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Adams Musical Instruments - Together in Music

Help in Finding the Right Flugelhorn for You

At Adams, you’ll receive expert advice! At first glance, all flugelhorns may look similar, with occasional differences in finish or shape. But which one suits you best? Below, we provide guidelines to help you find the perfect flugelhorn. We’ll discuss playing level, music genre, budget, brands, materials, models, and appearance.

What Kind of Player Are You?

It's essential to first determine the player's skill level. We usually categorize musicians into three groups: beginners, advanced, and professionals. Beginners are still learning the basic skills, while advanced flugelhorn players have several years of experience and are developing their own style. The last category includes professional artists and very experienced players.

Whether you're just starting out with the flugelhorn or have several years of experience, one of our flugelhorn specialists is always ready to help you find the flugelhorn that suits you best. We recommend speaking with a specialist about your preferences before purchasing a flugelhorn. They will guide you through different brands and models to try out.

What Kind of Music?

Most flugelhorns can be divided into two main categories: flugelhorns for classical music and flugelhorns for lighter music. Lighter music includes genres such as jazz, pop, and rock. Flugelhorns suitable for classical music are typically played in groups, such as an orchestra or brass section, and need to blend well with other (wind) instruments. They should produce a harmonious sound that melds with the tones of other instruments. On the other hand, flugelhorns for lighter music are often used as solo instruments or in small ensembles, where they might be the only brass instrument. As a result, they can have a livelier, more focused sound that stands out in the mix of other instruments.

Which Brand is the Best Choice?

You pay extra for a brand, and this principle applies to flugelhorns as well. This is due to two important reasons. First, these brands have a solid reputation. They often have a long history of building flugelhorns and make excellent use of the experience gained over time. Since making flugelhorns still requires a lot of craftsmanship, this expertise is invaluable. The second, more practical reason is that flugelhorns from reputable brands typically have parts that are easier to obtain and available for longer when repairs are needed. This significantly extends the lifespan of your flugelhorn, allowing you to enjoy it for many more years. Some well-known brands worth considering include Bach, Yamaha, and of course, Adams.

Which Flugelhorn Material Suits You?

Almost all flugelhorns have a leadpipe and valve casing made from brass due to its strength and excellent sound transmission. However, the bell is often made from a different material, which creates subtle differences in sound. The most commonly used metals for flugelhorn bells are: brass, gold brass, sterling silver, bronze, and copper.

Read more about the different materials

How to Find the Right Model?

By now, you likely have an idea of your skill level, the type of music you want to play, and your preferred material. You may have even identified a few brands that feel right for you. Typically, a brand offers several models that meet your criteria. To find the right model, it's recommended to try out these flugelhorns at a music store, such as Adams Music Centre. Contact the store in advance to check which models they have available in their showroom and to schedule an appointment with a specialist. Be sure to inform the specialist of your specific preferences so they can recommend other models or brands you may have overlooked.

If multiple versions of the model you're interested in are available, it's advisable to try them all. Since flugelhorns are often handmade, there can be small differences between instruments of the same model.

Testing a Flugelhorn

How Should Your Flugelhorn Look?

Finally, consider the appearance of your flugelhorn. If you want the instrument to have a certain look or add a personal touch, the finish becomes important. There are various finish options for flugelhorns, but the most common are lacquer or silver plating.

Finish

  • Raw Polished: This is not a specific finish; the raw material is simply polished, allowing you to hear the true material of the flugelhorn. However, a flugelhorn without a specific finish is more prone to oxidation.
  • Lacquered: Compared to an untreated instrument, a lacquered flugelhorn will produce a slightly warmer and more even sound. Lacquered instruments often come in options like gold lacquer or antique lacquer. The type of lacquer does not affect the sound.
  • Silver-Plated: This finish gives the sound a sparkling quality and slightly enhances projection.
  • Gold-Plated: A gold-plated instrument sounds nearly identical to the raw material in its original state.

Engraving

Engraving can only be done during the production phase of an instrument, meaning that a personalized engraving is generally only available on custom-made models. However, some manufacturers include a standard engraving on certain models to add an extra touch to the instrument.

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Music Centre Ittervoort
Aziƫstraat 17-19
6014 DA Ittervoort
+31(0)475 560 700
[email protected]
Music Centre Lummen (BE)
Bosstraat 73
3560 Lummen
+32(0)13 35 20 20
[email protected]