Which picc?

Kehaulani

Back in the '60s, Getzen put out a newsletter and a regular contributor was an American (I think North Texas ex) who was working in the Eastern European countries and he used the Getzen high-pitched horns, professionally. What happened?

p.s. ring a bell? Does anybody remember who this was?)

Newell Post

Barliman:

Have you ever played an Eterna picc? I had one and, even for a mostly recreational player like me, it just wasn't very good. Also, USD 1,500 is a lot to pay for one. I sold mine for about $950 as I recall (in very good condition). And that was more than I paid for it. I haven't been able to try one of Trent's "doubler" horns, but it is entirely possible they are better than the Eterna picc.

barliman2001

Well, the Getzen Eterna picc escaped me, and Trent has agreed to find me one of his ACB Doubler piccs, so as soon as he accepts my money, I'll try it out and report.

barliman2001

To put an end to all you people getting blue in the face holding your breath for news of the ACB Doubler picc...
It Has Arrived.
Sturdy box big enough for a euphonium. Lots of bubblewrap, then a nice lightweight case with a big outside pocket and rings for either a shoulder strap or backpack straps. Two straps provided.
Sturdy zipper.
And then...
more bubblewrap
A nice fabric leadpipe pouch with a spare A leadpipe
A nondescript 7C mouthpiece (not a bad one, as they go)...
and one gorgeous ACB Doubler piston picc in yellow brass with satin lacquer.
Nice finish, nice to touch. Comfortable to hold. And then...
Surprisingly easy to play (a Selmer is much harder, and even the Stomvi Elite is not as free-blowing). Intonation is superb - not much facial acrobatics needed to keep in tune in all ranges. And the tone is quite pleasant as well. Needs a bit of getting used to, but that's with every picc.
At that price (Trent was so kind as to ask the show demo price, and included the second leadpipe) I am very, very happy!
Oh yes, what did I pay?
$ 685, and had to pay another 100 bucks import duties (collected by the postman).
Still very happy. First official outing is a concert with the Vienna Lakeside Music Academy for their concert "Over and Under" featuring music from animated movies, 25 January. So now I'll have to do a bit of practising!
Trent, thanks!!

edfitzvb

Wonderful to see a happy ending between 2 people who I hold in esteem.

Kehaulani

@edfitzvb
Was there a conflict?

edfitzvb

There was obvious confusion and disappointment, and a cultural miscommunication as to what constitutes a sale.....
To me, disagreement constitutes conflict. Perhaps it is a matter of semantics

barliman2001

All's well that ends well.

ACB

@barliman2001 I agree completely! Thank you for your patience and flexibility.

barliman2001

@ACB said in Which picc?:

@barliman2001 I agree completely! Thank you for your patience and flexibility.

I return the compliment.

barliman2001

Now that everything has dissolved into broad smiles, I am closing the thread. Thanks for watching and commenting.

barliman2001

Really had to unlock the thread again after yesterday...
Ok, first rehearsal with the ACB picc. Descant part for "Fairytale" (out of Shrek).
Orchestra horribly sharp. No problem with the ACB - you can tune it up to C.
In the part, it really sang. My trumpet partner in crime (trumpet student at Vienna's Music University) was impressed and said so, wanted to try it... did try it, with a few excerpts from Torelli and Michael Haydn... gave it back, cursing all the while.
I asked him why?
Well, turns out he only last week bought a brand spanking new gold-plated Scherzer, for an outrageous $ 5.600,-, and now likes the ACB better!

administrator

This conversation has really given me the itch to start collecting trumpets again!

barliman2001

@administrator said in Which picc?:

This conversation has really given me the itch to start collecting trumpets again!

Follow your itch!

barliman2001

Ok, as promised, here's the report from the first concert with the ACB picc.
Read about "Acoustics" - description of the very unconventional hall we played in. Lots of open spaces, lots of glass, two staircases... during rehearsal, sound just vanished. At the performance, the ACB without amp easily filled the hall without effort, blended well with all the brass section of the orchestra (one Lechner Bb, one Cerveny tenor horn, one K&H trombone and a really ancient Lidl tuba). No problem with intonation even after a long wait for it being played - only used in the final piece.
Audience were thrilled, gave us 14 minutes of applause. I'm content.