stephenqu...@aol.com wrote:
Could someone with actual experience please compare the merits (or
whatever) of a compensating double vs. a 5-valve single Bb?
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I play primarily two double horns by Meister Walter Moennig made in the
late 1960's, when his shop was part of the consolidated B&S factory in
Markneukirchen, DDR. One is a Horner model full double and the other a
variant of the Wendler model compensating horn. They are serial numbers
251 and 252 and the valves are numbered sequentially from one horn to
the other, so I know they were made in the same run. The leadpipes are
different. The full double horn has a pipe with a large receiver
(venturi is about 7.7 mm); the compensating horn's pipe is smaller,
venturi is about 7.5 mm. The horns play more alike than differently, but
there are definite differences.
The full double is very free blowing and responsive with a good weighty
sound and lots of ring. The compensating horn has a lighter sound and is
even freer. It is the fastest, most responsive horn I have ever played.
Both horns tuning is very good, but they differ from one another in
fairly subtle ways. There is NO stuffiness about the F side on the
compensating horn, contrary to most compensating horns I have played.
I have tried a number of single Bb horns, though none with an F
extension. One Holton that I overhauled was much lighter in sound color
and about as fast, but couldn't be called on to really open up. I have
overhauled several Yamaha's which play very well and offer a beefier
sound. Bruce Tubbs converted one to a five valve, but I never got a
chance to play it after the conversion.
But I find that any advantage in weight, responsiveness and clarity that
a single Bb offers I can match with my compensating horn (though the
sound is on the full side). Played first on Tchaikovsky 5 using it
recently and it was a great asset.
So the moral is IF (big if) you can find a great compensating horn, it
can offer all the advantages of a single Bb with the added convenience
of all the double horn fingerings.
There are still a few of Walter Moennig's compensating horns floating
around, and his son Manfred operates a custom shop in Markneukirchen. I
have seen pictures of some made by Manfred (with stop valve) but have
never tried one. Some people like the Alexander 102. Kruspe still offers
the Wendler model and a model with stop valve. I have played a couple of
Kruspe Wendler models from the B&S era, and both were great horns (two
different bell sizes). VMI sells various versions of compensating horns
under a variety of brand names. I don't know of any American maker who
has made compensating doubles. The @#&**!! Italian models sold under
many brand names including Anborg, DEG, York Artist, Carl Fischer etc.
are definitely NOT worth exploring.
My 2 cents.
Ricahrd Hirsh, Chicago
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