Gear
There’s an old saying. “It’s the player, not the horn.” Very true, but it’s also true that you will play better on a quality instrument than on a garden hose.
So for the gear-heads (and my insurance), here’s my current stable. (Yes, I do like copper.)
Horn-ography
Monette 149XL (Bb) in raw brass, serial 1663 (2000). My go to for most everything.
Compact sound, amazing slotting, it’s a Monette after all.
Mouthpiece is a Monette Prana STC-1 B4S S2 82
B•A•C “Pro 2” (Bb), copper bell in a brushed satin lacquer finish, Meinlschmidt valves.
Serial 862 (2025). Mouthpiece is a Monette Prana Resonance B4S S2 82.
I showed up unannounced to their factory while in Kansas City and Mike Corrigan and the people there were very nice and accomodating. After trying a bunch of horns and 3 prototypes I just had to have this one! Brighter and wider than my Monette, and just a joy to play! Seriously consider BAC if you’re in the market, these are fantastic horns!
Getzen Custom Class 3850 Cornet (Bb)
Serial G41380 (2007). Copper bell, .462 bore, 1st and 3rd valves are vented.
Mouthpiece is a Monette STC B4SD.
Kanstul ZKF1525 (Bb). Serial 36723 (2010) Mouthpiece is a Monette STC B4S FLG.
“THE Flugel" for many many people. 6 1/2” Copper bell. .421 bore. Bach shank receiver.
1st and 3rd valves are vented. Yea. Just a damn great flugelhorn.
Frank Holton Slornet! (“Slornet” because it uses a cornet mouthpiece) A vintage piece from the Holton company dating to 1908(?) as far as I can tell. Gold wash bell and brushed silver finish. It does have a light, sweet tone and plays very easily… for a soprano trombone (man those positions are close together!). If you click on the photo you can see more detailed photos and maybe help me with the details of this seemingly ‘one-off’ instrument?