Getzen Severinsen Homecoming
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Forgive me if you must, but I had to share this account. I had been playing my restored 1962 Leblanc 707 Sonic since picking up trumpet again after a layoff driven by a medical concern. The 707 Sonic is a wonderful trumpet with strong personal associations for me, but it is also a work of art, in my opinion, with its beautiful intricate engraving. I worried about damaging it at rehearsals and concerts, which is foolishness I suppose, but that is what I felt. This worry intensified recently after I lightly bumped its bell on the resilient flooring of my community band's rehearsal hall. Fortunately, there was no damage.
I have owned a couple of Getzen Severinsens. I sold my last one shortly after I began my medical layoff, when it seemed doubtful that I could play trumpet anymore. Once I began playing again, it did not take long for me to miss having a Severinsen. So I began a search and ended up finding a Severinsen time capsule from 1974-75. This horn is in remarkably good shape - nearly like new! Even the case, with keys, is in excellent condition!
As I began playing it, I was reminded of all of the reasons why I am so fond of these horns. The sound I obtain and the accuracy I experience are extremely satisfying. And, while it has become annoying for some to read it, those Getzen valves are simply great!
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I played the Severinsen at North Texas, in an AF band hitch and in pop cover bands. Matter of fact, I sat next to a guy in a professional big band who had played lead for Woody Herman, and Stan Kenton, et al. , and subsequently a first-call L.A. studio musician who played a Getzen. Wonderful horn. I've owned one since.
I always felt that the Benges were a little warmer so, when I could afford those vs. the Getzens, I deferred to those.
Ref valves , with the exception of once, I've never had a horn with bad valves so I'm not sure of the superiority of Getzen valves.
For their use, Severinsen/Benge . . just what moves you. You can't go wrong with the Getzen.
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I have a 1980 Getzen Eterna 900. I was told the 1979 model Eterna was the last year Doc Severinsen had his name on the Eterna. They informed me none of the specs changed from the Severinsen from the final year. That’s all I have to go by, so anyway I am very very happy with my Eterna, which by the way, still looks like new and........the valves are fantastic.....
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The current Getzen 900 Eterna I played for the last two years is a L bore one, made in 1992. I like this horn a lot, not only for the playability but for the sound she generates as well. I play her along with a Getzen Eterna 700s, the 900 I use in a symphony orchestra, the 700 I use for non classical music since the latter has a more brighter sound which helps along electric guitars and so on
A few months ago I had the opportunity to try a Eterna 900 ML from 1978, a Severinsen model although that was not written on the bell but guess what: I didn't like it!
The 70's Eterna to me was too much free blowing so I sold her. I guess I like horns with resistance in the blowFunny thing is that the '92 LB Eterna has way more resistance in the blow rather than the '78 ML Eterna; another proof that bore sizes say little to nothing
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I appreciate your posts and observations folks. Thank you. It has been a little tough for me to put down this Sev since it was delivered to my home. I didn’t have to do much acclimation to the horn. Quite frankly, it just felt natural in my hands - probably a muscle memory thing.
Just for fun, I thoroughly cleaned the old Getzen 5C mouthpiece that came with the horn. It is in good shape except for the insertion end being just slightly out of round. It worked and felt great and I have been using it ever since. I had been using a Bach 3C previously.
I finished my second practice session this evening with some favorite tunes: Summertime, Tijuana Taxi, Embraceable You. It was pleasing and gratifying to experience the expressiveness that was mine with this horn/mouthpiece combination. This outfit really sings!
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Last week I run into another Getzen 900 Eterna, this time a ML-bore from 1986. Build in the same way as my 900 LB (so the brace NOT in the tuning slide like the Severinsen and the recent 'Classic' models but placed between the lead pipe and the tube that goes straight into the 3th valve. The bell diameter is a little different; the ML bell is a little smaller) but sound wise different: the ML is way brighter than the sound delivered by the bell of the LB horn (played with the same mouthpiece). The 1986 Eterna 900 ML has a broader sound rather like my Eterna 700s
Playing characteristics are approximate the same speaking about resistance in the blow however, I find the ML a little an easier player
Funny how different the Getzen Eterna 900 can play
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Just bought a 1964 Eterna serial number SK793. The S indicates Severinsen but the bell only says Eterna By Getzen
The bore at the second valve tube measures .450 with a caliper. I thought these were .460's?
