Has anyone seen this yet? Adams is going to offer a non compensating horn called “Sonic”? Dave - do you know anything about this?
https://www.austincustombrass.biz/br...-silver-plate/
Has anyone seen this yet? Adams is going to offer a non compensating horn called “Sonic”? Dave - do you know anything about this?
https://www.austincustombrass.biz/br...-silver-plate/
Adams E3 0.6 with SS Bell
K&G 3.5D
---------------------------------
Founder and Solo Euphonium
San Francisco Brass Band
"It is a non-compensating euphonium which helps to make it lightweight and responsive!"
A long time ago I remember discussing on this forum about a non-compensating euphonium designed as a professional euph. This might be a terrific option, and I'm excited to see Adams break the mold and make such a horn. Over the years I've played or owned almost all the major compensating horns (none of them are bad, some of them are great)--but this new Adams really interests me and I probably will have to try one.
John
Last edited by JTJ; 02-29-2020 at 07:17 PM.
I knew the Sonic line was coming, but I don't have many details yet. I just reached out to my sources, but won't hear until after the weekend I suspect. They probably cut back on some things besides the compensating system, but I'm not even close to being sure about that. But I was surprised to see it has the AGR!
I'll get back to ya'll when I hear more!
Dave Werden (ASCAP)
Euphonium Soloist, U.S. Coast Guard Band, retired
Adams Artist (Adams E3)
Alliance Mouthpiece (DC3)
YouTube: dwerden
Facebook: davewerden
Twitter: davewerden
Instagram: davewerdeneuphonium
One of these was at TMEA and I played it very briefly. It had many of the great characteristics of Adams horns (I play an E3); responsiveness, intonation, etc. For me it was noticeably freer blowing than my E3, to the point of it being a little too free blowing for my taste. Definitely a great budget option.
JACE VICKERS, DMA
Assistant Director of Bands
Assistant Professor of Low Brass
East Central University
Interesting point about being so free blowing, which requires chop strength to control the horn and means the horn is channeling your sound less. I think some players could find it freeing up their sound.
I’m not sure where a horn like this fits in the market. It seems like a lot to pay for a non compensating horn, particularly because the preference among “pro” players is overwhelmingly for compensating horns.
Mike Taylor
Illinois Brass Band
Fox Valley Brass Band
Some cursory glancing around Trent's site I think sheds a bit more light - he's got video demos and explainers for the Sonic trumpet and flugel - apparently they don't offer custom options, which makes production more efficient?
https://www.austincustombrass.biz/br...uild-your-own/
https://www.austincustombrass.biz/br...-gold-lacquer/
Sean Kissane
Low Brass Specialist, Paige's Music
Principal Euphonium, Indianapolis Brass Choir
Principal Euphonium, Crossroads Brass Band
Indeed! Offering a "fixed" lineup speeds up production, which helps lower the price. It also helps dealers who want to stock the products. Imagine trying to stock enough Adams euphoniums so a buyer can get a feel for all the options! Adams made their "Selected" series, with a standard setup, to help with that as well. Between the Sonic and Selected instruments, a dealer can probably sell more horns from stock and fewer as special orders. All this is just stuff I've gathered over the decades and is not specific to Adams. It becomes a little more important for Adams because their Custom series has SO many options!
Dave Werden (ASCAP)
Euphonium Soloist, U.S. Coast Guard Band, retired
Adams Artist (Adams E3)
Alliance Mouthpiece (DC3)
YouTube: dwerden
Facebook: davewerden
Twitter: davewerden
Instagram: davewerdeneuphonium
I got some info from Adams. To sum it up, this horn is made like the E1 Custom series in most ways. Same bores (main and 4th valve). Adjustable-gap receiver is standard. It is still hand made of hammered .55 yellow brass. Valves are stainless steel. They are including a Bonna case for now, until they find a better match for the price point (so if you are thinking about one, buy it now!). Trim is simpler than the Custom series.
Based on the comment above that it is very free blowing, I can see this being quite attractive for tuba/trombone players who need a good euphonium. Those folks tend not to like the compensating system very much, and they usually don't want to spend $8-10k to get a doubling instrument. It might also fit well for community band players who want a quality instrument but don't need the comp system. I'm very interested to see where it squeezes in!
Here are some numbers and such (click to expand):
Dave Werden (ASCAP)
Euphonium Soloist, U.S. Coast Guard Band, retired
Adams Artist (Adams E3)
Alliance Mouthpiece (DC3)
YouTube: dwerden
Facebook: davewerden
Twitter: davewerden
Instagram: davewerdeneuphonium