Please check back for more testimonials in the near future.
After owning many various brands and types of Bb trumpets through the years, I'd have to say that the Austin Stage 470LT is one of the finest horns I've played. Being partial to a larger bore horn, the response I get from this horn is awesome. The horn also allows for a nice round deep tone in the middle registers and a great cutting edge in the "dogs crying" range. Great for lead, solo and general playing!!! If you haven't tried one yet, you're missing out!
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Keith Fiala, Former Trumpeter with Maynard's Big Bop Nouveau Band
I love the horn, it is very efficient (all the energy i put into it comes out the bell) and the sound is GIGANTIC. I would compare it to the Monette Prana 3 and LTJ instruments, respectively, and at a MUCH better price. I really like the power i can get out of it in the upper register, but it is just as easy to play a more layed back feel throughout the register for small group jazz. Orchestra exerpts are alos a blast to play: Pines offstage, Mahler 5, Ballerina, they all come out great. Articulation is nice and spot on when doing multiple tonguing, no fuzzyness that i would associate with a big and heavy-ish horn. The standard leadpipe is an excellent fit for the monette mouthpieces.
I have settled on a configuration that includes the heavy trim kit and default springs you had in it. I have, however, removed the O-rings on the bottom caps and this seems to make the horn a little more lively and resonant while still being focused. All I can say is that its astonishing how much of a difference the horn makes for my sound concept, and it really compliments my approach to playing and even got me to losen up a bit and play more relaxed.
I'll let you know how the gig goes this weekend, playing all kinds of big band stuff from lead to solo. And have a few guys to let play the horn. Thanks for a great horn!
Derek Ganong, California
I recently purchased an Austin Winds Stage 470LT with a bronze bell and am loving it!! It gives me a nice dark tone but still cuts when I need it to. The large bore gives the horn a very free blowing feel. The partials slot very well and the intonation is also very good. I've always been partial to light-weight horns, so that aspect is also attractive to me. Kudos to everyone at Austin Winds for a great horn design.
-Shane Pitsch, Austin freelance musician and teacher
Recently I purchased the Statge470lt with the bronze bell and optional heavy trim.
I've always liked trumpets in the .462 to .464 bore size range and found the .468 and .470 bores a little too big. But not this horn. It is very easy to play for a horn this size. The Bronze bell supplies a colorfull, expressive dark tone that is great for jazz soloing but around high C and above this horn gets Nasty and can really scream. It's like two horns in one. If you like an open free blowing horn with color and expressivenes, you gotta check one of these out.
Stan Harrison, South Plainfield, N.J
Hi Doug & David,
Glad you called and got to hear the customer’s first note played on the first American made Destino delivered! It was beautiful wasn’t it? The gold plated 5* is an incredibly beautiful instrument with a sweet singing sound but tough enough for powerful players . I’m very happy that Alan found your website and you became our dealer. This internet transaction did not lose any of the personal touches necessary for a successful business relationship even though there is 1500 miles between us. You can include my cell phone number, 804-248-0913, with this testimony since I was the skeptic who checked Austin Winds out thoroughly before we made the transaction.
I particularly appreciated your team work with both Buffet-Crampon and Kanstul. You guys must network heavily because by evening, Doc called and we talked for 45 minutes! Here is a picture of me holding my new Desi. Alan is anxiously awaiting his 3* - its name will be Dino. When it arrives, we will get some pictures of both of us and our Destinos, Desi and Dino. Thanks again,
-Virginia Craig, Co-owner GIGS, Inc
After playing on MF Horns, the ZEUS Olympus 1000, Callet (NY model), and various other pro horns, I finally landed the Austin Winds Stage 470LT and loved it after 5 minutes of playing on it. Being used to the large bore horns it was an easy transition for me. Nevertheless, the color and tone of sound produced is incrediblly addicting. Originally from San Antonio and now living in Florida, I try and promote the horn to my fellow trumpeters out here. I love that rich, full, dark sound I get while playing w/ my big band.
Rudy Flores Jr., Former U.S. Navy Band, Latin Train Salsa Band.
I've tried out a lot of professional trumpets in the last 2 months and this whole package can't be beat. I've tried all three of these horns, Brass, Copper and Bronze and decided the Brass works best for me. They are very free blowing, sound full and wonderful and are easily worth much more than they are asking ! But don't tell them that!
Joey Capps, Austin, TX
The Stage470LT is most assuredly a beautiful piece of work. My compliments!! Moreover, I've been playing the trumpet and am as impressed with it as with any I have ever played previously
more so, in fact... And I can see that I made a very good call in purchasing an Austin. Furthermore, a more thorough inspection of your entire package has convinced me that you have most definitely gone the proverbial "extra mile" >>> And that is something I have a great deal of appreciation and respect for - especially in this day and age! Thanks for the extras - and your attention to detail.
The bottom line: Like a special woman who requires a second look in order to appreciate her to the fullest - this horn is a Keeper!! What's more, I feel fortunate to have gotten in before your convention and the subsequent forming of The Waiting List...
Denny Moss, M.A. - Bakersfield, CA
