[TPIN] Getzen (Delete now if you're anti Getzen)

[Doc D'Errico]

-----Original Message-----
From: Vaxtrpts at aol.com
<clip>
Well, Warren, I'm not sure quite what to say here.  One thing I have  never 
done, is come on TPIN and tried to actually "sell" my horn on this list,
and I don't think that I should start now.  And know what?  My opinion
doesn't 
mean any more than yours does - especially to you.  You have to  play what
works for YOU - not me.
<end clip>

OK, so Mike won't, but I will...  I'll combine a couple of old notes...  My
take on it is that Dave Monette makes a really fine horn, but I wasn't able
(maybe my skill level) to discern a major difference with my Schilke.
Certainly not anything worth the price (yes, I'm in *that* camp -- I can
afford it if I really wanted to, but part of the reason is that I don't
spend money that I can't justify).

For me, I have both a custom B1B and a X3 -- the X3 is the horn I practice
on more often than not.  My B1LB is extremely responsive, but too fragile
for general use, so I play it only sparingly.

But I also own a MV Getzen (Serial #2, in fact).  What makes it special?
Well, certainly the valves are the best on almost any horn I own (of about
8), but I find it extremely easy blowing, unbelievably well balanced, and
very consistent in tone and slotting.  I use the MV3001 when I perform at
schools and play with friends.

Here's Brett Getzen's description of the horn (clipped from an email
directly from Brett) -- note that Doc in the note is most certainly NOT me
-- I've designed a lot of things in my day, but not a horn:

<clip from Brett Getzen eMail>
The new 3001MV is based on the existing 3001 Artist Model trumpets designed
by Doc.  Mike's model has a few tweaks to the body though.  First, the
3001MV uses lighter weight bottom caps than our standard Custom Series
trumpets.  Second, the new trumpet has what we are calling a tuning slide
venturi tube on the lower slide tube.  The purpose is to eliminate any
possible turbulence that may be caused by air exiting the tuning slide tube
and entering the valve section.  It is hard to describe in words so I made
up a few drawings to show what I mean.  Sorry for the crudeness.  I am by no
means an artist.  (drawings deleted for TPIN I'll forward the original to
anyone interested) In addition to those changes, the 3001MV has a completely
different bell.  The new bell is a spun on our #172 mandrel (the same as a
Bach #72) and is constructed from light weight gold brass.  Of course, as
with all Custom Trumpets, it is a one piece, hand hammered, sheet bell.  The
combination of the larger throat and light weight gold brass gives a trumpet
that projects very well and can fill a room, but remains very responsive and
has a wonderful color and richness to the tone.  This makes it ideal as a
lead trumpet, but incredibly versatile as well.  That was one of Mike's
ideals when designing the trumpet.  He wanted something that would work for
him, but also be able to work for everyone else.
<end clip>

So running the risk of being redundant with my comments above here's some
select clips from my own post on this in November 2005:

<Clips from Doc's Review of the MV3001>:
The first thing I noticed is that the horn is amazingly well balanced - I
was surprised when I picked it up that it didn't feel "heavy" or want to
tilt down at the bell.  Mike tells me that the balance is because of the
light weight bell.

I played it for close to an hour and didn't feel the least pit of strain on
my left arm - I usually put the horn down periodically while shifting music
around, but I didn't, and hardly remembered I was holding it!

The slides are smooth - almost "too" smooth and seem to fit my hand like the
thing was custom fit to me... The tone is remarkable. I was able to tune it
(Chase Sanborn's CenterPitch) in no-time flat (no, Chase, I didn't tune it
flat, unless you consider Bb, "flat").  I did have to "re-tune" it again,
did I mention the slides are "too" smooth?  Seriously, tho, I was having too
much fun with them and really put it out of whack, so back-on went the
CenterPitch for about 30 seconds.

Valves are also very light - they don't have that "heavy" feel when you
press them, nor are they "spongey", and seem to rebound with ease - no delay
or tighness, yet they don't seem "leaky" like you'd find on something that's
been over-lapped.

The sound was also amazing.  I'm not sure what I expected, but at first I
thought maybe the sound was darker than the bell size implied it might be,
but when I compared it to the Schilke, it was definitely brighter.
<end clip>

Bottom-line?  For the price, this horn is a superb value.  It's a hand-built
gem.  I would recommend it to anyone looking for a multi-purpose pro-level
horn that costs the same as a mass-produced horn.

-- Doc

p.s.: I own a Getzen 3895 Flugel with a Goldbrass Bell, too...  I would play
it over my 1936 French Besson any day.