Adams Options

[davewerden]

Here is an X-Ray from airport security, showing an Adams with the sterling silver bell. It's pretty easy to see its extra density!

[daruby]

I am corrected. Way cool X-ray!

[spkissane]

Maybe it's because trends always circle back, maybe it's because you so seldom see an all-gold/yellow/"brass" colored professional-level horn, but I personally think the all-gold looks a little more striking in this case. That rich, deep gold color is really nice.

[adrian_quince]

Tinted lacquer reminds me too much of american instruments from the 1960s and 1970s.

I'm with you on that one.

[cochranme]

Count me in for the yellow brass. Classic and understated suits me more.

[John Morgan]

Count me in for the yellow brass. Classic and understated suits me more.

Your avatar seems to paint another picture...

[Sara Hood]

This!

Count me in for the yellow brass. Classic and understated suits me more.

"Classic" Yes, that is the word I wanted for it. Lacquer and silver plate are the classic ways to finish a horn. Stick with one or the other. The alternative looks patchwork. Not to say that a brushed/satin finish doesn't help to pull the patchwork off. Just that simpler is better, in my opinion. Often less expensive too.

You open a whole other can of worms if you introduce how it sounds into the decision. But there too, you should shoot for the "classic" sound.

I like the sound of that - classic. Which of course is going to mean different things to different people.... (laugh)

- Sara

[lzajmom]

Between the two, I prefer the monochromatic option, even if I don't love the yellow gold. What I'd really like, aesthetically speaking, is brushed brass body and bell. It kinda looks like the rose gold that's so trendy right now.

They don't call me Dick Tracy for nothing. Actually, they don't call me Dick Tracy at all.

I don't mean to go fangirl on you (REALLY), but this made me laugh out loud for way longer than I should admit.

[cochranme]

Your avatar seems to paint another picture...

Well, that’s just.............accurate.

[mbrooke]

Count me in for the yellow brass. Classic and understated suits me more.

But, we all know that Dave goes for the Bling!

Mike

[davewerden]

Here are a couple more photos, with a more "real" comparison. I wanted to see what they look like as I am holding them.

[John Morgan]

Here are a couple more photos, with a more "real" comparison. I wanted to see what they look like as I am holding them.

Well, now, let's look at this comparison. The instruments are both very nice looking. And you, Dave, look snappy as ever, however, you have elected to wear clothing that does not have very intense colors, sort of washed out looking colors. So, with what you are wearing, the satin-gold finish seems to provide a very nice contrast. But, if you were wearing something like a dark blue shirt, I think the brushed brass and sterling silver bell would look smashing. And upon further inspection, I find the satin-gold to be a little out of tune, whereas my favorite, the brushed brass and sterling silver bell is right on.

[jkircoff]

They are both beautiful instruments. I prefer the multi-colored version though -- it's an eye catcher done in a tasteful manner.

Steven Mead also plays a gold-plated euphonium, and I think it's a bit on the gaudy side. The brushed finish Adams has on its gold euphonium is a better look.

[daruby]

Here are a couple more photos, with a more "real" comparison. I wanted to see what they look like as I am holding them.

Dave,

I love them both. Which plays better? That really is your decision. In your pictures above, I prefer the gold lacquer. It makes the horn "look warmer" like a euphonium should. I have seen several Wilson's with gold lacquer and/or gold plating on the inside of the bell. They are really beautiful.

Go for it!

Doug

[davewerden]

OK, let's stir things up a bit more! Here is a video with audio clips comparing the two horns. A couple are with piano and a couple are without. The horns are labeled A and B in the video.