Posted by Sean Chisham on May 08, 1999 at 00:19:44:
In Reply to: Re: Re: I just want to try a hirsbruner posted by John Swensen on May 07, 1999 at 16:50:09:
I have not played either horn extensivelly, but I will give my first impressions. I find the rotary valve instrument to sound very Germanic. It has that smooth dark sound which makes me sit back and think ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
The piston horn sounds more American to me. It is a brighter horn and punches through more. I think they are both fantastic instruments, but I tend to prefer the piston version. This is due in a large part to personal tastes though.
As far as lacquer vs silver. Silver looks cooler, might be more durable than lacquer, and seems to hold it's resale value better, but lacquer is cheaper. I haven't really noticed a difference in sound though.
sean