What kind of horn do you
recommend?
This is one of the hardest questions to
answer. Personally, I prefer Conn horns. However,
just because I, or anyone else, recommend a certain horn, doesn't mean
that horn is best for you. I know someone who sounds great on a Holton
horn. However, when they pick up a Conn, they don't sound quite as
good.
To make a decision between horns, you must
try several different types of horns out. Listen to how you sound with
each one. If you like how you sound on the horn, then that is probably
the one for you.
What mouthpiece do you recommend?
Again, a tough question to answer. I
have three favorites. My favorite and the one I currently use is a
Lawson mouthpiece. The great thing about this mouthpiece is that you can
get many different cup sizes and shapes as well as rim sizes and shapes.
It is a very customizable mouthpiece, so you can get a mouthpiece that fits
you well.
Two mass-produced mouthpieces that I
recommend are the Giardinelli C8 and the Schilke 31 or 31B. I feel
both are a good "middle-of-the-road" mouthpiece and do generally
well in all the registers.
What kind of case/gig bag do
you recommend?
This is a little less subjective than the
question above. I use and recommend a Marcus Bonna gig bag. This
case is compact, durable, and very protective. The great thing about
this case is that it has both a layer of padding and a fiberglass shell to
protect the instrument from knocks and bumps.
Another great gig bag is made by Reunion
Blues. These cases are inexpensive and extremely light. Also, they
have a really thick layer of padding that protects from most bumps. The
downside to this case, that I have found, is that more severe bumps will put a
ding in the horn. But, I do highly recommend this as an inexpensive
alternative to the Marcus Bonna.
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