LentheLessons


StudioLenthe


Prelude


Barat
Andante et Allegro


David
Konzertino



Rimsky-Korsakov Concerto



Guilmant
Morceau Symphonique


















































































































































































 

 

 

 

 

Equipment comparisons

At some time or other, an important part of any instrumentalist's career is being able to compare different pieces of equipment. Whether mouthpieces, leadpipes, or entire trombones, for your own use, or to evaluate for others - this is an interesting exercise in astute listening and exact verbalization (the semantics of sound, as it were), as well as a study in subjectivity.

Sometimes a definite qualitative comparison is needed ("I like that one better"), sometimes a judgment neutral response is called for (e.g.: "supple and vibrant" versus "thick and rich").

The first exercise in this context is Trombone A versus Trombone 1 (no qualitative judgment in the title!). More will follow in the weeks and months ahead.

Have fun - hone your listening and verbalization skills!

 

Trombone A versus Trombone 1

These are short comparisons between two different instruments. Have a listen and let me know if you can discern and describe a difference (the verbalization alone is a good exercise).

"Trombone A" always plays first (and is almost always announced as such), "Trombone 1" always plays 2nd (and I think I announced it each time.) Both instruments were played in the exact same position, as far as room and microphone go, and - as far as I was able - both were played with the same intensity, dynamic, and delivery. Please excuse my little scrapes and wobbles along the way. I hope they don't detract from the comparison.

Here they are, once each:

Trombone A

or click here

Trombone 1

or click here

In the following files, you will hear the two instruments back-to-back.

Come hear!

or click here

Noodle in F

or click here

Bolero

or click here

Scale down

or click here

Rota

or click here

This is a simple test, and one designed to explore not only the possibility of using this medium for these purposes, but also to generate and refine ideas, practices, and semantics in the process of comparing equipment. What criteria do you use to compare? Most instrumentalists will frequently be in the position of having to compare equipment. What are your "semantics of sound"?

Thank you for any minutes you can spend with this, and for replying to me with your feedback and insights. Don't be afraid to state a clear favorite between the two choices. If possible, describe and quantify it as best you can.

I will divulge the particulars of each instrument to the individual respondees when enough replies have been logged.

Click here to email me
your thoughts!

Thanks!

Carl Lenthe