The Ray Farr Signature Raw Brass flugel horn
You can sum the instrument up in one word - spectacular!!
As I play for a lower section band I know I won’t ever be as good as the stars in the top bands in the world, so when it comes to buying the instrument that suits me, I know it has to have very specific requirements to help me as a player.
We all want to improve, but it does help much more when you have an instrument that allows you to do that over time – and not just as a quick fix.
Decision
I took the decision to buy the Ray Farr Signature Raw Brass flugel horn after my musical director asked me to use the one the band owned instead of my own – a much loved Eastman.
The Yamaha I was given didn’t suit me, but as I was determined to improve and given a great deal of thought to what the MD had highlighted, I started my own research and tested the flugel horn waters, with a new Yamaha, Bach, King, Courtois etc.
Take time
I was determined to take my time, and make sure my money was well spent (I don’t intend buying another before I hang up my boots), so I was more than pleased after reading the review of the Ray Farr ‘Signature’ flugel I managed to get my eager hands on one.
First impressions are of course important, so I was taken pleasantly by surprise by the tonal response and sonorous sound is wonderful – all allied to intonation that is spot on in all areas of the dynamic scale and range.
What really stood out however was that due to the unique way that the bell section is suspended, the sound really had a lovely warm ‘ring’ to it.
Acidic
Build quality and the craftsmanship looked and felt second to none as each instrument is hand crafted and built to customer order.
That was very important to me, as due to my skin being very acidic I needed to make sure that I wasn’t going to have an instrument that loses its silver plate or lacquer quickly.
When I told Mike Bosley, the Raw Brass craftsman who was to build my new flugel, his eyes lit up – as he saw it as a positive challenge and not an insurmountable problem.
As a result, he suggested my flugel by plated with silver and gold – the ideal solution that wouldn’t endanger the tonal qualities of the instrument and would mean many years of shiny looks into the bargain too.
Intonation
After a comprehensive discussion about my other playing needs, the instrument that was produced was sliver plated with a gold plated bell and gold trimmings.
Triggers on the first and third slides were added at no extra cost as Tony Rodwell felt that it would also help with intonation needs when blending the instruments sound into that of the whole band ensemble.
Tuning in lower section bands can vary greatly at times!
Customer service
However, what really impressed me was the level of customer service which allowed me to have a free three week trial on my new instrument to make sure I was totally happy with it before buying it.
I needn’t have worried though – as well before the trial period was up I was ‘sold’.
Build quality
The build quality was exceptional, the intonation and tuning bang on the button thanks to the instruments inherent characteristics and flexibility offered by the triggers and my tone now had greater warmth and depth of character.
It can be blown a fair bit too – but you don’t need to, as the mellow sound is distinctive even at bold dynamic levels.
It has also mean that I now come away from rehearsals with some lip left instead of coming away totally knackered.
The horn responds extremely well in all dynamics especially when pushed - it doesn't get distorted or harsh but remains mellow. Loud - but mellow!
Summing up
How do I sum up my new purchase?
What would once be considered a flugel horn of exclusivity is in reality the perfect inclusive instrument – for committed players at all levels of banding.
It rewards hard work and practice, and keeps delivering time after time after time.
All positives I hear you cry. Well, yes there is no down side that I can see, except for perhaps the fact that as there is no strengthening ring around the bell you need to take care of your baby, if you want to keep making it sound like an angel.
I for one will be making sure I do that – because the Ray Farr Signature Raw Brass flugel horn is worth it.
Gordon Bell
About the author:
Gordon Bell started playing with the Tullis Russell Mills Band under the supervision and direction of the respected James Miller.
He has enjoyed success as a player and has performed at the Royal Albert Hall as well as on television and radio as a session musician.
He combines his work driving buses with playing for Crewe Brass.
