Edwards T396-AR: First Impressions
- TromboneSam
- Posts: 223
- Joined: Jul 30, 2018
My Army Band just got one of these in and I have to say on first impression it is a sweet horn.
I play my .508 equipment 95% of the time but am liking this so far. Very even and responsive across the horn. To me it feels super easy to play on a Bach 4G. I usually play a much smaller rim size but even with the larger piece it didn’t even feel uncomfortable. Not sure exactly how these harmonic bridge weights will affect the horn, but I’m excited to try them out.
The art deco engraving is simple but equally stunning. As is the thumb rest.
Have any of you played one of these yet?
I play my .508 equipment 95% of the time but am liking this so far. Very even and responsive across the horn. To me it feels super easy to play on a Bach 4G. I usually play a much smaller rim size but even with the larger piece it didn’t even feel uncomfortable. Not sure exactly how these harmonic bridge weights will affect the horn, but I’m excited to try them out.
The art deco engraving is simple but equally stunning. As is the thumb rest.
Have any of you played one of these yet?
- Kdanielsen
- Posts: 609
- Joined: Jul 28, 2019
I love mine. Best tenor I’ve ever played.
- BGuttman
- Posts: 7368
- Joined: Mar 22, 2018
The T-396 was the Alessi horn. When Alessi switched to Shires, the T-396 just became a model in the Edwards arsenal. There may have been a couple of changes demanded by Alessi, although I don't think he has any more say in it. The Harmonic Pillars are still there and have been discussed elsewhere. Try different densities and lengths oriented in different directions and in all 3 positions. Each makes a subtle difference in the way the horn responds.
I personally like the new engraving -- I felt the old Alessi one was a bit over the top (gaudy) for me. I wonder if Alessi brought the gaudy engraving over to Shires.
I personally like the new engraving -- I felt the old Alessi one was a bit over the top (gaudy) for me. I wonder if Alessi brought the gaudy engraving over to Shires.
- Kdanielsen
- Posts: 609
- Joined: Jul 28, 2019
[quote="BGuttman"]The T-396 was the Alessi horn. When Alessi switched to Shires, the T-396 just became a model in the Edwards arsenal. There may have been a couple of changes demanded by Alessi, although I don't think he has any more say in it. The Harmonic Pillars are still there and have been discussed elsewhere. Try different densities and lengths oriented in different directions and in all 3 positions. Each makes a subtle difference in the way the horn responds.
I personally like the new engraving -- I felt the old Alessi one was a bit over the top (gaudy) for me. I wonder if Alessi brought the gaudy engraving over to Shires.[/quote]
They redesigned many aspects of the horn for the AR. New valve, changes to the harmonic bridge, seamed tuning slide, and modular leadpipes (the AR pipe is not the same as the either Alessi pipe btw). There are probably other changes as well.
I like the new engraving too.
I personally like the new engraving -- I felt the old Alessi one was a bit over the top (gaudy) for me. I wonder if Alessi brought the gaudy engraving over to Shires.[/quote]
They redesigned many aspects of the horn for the AR. New valve, changes to the harmonic bridge, seamed tuning slide, and modular leadpipes (the AR pipe is not the same as the either Alessi pipe btw). There are probably other changes as well.
I like the new engraving too.
- Boneuphtoner
- Posts: 61
- Joined: Jul 05, 2018
I think it is a great looking new instrument. Do people have the option of choosing different bells, slides, etc. with this model?
- tbonesullivan
- Posts: 1959
- Joined: Jul 02, 2019
[quote="Boneuphtoner"]I think it is a great looking new instrument. Do people have the option of choosing different bells, slides, etc. with this model?[/quote] No, it only comes in the one configuration. It's not a Modular horn, it's designed to be "solid state". The "harmonic bridge" allows attaching different harmonic pillars that change the resonance and response of the horn.
I also do not think that the leadpipe is removable. I don't see any knurling on the edge, unless it is press fit.
I also do not think that the leadpipe is removable. I don't see any knurling on the edge, unless it is press fit.
- BGuttman
- Posts: 7368
- Joined: Mar 22, 2018
As I recall, the Alessi leadpipe was soldered in place. Don't know if this carried over to the post-Alessi model.
- TromboneSam
- Posts: 223
- Joined: Jul 30, 2018
At first glance it looks like the leadpipe is pressfit. There’s a seam where the outer edge of it meets the cork barrel, but I don’t see any solder. Definitely not threaded though.
- Kdanielsen
- Posts: 609
- Joined: Jul 28, 2019
[quote="tbonesullivan"]<QUOTE author="Boneuphtoner" post_id="160267" time="1634576910" user_id="3490">
I think it is a great looking new instrument. Do people have the option of choosing different bells, slides, etc. with this model?[/quote] No, it only comes in the one configuration. It's not a Modular horn, it's designed to be "solid state". The "harmonic bridge" allows attaching different harmonic pillars that change the resonance and response of the horn.
I also do not think that the leadpipe is removable. I don't see any knurling on the edge, unless it is press fit.
</QUOTE>
No knurling, but it does screw in and out. I thought they made a mistake when I got mine and soldered in the leadpipe (which is a option). It comes out fine, but I do wish it was knurled.
I think it is a great looking new instrument. Do people have the option of choosing different bells, slides, etc. with this model?[/quote] No, it only comes in the one configuration. It's not a Modular horn, it's designed to be "solid state". The "harmonic bridge" allows attaching different harmonic pillars that change the resonance and response of the horn.
I also do not think that the leadpipe is removable. I don't see any knurling on the edge, unless it is press fit.
</QUOTE>
No knurling, but it does screw in and out. I thought they made a mistake when I got mine and soldered in the leadpipe (which is a option). It comes out fine, but I do wish it was knurled.
- TromboneSam
- Posts: 223
- Joined: Jul 30, 2018
I stand corrected! Does anyone know if these horns will fit in the eastman fiberglass tenor cases?
- Burgerbob
- Posts: 6327
- Joined: Apr 23, 2018
[quote="TromboneSam"]I stand corrected! Does anyone know if these horns will fit in the eastman fiberglass tenor cases?[/quote]
I don't know why it wouldn't.
I don't know why it wouldn't.
- harrisonreed
- Posts: 6479
- Joined: Aug 17, 2018
I love my 396-A. I know it's not the same horn.
One thing I've noticed with the harmonic pillars, if you really want to see how great of a roll those are, try this:
Put the copper #3 or #2 pillar in the bell side hole, with the threads "up", towards the tuning slide. Put the long copper pillar in the middle hole, with the threads facing "down", away from the tuning slide.
In a large room, like your rehearsal hall, try playing with the long pillar screwed in only enough for the threads to peek through the bridge. You may notice that your sound really projects and slaps off the walls. Now try screwing the large pillar in all the way. You'll notice that you can throw a ton of air and fill the entire room with sound.
Try the two things above in a small practice room. By just moving the large pillar in and out, with everything in between also available, you can actually tune the whole horn to play and feel the exact same way no matter what kind of room you're in, or what kind of crap/people is in the room absorbing sound. Gone are the days of being limited by a tiny practice room. It's crazy!
One thing I've noticed with the harmonic pillars, if you really want to see how great of a roll those are, try this:
Put the copper #3 or #2 pillar in the bell side hole, with the threads "up", towards the tuning slide. Put the long copper pillar in the middle hole, with the threads facing "down", away from the tuning slide.
In a large room, like your rehearsal hall, try playing with the long pillar screwed in only enough for the threads to peek through the bridge. You may notice that your sound really projects and slaps off the walls. Now try screwing the large pillar in all the way. You'll notice that you can throw a ton of air and fill the entire room with sound.
Try the two things above in a small practice room. By just moving the large pillar in and out, with everything in between also available, you can actually tune the whole horn to play and feel the exact same way no matter what kind of room you're in, or what kind of crap/people is in the room absorbing sound. Gone are the days of being limited by a tiny practice room. It's crazy!
- Tbonepts
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Dec 21, 2023
Should be receiving mine in the next few weeks. Can’t wait. Plus 1 for the little guys!
- CalgaryTbone
- Posts: 1460
- Joined: May 10, 2018
Just got mine a few days ago - great horn! The section had lots of good feedback when I brought it into the opera pit the other night. Looking forward to Bruckner 6th next week!
Jim Scott
Jim Scott
- Aznguyy
- Posts: 664
- Joined: May 01, 2018
[quote="Burgerbob"]<QUOTE author="TromboneSam" post_id="160282" time="1634586843" user_id="3584">
I stand corrected! Does anyone know if these horns will fit in the eastman fiberglass tenor cases?[/quote]
I don't know why it wouldn't.
</QUOTE>
Maybe the trigger would stick out too much?
I stand corrected! Does anyone know if these horns will fit in the eastman fiberglass tenor cases?[/quote]
I don't know why it wouldn't.
</QUOTE>
Maybe the trigger would stick out too much?
- Burgerbob
- Posts: 6327
- Joined: Apr 23, 2018
[quote="Aznguyy"]<QUOTE author="Burgerbob" post_id="160287" time="1634589105" user_id="3131">
I don't know why it wouldn't.[/quote]
Maybe the trigger would stick out too much?
</QUOTE>
More than other similar horns?
I don't know why it wouldn't.[/quote]
Maybe the trigger would stick out too much?
</QUOTE>
More than other similar horns?
- Gazabone
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Mar 21, 2025
Mine arrived earlier this week. Initially a bit disappointed as it seemed deader and harder work than my other horns. However, I read on a post here that the copper in the bell side slot of the harmonic bridge works well. Wow, what a difference, the horn really came to life!
- harrisonreed
- Posts: 6479
- Joined: Aug 17, 2018
Yeah, try long copper in the middle hole towards the tuning slide. I also like the copper #2 facing towards the bell flare, closest to the bell.
(This is the reverse of my suggestion from 4 years ago!)
(This is the reverse of my suggestion from 4 years ago!)
- harrisonreed
- Posts: 6479
- Joined: Aug 17, 2018
[quote="BGuttman"]The T-396 was the Alessi horn. When Alessi switched to Shires, the T-396 just became a model in the Edwards arsenal. There may have been a couple of changes demanded by Alessi, although I don't think he has any more say in it. The Harmonic Pillars are still there and have been discussed elsewhere. Try different densities and lengths oriented in different directions and in all 3 positions. Each makes a subtle difference in the way the horn responds.
I personally like the new engraving -- I felt the old Alessi one was a bit over the top (gaudy) for me. I wonder if Alessi brought the gaudy engraving over to Shires.[/quote]
I am really late to the party ... But the T-396A had almost no engraving on it. Mine just has the standard Edwards Instruments script, and then a very small engraving of Alessi's autograph. The bell is completely bare, otherwise.
I personally like the new engraving -- I felt the old Alessi one was a bit over the top (gaudy) for me. I wonder if Alessi brought the gaudy engraving over to Shires.[/quote]
I am really late to the party ... But the T-396A had almost no engraving on it. Mine just has the standard Edwards Instruments script, and then a very small engraving of Alessi's autograph. The bell is completely bare, otherwise.