[TPIN] Re: Market pricing/Eb-D intonation

[Joe Caddell]

Glenn,

Thank you, intonation is the wrong word.  The horn has (at least for me) 
excellent pitch tendencies.  What I mean is that once I've adjusted the 
tuning slides I have to compensate for discrepancies between  the note 
that I play and either the ensemble or the tuner much less often, and 
when I do have to adjust it is not usually a large difference in 
frequency.  It compares favorably in this regard to my C (a Bach/Larson 
conversion) and my Bb (a Larson GFT LX).  At least for me, with my 
mouthpiece.

Specifically: When I play a note and find the pitch at which the horn 
sounds the best (most open, resonant, what have you) I find these 
tendencies. All of them can be lipped into pitch without affecting the 
tonal quality too much.  I do extend the 1st and 3rd valve tuning slides 
for the low C#.  I do not use alternate fingerings for any note on this 
horn.  Here goes.  This is for the Eb side.  I haven't played with the D 
side much yet. 

The low C is very close.
The low C# is still high. 20 cents?
The low D is a little high.  5 cents?.
The bottom line Eb is low.  5 cents?
The bottom line E is very close.
The F is very close.
The F# is a litle low. 2 cents?
The G is very close.
The Ab is low.  10 cents?
The A is very close.
The Bb is a little low.  10 cents?
The B is a little low.  10 cents?
The C is very close.
The C# is very close.
The D is low.  15 cents?
The Eb is low.  15 cents?
The E is a little low.  10 cents?
The F is a little low.  5 cents?
The F# is a little high.  10 cents?
The G is close.
The Ab is a little high.  10 cents?
The A is close.
The Bb is a little low.  5 cents?
The B is close.
The C is high.  15 cents?

If it matters, I am playing on a G&W David Hickman mouthpiece.  I don't 
know if that qualifies as a toilet bowl.  What I meant when I said that 
it might not be my first choice for an orchestral situation is that the 
sound, for me on my mouthpiece, is somewhat "dark".  I like it, but I 
think I would have to work real hard to get the shimmering brilliance 
that I like to hear in that situation.  I'm sure it's different for you.

Look, I know you guys are curious, and somewhat skeptical.  That's as it 
should be.  I just thought I'd share my experience since I haven't seen 
much about Eastman trumpets here in TPIN.  I have no affiliation with 
either Eastman or Anaheim band except that I bought this horn from 
them.  Here's the information, do what you will with it.

As far as being made in China, or Taiwan, or wherever, I'm not sure what 
to say about that.  I am in a situation now where I must get the most 
quality that I can for the least amount of money that I can.  The 
political ramifications run last place at this point for me.

Sorry this post is so long, I'll shut up now.

Warm Regards,
Joe Caddell

Glenn Bengry wrote:

> Joe and guys,
>  
>      I am always interested when people say that the intonation on a 
> horn is superb or other complimentary terms.  What does that mean 
> exactly?  Even on the finest Bb's, the pitch tendencies still exist, 
> and the horns are out of tune to an extent.  We have to learn to play 
> them in tune.
>  
>     It also seems that as we go to the higher pitched trumpets, the 
> intonation problems become more pronounced.  C's are much worse than 
> Bb's and the higher horns are yet more troublesome.  Middle g is low, 
> A is high, the B and C are high, the D, Eb, and E are very low, The F 
> is deceptively high, the F# high, the G on top the staff is almost 
> unplayably sharp on a lot of horns, good horns too.
>  
>  
>    Can you be more specific about which of these tendencies are 
> improved on these horns.  Hey, if they play good and are pretty good 
> in tune, sign me up.
>  
>  BTW, if you put a toilet bowl mouthpiece in it will it sound orchestral?
>  
> glenn
>  
> x
>  
> x
>
> >
> > Michael,
> >
> > It is not the long bell, nor is it a tuneable bell. However, it appears
> > well made, the intonation really is superb, and the sound quality is
> > also. I am not sure I would choose it to ride on top of a 40 piece
> > string section, but for chamber and solo repertoire I think that it is
> > an excellent horn, regardless of the cost. It has amado water keys,
> > Monel pistons, and the plating (silver) has no flaws that I have
> > detected. Have I mentioned that the intonation and sound are 
> outstanding?
> >
> > Joe
> >
> > >>
> > >>I have an Eastman Eb/D that I bought from Anaheim Band. It is, in 
> my opinion,
> > >>an *excellent* horn. It's cost to me was $965 and, I know this is 
> sacrilege,
> > >>but it plays as well as the $2000 - $2500 Eb/D's out there. I live 
> about 5
> > >>hours from Anaheim band, so a really nice professinal that I met 
> from L.A.,
> > >>Rich Chasin, went up and played several that they had and picked 
> this one out
> > >>for me. It's made in China, and I'm not sure how I feel about 
> that, but the
> > >>quality/price ratio is so high that I had to buy it.
> > >>
> > >>Joe Caddell
> > >>
>