On 3/16/04 8:21 PM, "Pandolfi, Orlando" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> I have no problem with you defending your beloved Holton ...<snip> Hi Orlando, I don't think it's a matter of defending any one particular brand of instrument here, although I think the reason you may be hearing such a great range of opinions on the Holton is that there are just so many of them out there. I will say that in my OWN experience I have found the Holton's (particularly the H179's) to be more consistant overall than the Kings and Conns prevalent in our school system many years ago. That is NOT to say BETTER, though. At the time I played a wonderful King Eroica, and when the chance came for me to choose my own instrument, I stayed with the Eroica throughout my school years. It just played better FOR ME than the others. In college I played an H180 that was a fine horn, but not as fine as I would have liked. I now play a Merker Millennium (in red brass) that I find just fantastic to play. I can blend well with other horns and the Merker has just enough "kickback" for me, while still being free blowing. I just like it, and it was chosen over several H179's, Conn 8D's, and Yamaha 668 and 667 horns. It has a very full sound just rich in overtones, and it just "vibrates right" for this player. So which horn would be best for your Middle School? I would answer that it would be a combination of things you'd need to look for. Durability, parts availability, solid build quality, and good intonation. There's a reason why you see so many Holton's out there. And don't forget your kids need to be able to HOLD the thing. Little hands and big 8D horns make for a LONG reach for short fingers. I don't think you can go wrong with ANY mainstream horn, though. Good luck. -Carl _______________________________________________ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
