The Schagerl Aglaea is by far the easiest blowing trumpet that I've ever owned. I have played literally thousands of trumpets over the years as I was a brass repair technician, and managed a very successful Brass and Woodwind store in Melbourne (Australia). Being in such a position allowed me to sink my teeth into many horns, and so I feel I can speak with some form of authority.
As a professional jazz and studio musician I wanted something that will blend within a section, yet offer a sound with personality of its own. The valves are always fast and the slides are as smooth as silk.
The tone is extremely versatile. I have always favoured a darker timbre, which when played softly the Aglaea offers, without being too foggy. Yet when pushed, the sound opens up and becomes lively, rich and complex, but never “laser like”. My Schagerl trumpet never backs up, and responds like no other trumpet I have played before.
In general larger-bore trumpets offer greater volume and carrying power, but they require more effort to play, but the Aglaea is so efficient that I never feel like I am working hard. The “slots” are so immediate, and locked on, that sometimes, it’s as if I am the listener – not the player!
Being able to play without adjusting for poor intonation on virtually every note allows me to forget about the horn and focus on the music. It also offers me far greater endurance, as I do not have to “muscle” notes into tune and tire my embouchure.
The Aglaea performs brilliantly across the entire range of the horn, even when played in the extreme register of the trumpet the notes still come out easily and controlled with a BIG sound.
The heavy weight is ideally suited for small band jazz, lead playing and for soloists, but does not stick out in sectional playing. I find the Aglaea incredibly versatile and can used for classical, jazz, lead or studio work. I could not recommend the Aglaea enough for a truly reliable, consistent and free blowing trumpet.
Do yourself a favour and check these horns out!
Musically yours,
Eric Budd
Multi-instrumentalist
Australia
