N.A.M.M. Tests 09

Instruments Tested at the N.A.M.M. Show ~ 2009 Update 2009 Copyright © Tri-Clef Music, Los Angeles, CA Alto Trombones F-Trigger Trombones Large Bore Tenor Trombones Small Bore Tenor Trombones Euphoniums with 3 + 1 Valve Configuration Euphoniums with 4 Valves Inline Configuration Euphoniums with 3 Valves Baritone Horns Bass Trumpets Valve Trombones E-flat Alto Horns Caveats: Information herein is accurate to the best of my ability. Opinions expressed are mine alone - and are highly subjective. Play all instruments before you purchase one. Verify all terms with your dealer. Why I can't use the trademark Sch*lke.
ABBREVIATIONS : A = alto, Ax = axial flow, B = brass, C = close / compensating / copper, D = detachable, € = Euro, G = gold brass, Hg = Hagmann, K = Kanstul, L = lacquer / large, M = medium, NS = nickel-silver, O = open, P = pin / piston, R = rotary, Rd = red brass, Rs = rose brass, S = silver / small / string, Sh = Shires, Th = Thayer, Y = yellow brass

Alto Trombones Back to top of page
	Year	M.S.R.P.	Bore	Bell	Shank	Finish	Maker	Model #	Personal Observations
	09	$2865-	.480"/.488"	7"	S	G	Kühnl & Hoyer	17521 NZ	Fairly bright. Feels "slide heavy," could use a counterweight.
	09	$2723-	.470"/.490"	7 1/8"	S	L	Yamaha	YSL-871	Somewhat light sound quality. Lower register is bright.
	09	$117-	.485"	7"	S	L	Jinbao	JBSL-702	Light, bright tone. Slide feels somewhat flimsy.
	09	N/A	.490"	7¼"	S	Rd	Courtois	AC 131-R	Very narrow between mouthpiece and neck-pipe. (I was not able to test-play it.)
	07	$4,718-	.464"	7 ¾"	S	Rs	Courtois	AC-131 R	Fairly dark sound, but pretty easy to overblow in ff. At soft dynamic, tone is warm & focused. Intonation is pretty good.
	06	N/A	.532"	7"	S	Y	Jinbao	JBSL 840	Comes with a B-flat valve that is awkward to hold. Bb side has severe intonation problems.
	06	N/A	.488"	7"	S	Y	Jinbao	JBCL 702	Good tone, plays well and in tune. Tuning crook brace hits L. ear.
	06	N/A	.500"	6 ¾	S	S	Weril	GG 231	Very heavy slide due to tuning mechanism. Somewhat tight in neck area. 3rd partial B-flat is quite sharp, 5th partial is flat.
	04	N/A	.500"	7"	S	L	Weril	GG 31	Very heavy slide due to tuning mechanism. "Barks" from tuning Bb on down. Not anywhere near 2003's quality.
	03	$1,195-	.500"	7"	S	L	Weril	GG 31	Big sounding. Good low register. Wide enough for face.

F-Trigger Trombones

Year

M.S.R.P.

Bore

Bell

Valve

Linkage

Wrap

Shank

Finish

Maker

Model #

Personal Observations

$5475-

.547"

8 ½"

Conn

88HSGX

Silver with gold highlights: tuning crook, water key & upper L.H. brace assembly. Free-blowing, somewhat bright.

$4950-

.547"

8 ½"

Stomvi

Titan/Prototype

Detachable, changable bell. Screw-on outer assemblies at top of slide to allow easy cleaning and changing of bumpers. "Square" tuning crook. So many movable parts may lead to rattles as things get old.

$4450-

.547"

8 ½"

Bach

42 T

Thayer valve intrudes on jaw, the rotator hits one's jaw and the thumb pad hits one's cheek. Nice transition from low C to pedal B-flat.

$4345-

.547"

B & S

MS 14

Novel crook in f-trigger pipe. Water key activated by left thumb on slide brace. Nice tone.

$4220-

.547"

8 ½"

Shires

N/A

Detachable valve section. Valve rotates only 60°. Tone somewhat light.

$4220-

.547"

8 ½"

Shires

N/A

Detachable valve section. Easy blowing, nice sound. Rather long throw on trigger.

$4210-

.547"

8 ¾"

Kühnl & Hoyer

Slokar Solo

Well built, good balance but a tad heavy. Detachable f section, interchangable lead-pipes. F trigger feels open. Easy to go from low C to pedal B-flat.

$3900-

.547"

8 ½"

Kanstul

1570-T

Tone somewhat bright. Rather long throw on valve.

$3875-

.547"

8 ½"

Ax/D

Sch*lke

ST-"XX"

Barely up to A = 440 with tuning slide all the way in.

$3857-

.547"

8.66"

Kühnl & Hoyer

Bolero

Nice horn. All notes "slot" well, good intonation. Solidly built, feels good.

$3630-

.547"

8 ½"

Bach

42 BO

Very good instrument. Light "Bach" timbre.

$3390-

.547"

8 2/3"

Yamaha

YSL 8820

Xeno. Plays well.

$3375-

.547"

8 ½"

Conn

88HO

Nice rich tone. Free-blowing. Nice transition from low C to pedal B-flat. Very clean design.

$3350-

.547"

8 ½"

Kanstul

1570

Tone somewhat bright. Changable lead-pipes. Trigger may hit left hand.

$3334-

.547"

8 2/3"

Yamaha

YSL 8820

Xeno. Somewhat light tone. Good feel.

$3195-

.547"

8 ½"

Kanstul

1588

Instrument is somewhat heavy but has a rich tone. Good orchestral instrument. Changable lead-pipes. Trigger may hit left hand. My favorite of the Kanstul trombones in '09.

$2350-

.547"

8 ½"

Kanstul

970

Tone somewhat bright. Trigger is quite fast but may contact back of left hand.

$2339-

.547"

8 ½"

Ax/D

Nirschl

880-LQ

Built long. At A = 440 with tuning slide fully in. Interchangable lead-pipes for symphony or jazz.

$1990-

.551"

9 ¼"

Amati

Kraclice

Made in Czech Republic. Fairly dark sound.&nbps; Fast valve.

$1935-

.500"/.530"

Kanstul

760

Good overall sound. Adjustable thumb lever.

$1749-

.547"

8 ½"

Nirschl

700-LQ

At A = 440 with tuning slide completely in. Tone somewhat light. Interchangable lead-pipes.

$472-

.540"

8 ½"

Ax/D

Jinbao

SL-822

Light sound, questionable plating.

$258-

.595"

Jinbao

SL-812

Tone is bright. Open left hand grip. Big bell.

$235-

.545"

8 ½"

Jinbao

SL-801

Built somewhat long. Only about 1/8" good use of tuning slide. Tone somewhat bright.

N/A

.525"

8 ½"

Eastman

ETB 422

Aimed at "intermediate" level. Just at A = 440 with tuning slide pushed all the way in. Tone somewhat bright.

N/A

.547"

8 ½

Schires

Ralph Sauer

Screw bell. Excellent projection. Changable lead pipes: darker sound with #2. Enables great control at extreme (soft & loud) dynamics.

$5504-

.547"

8 ½"

Courtois

AC420-ST

Fairly big sound, good response. No brace on F slide. Valve is somewhat "clunky" and hits L.H. making it a bit awkward to hold.

$4235-

.547"

8 ½"

Conn

88HCL

Proprietary valve has a 60 degree throw. Much improved from last year, although trigger hits L.H. Big sound.

$3675-

.547"

8 ½"

Sch*lke

ST"XX"

Detachable valve section. Open wrap is very wide, making holding somewhat uncomfortable.

$3675-

.547"

8 ½"

Sch*lke

ST"XX"

Trigger, when engaged, hits top of L.H. Detachable valve section. Tone nice and warm with good response.

$3675-

.547"

8 ½"

Sch*lke

ST"XXX"

Built somewhat flat (not much room to move tuning slide in). Thumb lever hits jaw.

$3580-

.547"

* ½"

Jupiter

1236 LO

Big sound. Valve hits player's jaw.

$3500-

.525"

8 ½"

Willson

011-311L

Rich sound, good response. Slide lock is a rocker switch!

$3270-

.547"

8 ½"

Bach

With "LO" leadpipe sound is dark and orchestral. Instrument holds loud volume without getting a brassy edge.

$2880-

.547"

8 ½"

Jupiter

1236 LO

Tone is dark and open.

$2650-

.547"

8 ½"

Eastman

ETB 634

"By Shires." With #1 leadpipe: sound is clear, response is quick. Tone is somewhat bright. Valve section is detachable.

$2650-

.547"

8 ½"

Eastman

ETB 634 G

"By Shires." With #1 leadpipe: tone is darker than ETB 634. Trigger lever hits top of L.H. Detachable valve section.

$2150-

.547"

8 ½"

Eastman

ETB 630

"By Shires." With #3 leadpipe: plays, responds & sounds like a Bach 42. Solidly made.

$2150-

.547"

8 ½"

Eastman

ETB 30 G

Solid and well-made. With #2 leadpipe: darker than the ETB 630.

$2100-

.547"

8 ½"

B & S

30550

Very nice. Solid sound, can handle ff well. Tone color very warm.

$2100-

.547"

8 ½"

B & S

3085 B

Nice, warm tone. Excellent pedal register.

$1850-

.547"

8 ½"

Blessing

B-88 R

Valve lever hits L.H., balance leans forward. Slide feels somewhat heavy. F tuning pipe difficult to move. Tone is dark.

$1800-

.547"

8 ½"

Blessing

B-88

Valve sometimes "freezes" in open postion. Slide lock rotates entirely past bracket. Valve lever hits L.H., balance is forward. Response is good, tone not edgy.

$1550-

.547"

8 ½"

Eastman

ETB 432 G

"By Andreas." Solid, fairly bright.

$1450-

.547"

8 ½"

Eastman

ETB 432

"By Andreas." Solid and well-made. Snappy response, but somewhat bright.

$1350-

.525"

8 ½"

Eastman

ETB 420

"By Andreas." Well-made, fast response. Tendency to be bright when accented.

$850-

.547"

8 ½"

Stagg

77-TD HG

Somewhat wide R.H. grip to slide. Slide a bit heavy. Nice, darkish tone.

$495-

.547"

Trinity River

TT61

Roughly made: parts still have machining burrs. It appears to be a reasonable facsimile of something. Intonation good, perhaps just by luck.

$280-

.533"

8.12"

Jinbao

JBSL 811

Slide needs work. Poor slide lock design.

$196-

.556"

8.6"

Jinbao

JBSL 800

Slide needs work. Good, open feel. Tone is good.

$165-

N/A

China North

CNTor-6B

Grip fairly wide. Valve assembly hits L.H. Slide lock unwieldy.

$115-

.547"

8.45"

Chicheng

LTE-490 L

Well-made, but on flat side. Slide is a bit heavy. No braces on tuning slide or F slide. Good sound.

N/A

.522"

8 ½"

Williams

N/A

This was an original Earl Williams trombone from which a prototype model will be made in about 1 ½ years. Open feel, very large tuning slide. Warm sound.

N/A

.547"

8 ½"

Yamaha

YSL 620

Nice, warm sound. No braces on tuning slide or F slide. Trigger is a round metal lever, somewhat uncomfortable.

$4700-

.547"

8 ½"

Hölle

TTR 1

Totally hand made from sheet brass (including slides)! Good orchestral timbre. Interchangable leadpipes & tuning crooks.

$4500-

.547"

8 ½"

Hölle

TTB 1

Same as above. Slide somewhat heavy.

$4070-

.547"

8 ½"

Conn

88HCL

Valve has a 60 degree throw. Best of the Conn's on display, however the slide was not machined well (burrs). Trigger notes tend to be blatty.

$3800-

.547"

8 ½"

Shires

2RVL5

Full sound, good intonation. Shire's valve is a straight-through design.

$3650-

.547"

8 ½"

Bach

42A

Valve assembly and trigger crowd face. Tone somewhat bright.

$2970-

.547"

8 ½"

Conn

88H

Good quality. Tone a bit brighter than expected. Good trigger response.

$2900-

.547"

8 ½"

Bronze

Kanstul

1688 ST

Light gauge metal for bell. Tuning on slide (somewhat heavy). Adjustable throw on trigger, interchangable lead pipes. Nice overall.

$2450-

.547"

8 ½"

Getzen

1047F

Price is for model in lacquer finish. Plays well.

$2395-

.547"

8 ½"

Yamaha

YSL 620

Similar to a Conn 88H, a bit bright in the upper register. Nice slide, and good trigger action and placement.

$2395-

.525"

8 ½"

Yamaha

YSL-640

Plays well although middle "C" & "D" (fifth partials) are a bit flat.

$2150-

.547"

8 ½"

Eastman

ETB 630

Tone a bit bright. Valve clanks.

$1775-

.547"

8 ½"

Blessing

B-88 R

Fuller sound than B88. Trigger assembly feels somewhat loose, rattle & hits L. thumb. Long (slow) throw on trigger.

$1725-

.547"

8 ½"

Blessing

B-88

Heavy slide. Trigger assembly hits L. thumb, is loose and rattles. Tone a bit bright but quick response.

$1350-

.547"

8 ½"

Eastman

ETB 430 G

A suitable instrument. Nice, works just fine. Long-shanked mouthpieces will fit loosely.

$420-

.500"

China North

Glory

Uncomfortable to hold. Thumb trigger digs into hand. Slides made in U.S.A.

N/A

.547"

8 ½"

Courtois

420 BO

Somewhat light tone, but solid. Good intonation. Long throw on trigger.

N/A

.547"

8 ½"

Courtois

420BT

Horn is on the verge of being built flat. Intonation is good however. Tone a bit bright. Trigger notes can be a tad strident.

N/A

.547"

8 ½"

Getzen

725 Eterna II

Tone is fairly bright. Nice slide.

N/A

.547"

8 ½"

Weril

GG284

Four leadpipes: 2 long, 1 medium, 1 short. Roller on trigger paddle.

$4190-

.547"

8 ½"

Conn

88HSCL

Interchangeable leadpipe. Very large rotary valve.

$3250-

.547"

8 ½"

Bach

42G

Trigger hits player's cheek. Instrument plays flat. Upper register feels difficult.

$3140-

.547"

8 ½"

Bach

42T

Valve casing hits player's jaw. Valve response a bit "stuffy."

$2995-

.547"

8 11/16"

Yamaha

YSL-882-O

"Xeno" model. Two on display Both fairly heavy. Both somewhat flat: not much tuning room. One instru. felt stuffy, another was fine.

$2850-

.547"

8 ½"

Th/D

Getzen

3047AF

Valve lever touches jaw. Interchangeable lead-pipe.

$2850-

.547"

8 ½"

Th/D

Getzen

3047AFR

Interchangeable lead-pipe. Valve lever touches jaw.

$2690-

.547"

8 ½"

Conn

88H

Interchangeable leadpipe. I tried three: good quality control, instruments don't vary much.

$2675-

.525"

Bach

36BO

Plays well.

$2675-

.547"

8 ½"

Bach

42BO

Plays well in all registers.

$2675-

.547"

8 ½"

R/D

Bach

42C

Trigger tends to be stuffy.

$2412-

.547"

8 ½"

Getzen

3047CF

Interchangeable lead-pipe. Heavy slide.

$2395-

.525"

Getzen

1036F

Trigger hits cheek "F" above middle "C" is flat! Tendency to blat.

$2395-

.547"

8 ½"

Getzen

1047FR

Nice sound. Plays like a Conn.

$2385-

.547"

Holton

TR150

Overly-braced valve hit's player's jaw. Tone is a bit bright.

$1915-

.530"/.547"

8 ½"

Kanstul

CSL 960

Spring assembly hits top of thumb.

$1750-

.547"

Kanstul

CBT 970

Somewhat bright sounding.

$1625-

.547"

8 ½"

Blessing

B-88-RO

Trigger assembly feels flimsy. A bit bright.

$1575-

.547"

8 ½"

Blessing

B-88

Heavy slide. Built flat (440 w/ slide pushed in). Trigger assembly hits L. thumb.

$1495-

.547"

8 ½"

Jupiter

636RL

Nickel-silver slide. Bach mthpc hits leadpipe before it seats. Richer tone than 636L.

$1460-

.500"/.530"

Kanstul

KBT 760

Light slide. Somewhat bright. Adjustable vlv lever, but spring assembly hits thumb at knuckle.

$1450-

.547"

8 ½"

Kanstul

CSL 950

>Light slide. A bit bright. Somewhat narrow in neck.

$1422-

.547"

8 ½"

Yamaha

YSL-448G

Nice tone, free blowing. Balance pulls forward a bit.

$1375-

.547"

8 ½"

Jupiter

636L

Bach mthpc hits leadpipe before it seats.

$1250-

.525"

8.1"

Jupiter

536L

Nickel-silver slide. Valve rotates fast, but hits jaw-bone. Tone is somewhat bright.

$695-

.547"

Eastman

TB447L

Built flat, plays at 440 with tuning slide pushed in. Bell brace in way of L. thumb. Tone bright.

$110-

.560"

8 ½"

Chicheng

LTE-39IL

Copy of a Yamaha. Rich, dark tone.

N/A

.547"

8 ½"

Besson

944

Tone tubby & hard to center.

N/A

8 ½"

Deyong

246002

Wide left-hand grip. Very heavy slide. Nice sound!

N/A

.547"

8 ½"

Weril

GG81

Interchangeable leadpipe. Trigger assembly hits thumb knuckle. Tone fairly bright.

N/A

.547"

8 ½"

Weril

GG82

>Similar to GG81. Poor placement of trigger: thumb pushes trigger down upon grasping instrument! Fairly bright.

N/A

.547"

8 ½"

Weril

GG86

Very close to being built flat! Tone holds together well but tends to be bright.

N/A

.547"

8 ½"

Yamaha

YSL-682G

Overall this was the best trombone I played at the NAMM show in 2004.

$3140-

.547"

8 ½"

Bach

42T

Rotor hits jaw. Valve response "fluffy."

$3100-

.547"/.562"

N/A

Kanstul

ZBT 1560 CR

New prototype.

$2781-

.547"

8 ½"

Yamaha

YSL-682B

Wide slots on trigger due to valve.

$2850-

.547"

8 ½"

Getzen

3047AFR

Open feel.

$2675-

.525"

Bach

36B

Bright. Somewhat small orchestral trombone.

$2675-

.525"

Bach

36K

Narrow neck space. Rotor in the way.

$2675-

.547"

8 ½"

Bach

42BO

A good instrument.

$2641-

.547"

8 ½"

Yamaha

YSL-683G

Nice.

$2550-

.547"

8 ½"

Courtois

420BR

Valve feels stuffy.

$2500-

.547"

8 ½"

Kanstul

ZBT 1570 CR

Proprietary Kanstul valve did not work well.

$2413-

.547"

8 ½"

Getzen

3047CFR

Similar to a Conn 88H.

$2315-

.547"

Holton

TR150

Nice. Somewhat narrow in neck - rotor vlv in the way.

$1720-

.547"

8 ½"

Olds

NR25

Trigger assembly hits L thumb knuckle. Trigger register somewhat bright.

$1650-

.530"/.547"

8 ½"

Kanstul

CSL 960

Linkage nearly hits mthpc. Spring hits top of thumb. Narrow in neck area. Has intonation problems.

$1642-

.525"

8 ½"

Yamaha

YSL-446G

Notes slot well. Trigger sounds a bit bright.

$1600-

.547"

8 ½"

Blessing

B-88-O

Heavy slide. Extreme high range centers well.

$1550-

.547"

8 ½"

Blessing

B-88-O

Valve linkage hits thumb knuckle.

$1495-

.547"

8 ½"

Jupiter

636RL

Plays similarly to a Conn 88H. Slide lock clicks.

$1395-

.547"

8 ½"

Weril

GG81

Nice. Feels open. Mthpc fits loosely in lead pipe.

$1395-

.547"

8 ½"

Weril

Good.

$1390-

.500"/.530"

Kanstul

KBT 760

Valve has longer throw than others.

$1365-

.547"

8 ½"

Kanstul

CSL 950

Dark tone. Potentially a good orchestral trombone.

N/A

Eternal

Conductor

Trigger assembly hits L.H. Extremely stuffy & unfocused.

N/A

.515"/.547"

8 ½"

Getzen

700 "Eterna II"

Somewhat stuffy.

N/A

Pearl River

MKO19C

Unlisted

Horrible L.H. grip. Slide lock on lower pipe. Water key on flat part of slide.

Large Bore Tenor Trombones Back to top of page
	Year	M.S.R.P.	Bore	Bell	Shank	Finish	Maker	Model #	Personal Observations
	09	$3875-	.547"	8½"	L	L	Sch*lke	ST-"XX"	Straight neck-pipe of detachable f-trigger configuration. N.B.: Too flat for use in public.

	07	$725-	.500"	8"	M	L	Eastman	ETB 300	"By Andreas." Slide lock rotates a very long way to unlock. Somewhat bright tone.
	07	$400-	.504"	8"	S	L	Stagg	77-TA	Slide somewhat heavy. Tends to get brassy when loud. Narrow neck area.

	06	$2694-	.547"	8 ½"	L	Y	Yamaha	YSL 610	>Very nice playing instrument. Tone similar to a Conn 8H. Balance is a bit forward.
	06	$2375-	.500"	7 ¾"	S	L	Kanstul	ZSL 1550	Nice tone, a bit tight in the neck area.
	06	$1995-	.525"	8 ½"	S	Y	Yamaha	TWL-630	Good sound and good intonation.
	06	N/A	.507"	8"	S	Y	Weril	GG274	Quick response but somewhat bright tone. Slide is quite narrow - fits extremely tight against player's neck. Silver color slides clash with brass color bell.
	06	N/A	.547"	8 ½"	L	L	Weril	GG271	Slide is a bit heavy. Nice tone.
	06	N/A	.547"	8 ½"	L	L	Weril	GG282	C, D & Eb one octave above middle C are flat. Slide is somewhat heavy. Roller on trigger paddle.

	04	$2695-	.547"	8 11/16"	L	Y	Yamaha	YSL-881	"Xeno." Excellent tone. Instrument is a bit heavy as is the slide.
	04	$2680-	.508"	8"	S	L	King	2103S	Notes feel hard to center.
	04	$2250-	.509"	7 ½"	S	L	Bach	LT16MG	Gold bell. Light slide. Full tone, a nice ballad horn. Some intonation problems.
	04	$2180-	.547"	8 ½"	L	L	Conn	8HT	Interchangeable leadpipe. "Thinwall" bell. Slide is a bit heavy. Nice, full sound.
	04	$2180-	.500"	7 3/8"	S	L	King	2102PL	>Design based on 2B and it really feels like one. Light slide. Neck area a bit tight.
	04	$2180-	.508"	8"	S	L	King	2103	Nickel-silver slide. Tends to blat.
	04	$2180-	.525"	8"	S	L	King	2103PL	Nickel-silver slide. Notes are hard to center.
	04	N/A	N/A	8"	S	L	Deyong	246001	Plenty of room in neck area. Nice tone.
	04	N/A	.525"/.547"	8 ½"	S	Rs	Getzen	725	Built flat! And badly out-of-tune with itself!

	03	$2250-	.509"	7 ½"	S	L	Bach	LT16M	Good H.S. tbn. Clunky slide locks.

Small Bore Tenor Trombones Back to top of page
	Year	M.S.R.P.	Bore	Bell	Shank	Finish	Maker	Model #	Personal Observations
	09	$2850-	.500"	7 ½"	S	L	Kanstul	1602-B	Excellent jazz horn. Bright tone. High notes "slot" easily. Endorsed by Alan Kaplan.
	09	$2816-	.500"	7 5/8"	S	NS	Kühnl & Hoyer	Bart van Lier	Excellent horn! Aimed at jazz or big-band players. Big sound for a small horn. Tone holds together well. Good intonation. Optional f section, changable lead-pipe.
	09	$2790-	.500"	7 ½"	S	L	Kanstul	1555	Somewhat bright tone. Easy high notes.
	09	$2785-	.500"	8"	S	C	Kanstul	1550	Nice sound. Somewhat darker than model 750.
	09	$2425-	.495"	8"	S	G	Sch*lke	N/A	Somewhat long: about ¼" play in tuning slide to get to A = 440. Somewhat long slide lock. No engraving or marks on the bell.
	09	$1175-	.500"	8"	S	L	Kanstul	750	Nice tone for a small-bore horn (darker than 1602-B). High notes "slot" easily.
	09	$190-	.500"	8"	S	L	Jinbao	JBSL-701	Rather heavy slide. Bright tone.
	09	N/A-	.500"	8"	S	L	Eastman	ETB 310	Aimed at students. Just at A = 440 with tuning slide pushed all the way in. Somewhat light tone.

	07	$3375-	.500"	7 ¾"	S	L	Williams	6	"Dual radius" vs. "round" tuning crook option. Plays bigger and darker than one would expect.
	07	$845-	.500"	8"	S	L	Blessing	B-128	Well-built, not too bright for a small-bore horn. Aimed at young students.
	07	$155-	N/A	8"	S	L	China North	CNTor-B	>L.H. grip is quite wide. Good tone, centers well.
	07	$140-	.508"	8.12"	S	Y	Jinbao	JBSL 701	Slide feels heavy. Slide lock better than previous years.
	07	$100-	.508"	8.12"	S	Y	Jinbao	JBSL 700	Pitch a tad low, but good sound. Slide lock could be better.
	07	$60-	.500"	7 ½"	S	L	Lensheng	M4027	Slide lock over-rotates. Funky water-key design (on bottom & underneath).
	07	$50-	.480"	7 ¾"	S	L	Chicheng	LTE-290 L	Built flat! Somewhat heavy slide. Well-made, but...
	07	N/A	.437"	7 ½"	S	L	Pearl River	MK 002	Not well made. Slide and slide lock need major work. Narrow neck area. Cumbersome water key. "D" in staff does not center well.

	06	$2375-	.500"	7 ¼"	S	L	Kanstul	ZSL 1555	A good jazz horn. Tone somewhat light, quick response.

	04	$2560-	.481"/.491"	7 3/8"	S	S	King	2102S	Nickel-silver slide. Blats in lower register.
	04	$2395-	.500"	7 ½"	S	L	Martin	TR4510	Nice jazz horn, good tone, room in neck area. Nice slide.
	04	$2385-	.500"	8"	S	L	Martin	TR4501	Light nickel-silver slide. No slide bow knob. Still a good horn, but not the knockout it was in 2003.
	04	$2250-	.500"	7 ½"	S	L	Bach	12G	Slide locks not done well. Solid tone.
	04	$2060-	.481"/.491"	7 3/8"	S	L	King	2102	Tight in neck area. Light nickel-silver slide. Tends to blat when played loudly.
	04	$1999-	.500"/.508"	7 ¾"	S	Rd	Getzen	3508R	Nickel-silver slide. Built flat, even with tuning slide all the way in. Interchangeable lead-pipe.
	04	$1999-	.500"/.508"	7 ¾"	S	Y	Getzen	3508Y	Somewhat heavy nickel-silver slide. Projects well, not too bright. Interchangeable lead-pipe.
	04	$1985-	.500"	8"	S	Rs	Holton	TR100	Bright tone. Slide is somewhat heavy. Slide bow has no knob.
	04	$1916-	.508"	8"	S	G	Yamaha	YSL-691	Interchangeable leadpipe. A bit light in tone color.
	04	$1916-	.500"	7 ½"	S	Y	Yamaha	YSL-697Z	Called a "professional jazz" horn. Tone holds together well & doesn't get brassy.
	04	$1825-	.508"	8"	S	Y	Getzen	1050	Built flat. With tuning slide pushed all the way in, it's still flat!
	04	$1625-	.500"	7 ½"	S	Rs	Jupiter	1032RL	Made in Taiwan. Bright sounding. Tight in neck.
	04	$1500-	.500"	7 ½"	S	L	Jupiter	1032L	Made in Taiwan. Narrow in the neck area. A bit bright.
	04	$890-	.500"	8"	S	L	Kanstul	KSL 750	Light slide. Nice sound. Good instrument.
	04	$860-	.500"	8"	S	L	Holton	TR602	Bright tone. B-flat overtone series out-of-tune. "Slide-break" articulations really "pop."
	04	$845-	.500"	8"	S	L	Getzen	351	Aimed at beginners. Tone slightly lighter than Getzen 451. Nice tone & in tune.
	04	$795-	.500"	8"	S	L	Jupiter	438L	Student model. Shaped plastic and faux F trigger for L.H. grip. Curved neck-pipe fits adult. Somewhat bright.
	04	$755-	.500"	8"	S	L	Jupiter	432L	Bigger sound than 332L. Made in Taiwan. Somewhat tight in neck area.
	04	$740-	.500"	8"	S	L	Blessing	B-128	Aimed at student market. Slightly tight in neck. Good tone. Pedal Gb, F & E don't respond well.
	04	$715-	.500"	8"	S	L	Jupiter	332L	Beginner's tbn. Made in Taiwan. Somewhat bright tone.
	04	$715-	.500"	8"	S	L	King	306	Nickel outer slide, somewhat heavy for a small horn. Nice tone.
	04	495$-	.500"	8"	S	L	Eastman	TB200L	Copy of a Yamaha. Tone a bit bright.
	04	N/A	.500"	8"	S	S	Besson	1000	Fairly light slide. Tone tends to be on the bright side.
	04	N/A	.500"	8 ¼"	S	L	Edward, Glenn	TB903GA	Heavy slide. Dead tone. Blats.
	04	N/A	.490"	9"	M	L	Hazelton	HZTBN2BR	Quite large L.H. grip. Slide lock machined wrong. Tone somewhat bright.
	04	N/A	.500"	8"	S	L	Weril	G670	A bit stuffy & bright.
	04	N/A	.500"	8"	S	L	Weril	GG72	Tight in neck. Tendency for tone to be bright.

	03	$2080-	.500"	8"	S	L	Martin	TR4501	"Urbie Green" model. Excellent! The best jazz trombone at the 2003 show.
	03	$1989-	.500"/.508"	7 ¾"	S	Rd	Getzen	3508R	Fairly warm sound.
	03	$1989-	.500"	7 ¾"	S	Y	Getzen	3508Y	Somewhat bright tone.
	03	$1625-	.500"	7 ½"	S	Rs	Jupiter	1032RL	Heavy slide for size of tbn. Tight neck space.
	03	$863-	.500"	8"	S	Y	Yamaha	YSL-354	Has a tendency to be bright.
	03	$850-	.500"	8"	S	L	Kanstul	KCR 650	Light in weight. Would be a good student tbn.
	03	$845-	.500"	8"	S	L	Kanstul	KSL 750	My review has been lost.
	03	$840-	.500"	8"	S	L	Olds	Na15M	Serviceable student trombone.
	03	$835-	.500"	8"	S	Y	Holton	TR602	Aimed at the student market.
	03	$795-	.500"	8"	S	R	Jupiter	432RL	Student tbn. Noticeable intonation problems.
	03	$755-	.500"	8"	S	L	Jupiter	432L	Student tbn. Somewhat narrow in neck. F above staff is sharp.
	03	$730-	.500"	8"	S	L	Blessing	B-128	>For an Intermediate level player.
	03	$695-	.500"	8"	S	L	Weril	G670	Good.

Euphoniums with 3 + 1 Valve Configuration Back to top of page
	Year	M.S.R.P.	Bore	Bell	Valves	Shank	Finish	Maker	Model #	Personal Observations
	09	$11,100-	.590"	11 ¼"	C/P	L	S	Besson	BE 2051	Gold valve caps, buttons & water keys. L.H. tuning lever doesn't change pitch, only timbre.
	09	$10,795-	.590"	12"	C/P	L	S	Meinl Weston	Phoenix 751	Gold valve caps & buttons. Water reservoires under valves. L.H. tuning lever barely changes pitch.
	09	$9800-	.580"	11.02"	C/P	L	S	York	3068	Nice sounding. Lower (4th valve) notes somewhat stuffy.
	09	$8803-	.591"/.661"	11¾"	C/P	L	S	Yamaha	YEP 842S	Gold plated valve caps, buttons, water keys & all tuning crooks. Upper 3 valves have gold-plated water reservoire. Good sound, good intonation, great valves.
	09	$7298-	.591"/.661"	11¾"	C/P	L	L	Yamaha	YEP 642	Very free-blowing. Excellent intonation. Fine valve action.
	09	€5000-	N/A	11 3/8"	C/P	L	S	Adams	"Custom"	Plays very well. Adjustable mouthpiece receiver. Large valve buttons. Nice crossover from low B to pedal B-flat.
	09	$3939-	.580"/.650"	11"	C/P	L	Satin S	Nirschl	I-800 St	Lacquer finish valve caps & tuning slides. Poor response and difficulty in centering notes from 4th valve "D" below staff and lower. Good intonation.
	09	Under $3000-	N/A	11½"	C/P	L	B	Jupiter	Prototype	Excellent! Good response, good intonation, easy transition from low B to pedal B-flat. I look forward to the production model!
	09	$2509-	.580"/.650"	11"	N/P	L	S	Nirschl	I-700 SP	Good intonation, consistant timbe. Very good low (4th valve) register.

	07	$9238-	.520"	12"	C/P	L	S	Besson	BE2052-2-0	Made in Germany by Meinl of Meinl-Weston. Big & somewhat heavy. 4th valve notes slightly stuffy.
	07	$7702-	.580"	12"	N/P	L	S	Besson	BE67-2-0	Made in India. Plays very well. Notes center well. Low E-flat quite well in tune.
	07	$6985-	.580"	11¼"	C/P	L	S	Kanstul	975	Nice sound, but some intonation problems (i.e. E-flat above staff is sharp to tuning B-flat).
	07	$6895-	.590"	11½"	N/P	M	L	Willson	2000-TA 1	Medium (European) shank. Somewhat heavy & forward leaning.
	07	$6735-	.570"	12"	C/P	L	Y	Kanstul	Prototype	Copper bell. A substantial instrument that can take a huge amount of air. Good ergonomic design, although somewhat heavy to hold for a long period of time. R.H. brace could be moved back a bit.
	07	$4074-	.590"	12"	N/P	L	S	Meinl-Weston	451	Built slightly sharp! Some intonation problems in extreme high range.
	07	$3675-	.570"	12"	N/P	L	S	Kanstul	985-L	R.H. brace too close to valves. L.H. position a bit awkward.
	07	$3250-	.712"	11.46"	N/P	L	B	Chicheng	LEM-290L	Somewhat stuffy in middle & low register, especially when soft. Possible alignment problem? Plays very well, good tone, excellent intonation.
	07	$327-	.560"	11"	N/P	L	L	Eternal	M210CP	Nice overall. Good tone, focuses well.

	06	$6790-	591."	11½"	N/P	M	S	Willson	2900 S	Big, solidly built. Tone a bit heavy and thick.

	04	$7411-	.591"/.661"	11¾"	C/P	L	S	Yamaha	YEP-842S	Gold highlights. Great valves. Good tone throughout all registers. E, F & G above middle C were a tad sharp.
	04	$5720-	.570"/.593"	12"	N/P	L	L	Kanstul	CEU 975	New for 2004. Very awkward to hold: left wrist bends excessively, right wrist also twists. 4th vlv built flat! Intonation only so-so.
	04	$2050-	.570"	11"	N/P	L	L	Jupiter	570L	Nickel-silver highlights. Plays sort of average.

	03	$6203-	.591"/.661"	11.8"	C/P	L	L	Yamaha	YEP-642	Less expensive than silve.
	03	$4500-	.580"	12¼"	C/P	L	L	Besson	Prestige	Quite open feel. Thumb tuning mechanism hits player's belly.
	03	$2935-	.570"	12"	N/P	L	L	Kanstul	CEU 975	Non-compensating model.
	03	$2050-	.570"	11"	N/P	L	L	Jupiter	570L	Nice.

Euphoniums with 4 Valves Inline Configuration Back to top of page
	Year	M.S.R.P.	Bore	Bell	Valves	Shank	Finish	Maker	Model #	Personal Observations
	09	$2575-	.560"	11"	P	L	L	Amati	AEP 341	Good sound. Notes from 1st space A down to F did not focus well. Main tuning slide and F tuning slide in extremely close proximity.
	09	$2420-	.570"	11"	N/P	S	S	Jupiter	JEP 470	Nice tone, good response. Consistant tone color throughout. Design encourages good posture. Removable valve section.
	09	$250-	.567"	12"	N/P	L	L	Jinbao	JBEP-140	Red-brass lead pipe, nickle-silver valve caps & buttons. Rattle when valves are depressed.

	07	$3665-	.571"	11"	N/P	S	S	Yamaha	YEP 321-S	As always, beautiful valve action. Great sound, excellent intonation.
	07	$3295-	N/A	12"	N/P	L	S	B & S	3171A	R.H. grip obstructed by severly out-of-line 4th valve. 4th valve almost too close to hand. R.H. brace tends to force R. thumb under.
	07	$2215-	.570"	11"	N/P	S	S	Jupiter	470	Removable valve section. Tone is good, nice & full.
	07	$236-	.576"	12"	N/P	L	L	Jinbao	JBEP 1141	Sounds nice & full. Valves are somewhat clunky. Curve in leadpipe makes horn awkward to hold & forces R.H. uncomfortably.

	06	$3319-	.571"	11"	N/P	S	Y	Yamaha	YEP 321	Has some intonation problems (6th partial "F" is quite sharp, 5th partial "D" is flat, middle "C" is sharp. Overall, the instrument is built sharp. Valve pipes are nickle-silver.
	06	$1730-	.563"	11"	N/P	L	L	Holton	B 490 R	Good upper end student horn.
	06	$430-	.590"	11"	N/P	S	S	Deyong	207044	Valves clank and rattle. 4th valve combinations "woofy."

	04	$3024-	.571"/.610"	11"	N/P	S	L	Yamaha	YSL-321	Good overall. Intonation better than the 842.
	04	$2870-	.570"	12"	N/P	L	L	Kanstul	CEU 985	Somewhat awkward to hold. Mthpc doesn't seat well. High tread on lyre screw digs into hands.
	04	$2650-	.590"	12"	N/P	L	Y	Getzen	571	Feels more "open" than model 570. Problems w/ R.H. position: thumb forced under, 1st finger hits main body tube.
	04	$1730-	.570"	11"	N/P	S	L	Jupiter	470L	Removable valve section. Nickel-silver highlights. Middle "C" plays sharp to horn. Average valve throw length.

	03	$3273-	.571"/.610"	11"	N/P	S	S	Yamaha	YSL-321	Aimed at H.S. market.
	03	$3245-	.570"/.593"	12	N/P	L	S	Kanstul	CEU985S	Some intonation problems.
	03	$2650-	.590"	12"	N/P	L	Y	Getzen	571	Awkward R.H. position. Somewhat stuffy.
	03	$1895-	.571"	11"	N/P	L	L	Weril	H980	Nice. A little stuffy in lower register.

Euphoniums with 3 Valves Back to top of page
	Year	M.S.R.P.	Bore	Bell	Valves	Shank	Finish	Maker	Model #	Personal Observations
	09	$2733-	.571"	11"	N/P	S	L	Yamaha	YEP 201	Nice, solid sound, good intonation. Very smooth valves.
	09	$1755-	.570"	11"	N/P	S	L	Jupiter	JEP 468	Nice sound. Removable valve section. R.H. thumb ring, no brace.
	09	$1755-	.570"	10.8"	N/P	S	L	Jupiter	JEP 474	Front-facing valves. Built flat: unusable in a group.

	07	$2650-	.570"	12"	N/P	L	L	Kanstul	980	Somewhat awkward to hold as L.H. 3rd-valve tuning ring requires odd hand placement. Nice sound, well in tune.
	07	$1615-	.570"	10.8"	N/P	S	L	Jupiter	474	Removable front action valve section. Upright bell is on left side.
	07	$222-	.576"	12"	N/P	L	L	Jinbao	JBEP 1180	Pretty well in tune, even 1,3 & 1,2,3. R.H. forced to flex outward. Valve action is okay.

	06	$2095-	.565"	10"	N/P	S	L	Getzen	G 8230	Surprisingly heavy. R.H. is forced in an awkward position.
	06	$1595-	.571"	11"	N/P	S	S	Holton	B 480 R	R.H. position a bit awkward, valves a bit "clunky." Nice tone. A good student horn.
	06	$358-	.590"	11"	N/P	S	S	Deyong	207043	Normal-sized euphonium. Good sound.

	04	$2400-	.585"	11"	N/P	L	L	Blessing	B-350	Rounded (convex) buttons on valves. Easy to hold design.
	04	$2380-	.570"	12"	N/P	L	L	Kanstul	CEU 980	Very awkward to hold: leadpipe forces twist. Built flat! 3rd valve tuning ring places hand on the tube that should slide.
	04	$2195-	.590"	12"	N/P	L	Y	Getzen	570	Tone a bit light, stuffy feel. Awkward L.H. position.
	04	$1650-	.570"	11"	N/P	S	L	Jupiter	464L	Detachable forward pointing bell. Made in Taiwan. 1st vlv tuning slide hits under R. palm & is easily pushed. Nice tone, projects well.
	04	N/A	N/A	11"	N/P	L	S	Besson	BE762	Projects well.
	04	N/A	.571"	11"	N/P	S	L	Weril	H672	Fairly easy to hold. High "D" (a 9th above middle "C") is extremely flat.

	03	$2350-	.585"	11"	N/P	S	L	Blessing	B-350	R.H. position somewhat awkward. Intonation good.
	03	$2265-	.570"	12"	N/P	L	L	Kanstul	CEU 980	3rd valve tuning slide must be held with L.H. Ergo, tuning loop is useless.
	03	$2195-	.590"	12"	N/P	L	L	Getzen	570	Somewhat stuffy. A good marching band horn.
	03	$2095-	.565"	10"	N/P	S	L	Getzen	G8230	A beginner's horn. Solidly built yet relatively light.
	03	$1595-	.570"	10.8"	N/P	S	L	Jupiter	474L	1,3 & 1,2,3 combinations quite sharp. Marketed as a doubler's horn.
	03	$1595-	.563"	10"	N/P	S	L	Weril	H670	Big sound. Good intonation.

Baritone Horns Back to top of page
	Year	M.S.R.P.	Bore	Bell	Valves	Shank	Finish	Maker	Model #	Personal Observations
	09	$8950-	.540"	9½"	3+1/C/P	S	S	Besson	BE 2056	Gold valve caps, buttons & water keys. Stuffy in low 4th valve range. No convenient place for R.H. thumb. No convenient place to hold with L.H. and to reach 4th valve.
	09	$1780-	.531"	9½"	P/N	S	L	Jupiter	JBR-360	Nice, light instrument. R.H. brace is very close to valves making it unusable as a hand-hold.
	09	N/A	.547"	9½"	3+1/C/P	S	S	York	3056	Good feel to valve action, but 4th was somewhat stuffy. Lots of turns in the tubing could lead to condensation problems.

	07	$2425-	.562"	10"	P	S	L	Kanstul	390	>¾ size. Lightweight, big sound, well in tune.
	07	$660-	.528"	9 ¼"	P	M	L	Stagg	77-BA P	Medium (European) shank. Nice, typical baritone sound. Good balance, but R.H. slightly cocks out.
	07	$195-	.536"	9.2"	P	S+/M-	L	Jinbao	JBR 1221	Mouthpiece receiver size questionable. Valves work okay.
	07	N/A	N/A	9 ½"	P/C	S+	L	Besson	BE 955	Well-built baritone. Intonation good, compensation system works well.

	06	$265-	.504"	8.325"	P	S	S	Deyong	207B39	Big sound for a baritone!

	04	$2090-	.562"	10"	P	S	L	Kanstul	COB 390	¾-size baritone. Pretty free-blowing. Small size encourages "hunching."
	04	$1950-	.562"	10"	P	S	S	King	623	¾ size. A bit awkward to hold. Built flat!
	04	$1195-	.512"	9 ġ"	P/D	S	L	Jupiter	462L	Student line. Built for a small person. Somewhat awkward to hold. Short stroke valves. Removable valve section.
	04	N/A	.510"	N/A	P	S	L	Edward, Glenn	BT112-109	¾ size. Slide tubes not parallel. Small design forces R hand to flex a lot.
	04	N/A	N/A	10"	P	S	L	Hazelton	HZBAR5BR	Totally unplayable!! All valve ports were placed in mirror image!!
	04	N/A	.563"	10"	P	S	L	Weril	H670	A true baritone. Heavy bell. Gets a big sound for such a small horn.

	03	$2195-	.562"	10"	P	S	L	Holton	B650	¾ size. A true beginner's horn.
	03	$1965-	N/A	N/A	P	S	L	Kanstul	COB 390	¾-size. Awkward to hold.

Bass Trumpets Back to top of page
	Year	M.S.R.P.	Bore	Bell	Valves	Shank	Finish	Maker	Model #	Personal Observations
	09	N/A	.485"	7"	3/P	S	L	Kanstul	1088	Changable lead pipes: with W6 pipe, tone is rich & warm. R.H. thumb ring for 1st valve pitch adjustment.
	07	$2,980-	.486"	7 ¾"	3 - P	S	Y	Getzen	994 "Eterna"	Same problems as last year's model. Still flat, but not quite so: with all the tuning slides completely pushed in, it sounds like A = 438.
	06	$2,799-	.486"	7 ¾"	3 - P	S	L	Getzen	994 "Eterna"	Totally unusable! Built flat!
	"	N/A	.620"	6"	3 - R	S	Y	Jinbao	JBBT 1400	Nice tight sound, able to handle loud dynamics. Rotary valves complicate holding, but the throw is short: approx. ½".
	04	$2,749-	.486"	7 ¾"	3 - P	S	L	Getzen	994	Fairly bright sound. Thumb conflict between holding instrument & 1st valve tuning saddle.

Valve Trombones Back to top of page
	Year	M.S.R.P.	Bore	Bell	Shank	Finish	Maker	Model #	Personal Observations
	07	$792-	.488"	8"	S	L	Stagg	77-TV	Tone edgy (even more than a typical bass trumpet). Long leadpipe leads to disassociation from bell. Tuning slides on both slide & bell. All 6th partial notes are markedly sharp.
	06	N/A	.500"	8 ¼"	S	Y	Weril	GG261	Two main tuning slides: one on bell, one on "slide." 1st & 3rd valves will collect water & have no water key. L. & R. thumbs in very close proximity.
	04	$2,500-	.500"	8"	S	L	Kanstul	CVT 959	Short throw on valves. Extra "shortening" loop in "slide" presents water problems.
	"	$2,039-	.486"	7 ¾"	S	S	Getzen	998S	Stuffy, especially in low register. Fairly bright tone.
	"	$2,025-	.500"	5"	S	L	Blessing	B-170	Very tight in neck. L. & R. thumbs conflict while holding it. Intonation worse than normal. Blatty - not good for loud playing.
	"	$1,300-	.428"	8"	S	Rs	Jupiter	528RL	Made in Taiwan. Very bright tone. High "C" quite sharp.

E-flat Alto Horns Back to top of page
	Year	M.S.R.P.	Bore	Bell	Valves	Shank	Finish	Maker	Model #	Personal Observations
	09	$4590-	.470"	8"	3/P	A	S	Kanstul	941	Very nice tone & good intonation. Light weight (3½ lbs.)
	07	$4,249-	N/A	8"	3	A	S	Besson	BE 950-1-0	Intonation questionable due to ill-fitting mouthpiece. Tuning bow flares conically.
	"	$195-	.496"	12 ½"	3	S	S	Jinbao	JBAH 1300	Nice tone, tight, but warm. Valve caps have plastic tops.
	06	$185-	.462"	8"	3	A	L	Deyong	207041	Unusable! Built flat (even with the slides pushed all the way in!
	04	$3,390-	.470"	8"	4	A	S	Kanstul	ZAT 1540	Advertised as a Bb/Eb combo. Eb side is good with good intonation. Bb side woefully out-of-tune. 4th valve works ok to extend range below lowest "A."
	"	$2,665-	.470"	8"	3	A	S	Kanstul	CAT 940	Short throw valves. Good intonation.

Why I can't use the trademark name Sch*lke...

Sch*lke is renowned for mouthpieces and trumpets. Nonetheless they seem to be touchy

about their trombones. When I started to jot down notes at the 2009 N.A.M.M. show about

their display trombones I was asked to leave their booth by Andrew Naumann, President of

the Sch*lke corporation. The following is a paraphrased transcription of our conversation

on Thursday, January 15^th:

Andrew Naumann: 'What are you doing?'

Loren Marsteller: 'I'm making notes about your instruments.'

A.N.: 'What for?'

L.M.: 'So my students can have some parameters to compare your instruments to instruments

of other manufacturers.'

A.N.: 'How are you doing that?'

L.M.: 'I print my notes out and make them available to students.'

A.N.: 'Do you have our permission to do that?'

L.M.: 'Uh, no...'

A.N.: 'Without our permission you cannot use the Sch*lke name, it's trademarked.'

L.M.: 'Um, Okay...'

A.N.: 'What did you write about this trombone?' (indicating the ST-"XX" - the Roman numerals

"XX" represent "20," which, again, in context, is propriatary...)

L.M.: 'I wrote that this one (the ST-"XX" with interchangable valve) is barely up to A = 440 pitch

with the tuning slide pushed all the way in. And this one (ST-"XX" as a straight tenor trombone,

without the valve) is nearly a quarter-step flat with the tuning slide pushed all the way in.'

A.N.: 'You can't know that! How can you possibly test for pitch in here (indicating the N.A.M.M.

show floor) with all this noise going on?'

L.M. I reached into my pocket and pulled out an A = 440 tuning fork, 'With this.'

A.N.: 'This is not an appropiate environment for such tests! You cannot possibly draw conclusions

about pitch in this environment! You don't have our permission to use the Sch*lke name and may

not write about our instruments.'

L.M.: 'You don't want me to say anything about your trombones?'

A.N.: 'Are you going to recommend this instrument to your students?'

L.M.: 'No.' I shrugged. 'It's flat. It's unusable in a band, orchestra or jazz band. It's a nice practice

instrument, but it can't be played in public.'

A.N.: 'I'm going to ask you to leave our booth. Please leave.'

A little while later I went over to the Getzen booth and asked a woman who was working there about

bass-trumpets. At the '06 and '07 N.A.M.M. shows the Getzen bass-trumpet was flat and unusable.

She said, "We don't have any bass-trumpets here this year.

L.M. "Why is that?"

Woman: "We're retooling and should have a new instrument for next year."

L.M. "I'll look forward to seeing it next year. As I recall, your previous model was somewhat flat."

Woman: She nodded with a knowing grin and a wink, "Yes, it was."

It was a refreshing acknowledgement of fact...