Algirdas Matonis, "The Truth About Cheap Brass Instruments"
Following up to his recent favorable review of the Wessex Dolce, which got him some negative comments on YouTube, Algirdas Matonis has posted a video with the above title. The video consists of about five minutes of talk, in which he reiterates his position that the instruments now coming out of China are now of such high quality that they are good enough for most student and amateur players. The remaining 20 minutes are a condensation of a rehearsal that he conducted with a pianist, playing a clone (which he would not identify) that was sent to him by an American vender. It's almost a dare to find anything in the sound that identifies the horn as a clone, and not a high-end instrument.
Whether you're a clone fan or not, the video is worth watching, just for the quality of the playing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQarMlwqu4g
(Well, I'll be danged; I was actually allowed to copy and paste a link! That's a first!)
David Bjornstad
1923 Conn New Wonder 86I, Bach 6 1/2 AL
2018 Wessex EP100 Dolce, Denis Wick 4ABL
2013 Jinbao JBEP-1111L, Denis Wick 4AM
2015 Jinbao JBBR-1240, Denis Wick clone mouthpiece of unknown designation
Cullman (AL) Community Band (Euph Section Leader)
Brass Band of Huntsville (2nd Bari)