[TPIN] Getzen eterna

[T.J. Burk]

Al,

Getzen makes very good but not great flugelhorns.
Getzen is one of a few mfgs. that offer the four valve
flugelhorn. With the exception of the small bore 3895
model, all Getzen flugelhorns are 460 ml bore. The 3
valve Getzen flugelhorns have a 6" bell, and the 4
valve Getzens have a 6 1/2 " bell. To the best that I
know all Getzen horns are American made, and Getzen
makes all of their own horns. The 4 valve Getzens and
the silver plated Getzens are more desirable. Any
Getzen flugelhorn made before 1976 is desirable(The
lead pipe changed from a french taper in 76 ,although
the pre 76 leadpipe is harder to find mp's for,it is
more desired). Getzens have nickel plated valves. 

The big issue with the Getzen flugelhorn is
intonation, the C#, D, Eb, etc.

Although some pro horn players like Phil Driscoll use
Getzen flugelhorns , most pros do not play the Getzen
because of their intonation issues.

As someone who has owned both a Yamaha 631 and a 1975
Getzen 4 valve flugelhorn in silver, I would say that
the Yamaha is a better sounding horn.

The good news is that most Getzen trumpet and
flugelhorns are some of the best used horn values out
there. Although imho valued at about a thousand
dollars, I have seen 4 valve Getzen flugelhorns in
silver in excellent shape sell on eBay for less than
$700.00. I have seen nice silver Getzen Eterna
trumpets sell for even less.

The Getzen pro line makes a good option for the semi
pro trumpet or flugelhorn who is not super picky about
intonation. A used Getzen Eterna trumpet or flugelhorn
makes a good option fro someone on a tight budget who
wants a very good but not superb horn. 

The Getzen Eterna imho is not a good option for the
elite pro hornplayer who is ultra picky, esp. about
intonation and or timbre of sound and is looking for
the finest horn out there at any cost. For that kind
of horn player the pricy horns like Blackburn(sorry
they don't make flugelhorns), Calicchio, Taylor,
Monette, etc. are a better option.

Before you buy a flugelhorn read this excellet
article:

http://www.dallasmusic.org/gearhead/Flugelhorn%20Guide.html

Jim also has an excellent article on piccolo trumpets.

http://www.dallasmusic.org/gearhead/Piccolo%20Trumpet%20Guide.html

Trumpet of the Lord Ministry 501(c)3
General E-Mail Account
268 CR 249 Athens, TN 37303
www.trumpetofthelord.com
Bookings: 423-507-9970


       
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