While I was in Europe after ITEC 2012, I spent a day at the Adams factory. Not only did I get to learn a LOT about the company and how the do things, but I also got to do some customizations on the horn they made for me. It was nothing too radical, but it allowed me to have the horn "fit" my posture better. There were a couple other minor things, but nothing that would affect the performance of the horn.
After that point, and after the factory was through with its summer break, they had to finish the horn and get it ready to send to me. Yesterday it arrived, and I have some photos and first impressions.
I stayed with the same metals as my previous horn: yellow and gold brass in the body, and a sterling silver bell. But this time I chose the .60 tubing over the .55, and I chose to have it done in the brushed brass finish. I had been thinking about the bright finish again, but I wanted something that looked a little "special" and different from the pack. Also, it occurred to me that I have played shiny horns my entire life, except for a 4-year stretch in the 1970's when I had a satin silver Besson.
So far I'm very happy with the way this horn plays. The sound is a bit deeper, but still flexible, and response seems even better than the previous Adams (which is saying something!). Intonation seems a bit better in a couple places, but I really need more time to be sure about if and where.
Attached are several photos to give you an idea of the appearance. I didn't have much light so I included different "poses" to try to catch the light that existed, but I think you can see it well enough.