Staying the Course with Bill Pfund Horns

I retired from the USAF Academy Band in 2014. I've been using Bill Pfund Trumpets in various settings for the past ten years--brass quintet, brass ensemble, concert band, symphony, chamber orchestra, church worship of various styles, modern opera, solo recitals, and trumpet fanfares and even with The Little River Band. I find the larger horns easier to manage than my previous Bach C and Blackburn Bb.

As for comparing my older smaller-bell Blackburn Eb with the larger-bell Pfund Eb with a C bell, these horns are both great for solo work. In general, though, I prefer the larger bell Eb as it sounds more like a C trumpet to make certain passages in the orchestra or chamber orchestra work more easily. 

As for piccolos, I played a Yamaha Custom three-valve which is a wonderful instrument with a great sound. I now use Bill's pic  (similar to a Schilke) with a cornet style mouthpiece. I find this set up a little easier in the upper register and more helpful with endurance.

My Pfund horns are weathering well. The horns still look good. I do take care of them and keep them clean.

As for my rotary C, I have grown to favor this instrument in the chamber orchestra and playing with the First Presbyterian Church Worship Brass (Colorado Springs, CO). The rotary is easier to play and has a nice warm blending sound, while projecting into the sanctuary very well. I've also used the rotary C on Lincoln Portrait in an orchestra setting with success.

In general, Bill's horns are working well. I enjoy the flexibility of tone color they allow and the ease of the upper register. So far so good!

I have played Bill's rotary C trumpet with the slightly brighter bell in a variety of settings. The horn is very easy to play in intimate one on a part small ensemble settings as the rich warm sound blends well with other instruments. I do have to spend a few days getting used to the timing of the rotary valves, but I find it very manageable. I use my normal C trumpet mouthpiece--even so, the rotary seems easier to respond at very a very soft dynamic. In short, this horn instills confidence.

Bill Pfund's Next Generation Horns--Rotary Horns

I now own a Pfund Rotary C trumpet with the two bell option. I love this horn. I am very impressed with the warm sound--more impressed with the great intonation. Bill can tell you more about the cutting edge factory he is using to manufacture this horn. It is very well made. The bells are both warmer than a typical C trumpet, but one (the "German" bell) is very warm. I'll be using this in chamber and solo settings. I'll share about those experiences as they happen. Bill's webpage...
http://www.billpfund.com/

Steve

Comparing a Trumpet to a Cornet

I've posted a short video on my Facebook page comparing the difference in sound of a Bb trumpet and a Bb cornet. Check it out at Kindermann Trumpet.

What do you think?

Steve

My Website

Hi everyone,

Please visit my new website at www.kindermanntrumpet.org

Thank you!

Steve

After Four Years with Bill Pfund's Trumpets

Hi all,

I know how particular we are about our trumpets! I also know that some folks would never play a horn made in China. My response to that sentiment is that we truly are moving into a more global market. I encourage you to try one of Bill's horns. None of his Horns make it to US shores without Bill himself playing and testing it before being shipped from China. I have played Bill's horns for four years now, subbing with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic on a regular basis, playing in various brass groups, small church ensembles and solo work. I still love Bill's horns. For 26 years in the USAF Band program and 20 of those years in the USAF Academy Band, I used Yamaha, Bach, and Blackburn trumpets. Although I primarily played in Stellar Brass (quintet plus percussion) and our concert band, I did sub with the Falconaires Jazz Band from time to time.

Now in my 50's and past my USAF playing responsibilities, I find I want a horn that is easier to play affording a flexibility to make it easier to adjust to various playing situations. One concrete example is that I have now performed the "Penny Lane" pic solo numerous times with the Colorado Brass Arts Group with Bill's pic and his 7 pic mouthpiece (cornet shank). With the pic set-up I had while in the AF, I couldn't quite get that out on my Yamaha Custom 3 valve with a Warburton 4m cup and a 7* back bore. I realize that is a fairly big mouthpiece for a pic set-up--I was a slow learner and to be honest, I was striving for a nice big sound. As time moved on, I began to think it wiser to play equipment that makes playing easier. You will still sound like you! Your sound concept will overcome equipment for the most part.

One thing is for sure, today, there are many fine horns being made. Try them all. You might be surprised. My plan is to purchase a Pfund C cornet at some point. I own a Bb, C, Eb, picc, Bb cornet and his flugelhorn. Bill has finished his design for Bb and C Rotary Trumpets and has wooden cup mouthpieces available. Pickett makes Bill's mouthpieces. Bill designed his mouthpieces to match his horn design concept. Bill Pfund's site...www.billpfund.com.

Still loving the trumpet!
Steve

After Two Years on Bill Pfund's Horns

After spending two years playing Bill Pfund's horns, I find them easier to play than the my Bach, Yamaha, and Blackburn horns which I used to play.  I've played Bill's horns in orchestral, big band, brass group, and solo settings.

The bottom line for me is that they are simply easier to play. Specifically, his horns seem to respond to less effort. It takes less to start the sound. Additionally, the upper range is easier. For example, I can get through the "Penny Lane" pic solo. This is interesting as I'm now over 50 years old. Another example is I recently played the first movement of the Neruda Concerto in Eb. Bill's Eb worked wonderfully. It seemed easier to play than the Blackburn Eb which I used for 20 plus years previously.

You may be thinking,"It's not all about ease of playing!" I agree. But when an instrument is easier for me to use, my musicality and expression seem to blossom more.

Food for thought...

Steve