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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Wonko" data-source="post: 642855" data-attributes="member: 5948"><p>Lots of good info here already, let me just add my experience for good measure.</p><p>I consider myself a beginner (with lots of experience), but I have learned some stuff along the way that I want to share.</p><p>I started on a Yamaha (YTS32, I still have it as a backup tenor) and played that for over 10 years while taking lessons. About 4 or 5 years ago I got myself a 10m from 1963, I loved the huge, colourful sound that I could get out of that horn.</p><p></p><p>I am convinced however that, say 2 years prior to buying that horn, I would not have been able to get that sound out of that horn. I just didn't have the breath support, embouchure, and other technical abilities to get that sound. So don't rush into buying gear to get a certain sound, practice will deliver more results.</p><p></p><p>After a couple of years trying to get to grips with that horn, I went to London to try out some modern horns that might get me a similar sound, but with modern ergonomics. The key layout and ergonomics on the 10m are quite different to the Yamaha that I had started on. But the change is manageable. But my bari also has the modern key layout, and I still feel more comfortable with that layout.</p><p></p><p>I found 2 horns that came very close to the sound that I wanted, the Rampone & Canzanni R1 Jazz and the Eastman 52’nd street (with the M-neck). I also tried the TJ-signature (very curious about that one because Stephen has been praising it so much), but that sound was more along the lines of that Yamaha than the Conn, not what I was looking for.</p><p>So if I were to get myself a tenor now, I would be going for a Rampone. Based on my (very limited) experience with that brand in London, I got myself a Rampone curved soprano that I am taking lessons on right now. I like it very much.</p><p></p><p>So I would conclude, don’t rush into buying a new (or second hand) horn. Try lot’s of horns, by all means, but don’t feel compelled to buy any of them as long as they don’t grab you……</p></blockquote><p></p>

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