Bach trumpet. (strictly from the list of trumpets you've tested in this video.)

[@JoeBabiak]

Again, none of them are Bach’s. If you prefer the feel of a Bach I would recommend getting a Bach. Out of Martin’s lineup, the “Sturm & Drang” is just more of a traditional model, a jack-of-all-trades, as opposed to the darker qualities of the “Tumultus” or more commercial models like “Tumultus-LL” or “Clarus.”

[@Mike-qq5gp]

@@JoeBabiak thank you very much!

[@scottsoutherland2102]

Have you ever played the AR Resonance? I recently purchase the Extreema model. Just curious of your thoughts.

[@JoeBabiak]

I have not played any of those yet. But if you’ve purchased one then my thoughts should be irrelevant. How do YOU like it?

[@scottsoutherland2102]

@@JoeBabiak I love it. Was just curious. Thanks.

[@brendanlocke3439]

do you think an ML a4 would cause the responsiveness to be more "normal?"

[@JoeBabiak]

Another guy here in this comment thread shares his experience with an ML A4. He said he had similar issues to my large bore A4, to which I was surprised. Regardless, my new Tumultus is the precise horn I was hoping to find, possessing both the sound & playability I was looking for.🤩 Cheers!

[@udesimone3]

HI Joe! what's the price for one TUMULTUS (aprox)?

[@JoeBabiak]

Hi. The price list can be found on Martin’s website here: martinboehme.com/en/pricelist.

[@hulkhogan503]

What was the difference between the lotus and Martin horns??

[@JoeBabiak]

Hi & thanks for writing. The main difference was playability. With Martin’s horns I could get immediate responsiveness. His horns feel like they support me as I play & allow me to be very agile. On the Lotus horns, the exact opposite; I felt them fighting me & greater resistance. The Lotus horns also didn’t feel as open, especially in the low register. Tone-wise, my Tumultus by Martin Böhme was precisely what I was looking for; a warm, buttery, dark sound, without sacrificing responsiveness. The Lotus horns have a smooth tone, but thinner sounding to my ear & not quite as dark as I wanted, & again, more difficult for me to play. *That all being said, this was my personal experience. Yours could totally be different.

[@humboldtparkorchestra6073]

Hi Joe, wondering if you're familiar with or have play tested the AR Resonance trumpets from Italy? I'm currently using the Feroce model.

[@JoeBabiak]

Sweet home Chicago! Greetings and thanks for your comment! I am indeed familiar with AR Resonance trumpets, however, I've not had the pleasure of playing one. From what I've seen/heard though, they seem to be great horns. How do you like your Feroce?

[@humboldtparkorchestra6073]

@@JoeBabiak love it so far. I'm definitely not a trumpet geek though. I don't know a lot about specs and mouthpieces. I always just played whatever felt "right" to me. Like most lead trumpet players, I'm on the eternal search for the "perfect" Dubba C trumpet and mouthpiece lol

[@humboldtparkorchestra6073]

@@JoeBabiak I look forward to you reviewing the AR Resonance at some point. There are quite some distinctive models, including the Artist model for Sergei now...Antonio,the owner is a great guy. Please tell him I said hi if you meet him in person...

[@JoeBabiak]

Who knows...perhaps I'll play one at some point :-) But honestly, after finding my "Tumultus" by Klangwerkstatt Martin Böhme, I don't foresee any additional trumpet testing for quite a while. Cheers!

[@humboldtparkorchestra6073]

@@JoeBabiak so happy you found a trumpet that works for you! Make sure to reach out if you're ever in the Chicagoland area!

[@jimnolan3354]

I just bought the A4 SC ML bore from ACB 3 weeks ago. Mine has the gold brass .45 bell on it. Before that I did have the selected A4 LT on trial but it was a little bright sound ing to my ears. I'm still trying to get used to this horn.

[@JoeBabiak]

Hey Jim, congrats on your new horn! Sounds basically like the ML version of my A4. How's the articulation/responsiveness?

[@jimnolan3354]

@@JoeBabiak I think the articulations and response is a little slower than the LT model. So, not as good as a lighter weight horn but it does have a strong core of sound. I'm still trying to get used hearing the sound of the horn so close to my ears.

[@JoeBabiak]

@@jimnolan3354 - Hmm...I guess that makes sense. It's a heavier horn. I can't fully explain what the Shepherds Crook does to the sound; but once I played a SC model, I knew it dialed in the sound closer to what I heard in my head. Personally, I liked the bell being a little closer to me. Some could argue the SC might add to the slower response, but I've played other horns with shepherds crooks (including double SC) and the responsiveness was fine.

[@jimnolan3354]

@@JoeBabiak I think the SC makes the sound a little darker sounding and the attacks aren't as good as say the straight A4. There isn't a brace connecting the bell to the valve block on the SC.

[@JoeBabiak]

Yea, that's what I experienced as well. But again, horns like the Van Laar "Aquino" or the ACB "Coppernicus" have double SC, and to my memory, had good articulation.

[@bas0406]

How did the van Laar trumpets play?

[@JoeBabiak]

In general? Or in regards to a specific area? The Van Laar horns were nice; my favorite was the gold B5 (very dark, easy to play). My second favorite was the Aquino, which was most similar to the Adams A4 in terms of sound and feel. The Oirams didn't impress me as much as I thought they might, nor did I observe a huge difference between the light, I, II, & III. However, all of them were quality instruments.

[@bas0406]

@@JoeBabiak No just in general, thanks for the reply. I’m thinking of buying one myself and wanted to know your thought.

[@JoeBabiak]

@@bas0406 - I would definitely try out the various models they offer. But like most instruments, ya really gotta play one to know if it sounds/feels right for you. I'd be curious which model you choose 🙂. Cheers!

[@ericmpena]

Do you think the ML bore would’ve been a better choice for you? Or maybe a non-Shepherds Crook?

[@JoeBabiak]

Perhaps the ML bore A4 would have been a bit more responsive. That’s possible. However the Van Laar “Aquino “ has a double shepherds crook and played great. It was noticeably more articulate than the Adams A4. I think there are multiple factors involved when it comes to both the difficulties of the A4 as well as the horns that are more responsive.

[@ericmpena]

@@JoeBabiak Thanks for the response. I mentioned the Shepherds Crook because Trent from ACB said in a video that the Shepherds Crook plays a little looser than a non-Crook. Trent and Josh from ACB have both recommended the ML bore for me, but I’m waiting to receive an Adams A4 Select to demo for the next 2 weeks. I’ll take a look at Van Laar. I’ve had multiple people recommend them to me.

[@JoeBabiak]

@@ericmpena - Yea, it all depends on what kind of sound and feel you're going for. Personally, I wanted a big dark sound, so the A4 with all its mass made sense. Over time I realized, to achieve that sound I had sacrificed responsiveness. For a while, the sound was more important to me and I got used to how it played, even though it bothered me. But once I played Martin Böhme's horns, I realized that I could actually get the best of both worlds: great responsiveness + a big dark sound. I would recommend to really identify which characteristics you want in a horn. Sometimes you have to prioritize, but you shouldn't have to with all the amazing companies out there. Somewhere, someone is making/can make, the right horn for you. That's what motivated me to test all these horns; I didn't want to settle. .

[@ericmpena]

@@JoeBabiak Thanks for your feedback on the Adams. I've owned a horn before where the sound was nice but the playability wasn't quite there. For the amount of money I'm looking to spend on a new horn, I don't feel that I should have to make any sacrifices. Which bell material did you go with for the Tumultus?

[@JoeBabiak]

Exactly! My Tumultus has a Large, yellow brass bell.

[@bonerici]

it's surpising how much they sound alike that is how much is the trumpet player and not the horn.

[@JoeBabiak]

A trumpet is going to sound like “a trumpet” (as opposed to something else) but yes, each player brings their unique touch. In my experience, the sound difference between trumpets can be quite different based on materials, weight, mouthpiece, etc. Capturing the sound through an iPhone homogenizes the sound of the horns too. One is able to fully appreciate the characteristics of different horns when playing them in person.

[@bonerici]

@@JoeBabiak the iphone has a pretty good microphone but you're right I didn't even think about that.

[@JoeBabiak]

@@bonerici - Cheers man!

[@jean-pierredevent970]

A very balanced overtones series with a warm, broad, deep sound is attractive but in the end, it's like people look for a flugelhorn or cornet sound in a trumpet. I am more curious about very bright instruments without too many shrill, metallic, ugly overtones.

[@JoeBabiak]

I think people seek what sounds good to them, which ever end of the spectrum that may be. No right or wrong when it comes to personal preference.