I haven’t seen a Schilke in years but some of my friends had them growing up and I always thought they made a nice sound. I need to go into a a decent music shop (if I can find one!) and play through their stock again soon. It’s been a while.

Thanks for your comment, but I lost the flow of your story at the end. You where told to “get a life” by an adjudicator? That’s nice hey? What where your opinions that got that response.

I have had a few comments that where a little too aggressive to let through onto the site but some had enlightening and positive points to them.

Away from those; Thanks to Brian Jones who pointed out that Eddie Severn had a hand in the development of the Taylor Flugel and also that Clause Deppa plays on a Taylor. I’ve played with Claude (since the article was written a couple of years ago) and he’s a brilliant trumpet player. I didn’t know know either of these facts and respect these trumpet players a great deal.

I can’t take back my first post on these trumpets and nor would I want to. I’m still not a fan of Taylor Trumpets but I would give them another chance to have a play with. I’d also say that although I might have grown up with idiots who played these trumpets (perhaps further tainting my views on them) it’s clear that this is untrue for the entire spectrum and most that I’ve exchanged emails and comments with seem friendly and humble chaps. Thanks

I’m really happy about the discussions that have come from this and what I’ve learnt – so there you go

Just as a final remark:
Again I’m flattered that some morons out there assume that my word is gospel and fail to grasp that instead they are merely my opinions and that this is a discussion. Please take this point on board. I think the Taylor players have made a great stand and made many good points here so if you are a moron or an idiot-hole, don’t bother leaving a comment .

Secondly, as a trombonist myself I have NO idea about Taylor trumpets, BUT I can see where Matt is coming from about preferring certain makes of instruments over others.

I remember when I was playing with a certain brass band (who’s name I won’t mention!) that the conductor was a sponsor for them, and he tried to push this make on to me in the short time I was in the band. I gave it a go, but absolutely HATED it! It sounded tinny, crass, looked ugly and now I won’t touch one with a 20-foot barge pole – no that’s harsh to the barge pole – I wouldn’t touch it AT ALL! It was horrible!

BUT some people liked them – And these people, to me, are plonkers, but that doesn’t mean I’m right and the God of trombones, it’s just my preference.

Now, where did I put my Shires Bass trombone…? Mmmmmmm, there you are you lovely thing!

Nick M

Thank you for putting that to rest.

Good luck with the carreer, and look forward to recieving a copy of your new CD. (That was a free plug for you. See, I’m not so hard after all!)

All the best.

Andy T.

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I have no other comments on this issue but I’m glad you’ve had your chance at a rebuttal. It’s been a very interesting exchange to have with you and I thank you again for your time. We seem to have very different views so I hope you’ll make a return visit to the site to offer a counterpoint to my thoughts and opinions in the future.

Until then, I wish you all the best in your future plans.

Got your attention then, in much the same way you got mine. If that was your idea of a ‘slightly satirical poke’ then I’d hate to see you angry! No mate, that took time to compose and think out. You knew exactly what you were doing. Your talent for twisting words is admirable, if such a talent can be described that way. I take my hat off to you. Remind me not to get into a debate session with you. Perhaps you’ve missed out on your true vocation in life as a politician. Mandelson and Adams come to mind. This is a compliment, you’re up there with these guys!

To address an issue, to coin your phrase. I can’t make a trumpet, but I can play one. Mmm.. that gives you the knowledge and experience to critisize people who can make a trumpet? So, by that reasoning as I can play the trumpet as well (maybe not in your league, but I know a trick or two. I’m 51 now and learnt to play when I was 14. You can do the sums. I started getting paid for gigs when I was 16, and still manage a few ‘profitable’ ones.) So that puts me in a good position to critisize your or any other players technical and musical abilities!! Don’t panic, that’s not likely to happen, just making a valid point. Unless you’re going to turn that around as well!

On the quality of work issue. Taylor Trumpets is a product we make. We make other specialized components, mostly bells for other brass manufacturers. Now if you consider Paxman French horns to be anything other than ‘Top Draw’ then we are in trouble. The reason we make the bells for them? Coz we know what we are doing and can do a damn good job at it. Other top level makers prefer not to say where they buy certain parts from and I respect their wishes, nice to know you managed to ridicule them as well. And the companies we make whole instruments for with their names on, and the custom makers we do the prototyping for. Do i need to go on?

On the issue of ‘other taylor users’. I really think you should have done you homework before coming up with that chestnut! There are some I would stake money on being far better than you, in a far better proffesional position than you, and you basically refered to them as tossers! You see, as ‘most’ Taylors are fairly ordinary looking horns they blend in and pass under the radar quite easily. Because you only see what you want to see…. do I really need to go on? Your an intelligent person, so I hope not.

Tell you want. You stick to playing, and I’ll stick to making. There, that wasn’t so painful was it. Or is my sense of humour not up to your level?

Kindest regards.

Andy Taylor.

PS… I’m not bothered if you post this or not, I just want to put accross my view to you.