TromboneChat

MStarke wrote: ↑Sun Mar 16, 2025 7:13 am I have never seen a Schmelzer in real life hear in Germany, but have often been tempted to give them a try. however there is something that always kept me from doing that.

You might contact Nick Sholl on Facebook, I think he might have tried them at some point!

dukesboneman wrote: ↑Sun Mar 16, 2025 7:10 am Point the microphone right at the speaker, you`ll get plenty of feedback.

Jbeckett wrote: ↑Sat Mar 15, 2025 9:43 am Looking for some feedback.

Jbeckett wrote: ↑Sun Mar 16, 2025 9:21 am Nick Sholl has some videos on the YouTube’s, but it’s not necessarily me, playing on my mouthpiece, and I prefer a gold brass bell when playing solo rep.
I had seen the one at HornGuys and emailed Eric about it. Curious if it mates up with an Edwards or Shires or if lead pipes are usable from other instruments.
European players seem to dig them at a high level on the Scmelzer site.

MStarke wrote: ↑Sun Mar 16, 2025 10:21 am
Reg popularity - as said I have never seen one in real life, but yes, they seem to be played quite a bit. I am not sure which parts he actually makes himself and where the others are sourced. I have heard people say some parts are made in China, but that's not necessarily true and not necessarily bad IF it is true.

tkelley216 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 17, 2025 3:21 am Not many were made. I know someone who plays one professionally.

As far as sound and feel, they are similar to other the Schmelzer models that have been discussed on this forum; lightweight, very warm but centered sound, and can be pushed without breaking up. It's not exactly the sound concept you want to bring to an audition for a bigger American orchestra, but the guy I knew played it regularly in big bands, recording sessions, pit orchestras, and sometimes regional orchestras when they called.

Consistency seems to be an issue among all Schmelzers. You may have to try a room full of them to find "the one" and even "the one" may have a quirk or two you have to figure out, but once you adjust to the horn they can be hard to beat.