ACB Trumpet Showdown! 2020 Adams A9 vs 1945 Martin Committee! Which Will Win?
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- čas přidán 22. 10. 2020
- [Links in description] People have been requesting this showdown for a while but it's so hard to keep Committees in stock for long enough! There are a couple big differences between these horns so I wanted to make sure to do this showdown while I had the chance.
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1:30 Physical comparison overview
3:30 In a Sentimental Mood
5:20 Arban
6:25 Ornithology
7:26 Improvisation
9:22 Easy Lover (prototype lead mouthpiece)
11:00 Halsey Stevens (Schagerl Apredato 1C)
One big difference is that the Adams has 1 piece bell, but bell bends are pretty similar. Adams made bending mandrels and bell mandrels just for the A9, to get very close to the Committee bell design.
Both have trombone-style water keys, similar slide placement, no first valve slide adjuster, similar bracing, and both have reverse tuning slides. The A9 valve block is a little different although it shares a similar shape with the Committee block.
I helped with the design of the A9 and we wanted to keep the vibe of the Committee while also making it slightly more versatile. Of course it's hard to compare a 1945 horn to a 2020 horn just because the Adams has brand new valves with great tolerances and no wear. But let's do it anyway!
Audio is totally raw, straight from the mic to the camera with no reverb or sweetening of any kind. Please post what you hear in the comments! What are some of the differences? What sounds similar? Which one is your favorite?
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The 1959 martin committee i got from my dad when he passed away is the reason why I play trumpet, its so beautiful and whenever I play it I think of him
Disclaimer-I’m the proud owner of a 1953 Deluxe large bore Committee, which I purchased from a woman whose mother bought it for her in 1965 from a music store in Sugarland, Texas. She played it in high school, and then put it away for over 54 years. When she decided to sell it, I was the first in line. I bought it sight unseen, and without ever having played a large bore Committee. Compared to my daily big band ax (Yamaha Miyashiro) it’s almost like a different instrument, and I’d be lying if I said it was easy to play. That said, there’s just nothing like it. The feel of it, the blow, the sound, they’re all completely unique, and from my admittedly mediocre skill set, impossible to replicate. I bought an Adams F2 flugelhorn from ACB, and am a fan of Adams horns. I was at NAMM in January and played every Committee replica at the show, including the A9, Schilke’s example, and BAC’s. In this video I hear a crispness in the A9 that is lacking in the Committee, but whereas I’d normally consider that a benefit, in this case it betrays the modern horn’s....modernness? But then I’m a guy who thinks vinyl is better than digital, and prefers the way my 54 year old Alfa Romeo handles to anything modern. If jazz is about soul, the Committee has just a little more of it than the A9. Could be placebo, could be that I just love vintage, could be that I don’t know what I’m talking about. That said, both are great horns, and Trent and ACB are great ambassadors and supporters of brass instruments. BTW-at NAMM it was the Adams A4 (not the lightweight) that I wanted to take home with me. Thanks Trent!
I agree with you. The Adams A9 sounded "modern" - maybe a little more 'open'? I think it depends what you're using them for and what you're playing that night.
The Adams sounds modern but beautiful, and the Martin has that special mid frequencies and kinda crompressed sound that only vintage horns had. The Adams souns like the raw recording and the Martin sounds like the mix and master is done
It may be my ears, but I actually like the Martin more. I have a theory that the pitch tendencies of vintage horns influence our opinion of their modern “copies”. Similar to when you did the 36B vs A6 video. Can’t deny the age gap and the difference that makes on the mechanics of a horn though!
They both have a really beautiful general overall warm sound. My opinion, A9 seems to be a little bit more compact/centered and focused. Thank you so much for demostration.
Another great demo! I think the Adams is a little purer/brighter sounding but I guess the sound difference may just be in the age. If I were a wealthy man I’d have ‘em both!!!
Trent, I don't think I could choose from just listening. Both are such beautiful sounding instruments. Just when I start leaning towards one of them, the other sounds better on another sample you play. Too close to call from just listening; would have to from blowing each of them. Thanks for the chance to hear two such beautiful trumpets.You did a wonderful job on each of them.
Well, both were amazing in your hands. I can buy an A9 everyday, not so much for a '45 Committee.
I like them both. The A9 is crisper and conveys articulations a lot cleaner, but the Martin is butter. Great vid!
I like the committee although Trent sounds great on any horn.
The Martin is darker and more mellow than the Adam's. The Adam's has just a slightly brighter sound. The sound of the Martin is slightly distorted, which is a good thing. The sound of the Adam's is a little more centered and tighter. A lot of the Martin sound comes from the two piece bell. A good Martin copy should also be a two piece bell. As a side note, I own a Martin Committee, a Lawler C7, a Schilke Handcraft and a Kanstul Handcraft. All these are great horns and have that 40s sound and are well suited for jazz. I believe the Schilke Handcraft comes closest to the Martin Committee Handcraft like Chris Botti plays. Schilke also has the original Martin bell mandrel and leadpipe reamer that Mr. Schilke used back in the late 30s and 40s. Also the size of the entrance to the Schilke bell tail is huge at .482. The leadpipe venturi is also huge at .362. When playing I generally use the Lawler C7, because it plays so in tune. Trent I always enjoy your videos and horn comparisons! I also dig your driveway sessions with your band! When Covid is finally gone, you still need to do those! Thanks! 🎺🎶🎵😎👍
I had a hard time trying to figure out
The difference.
And still not sure.I saw and listened to your video 6 times.
I think the acb9 is more crisp and responsive. The Martin is a little more relaxed but delivers it's tone perfectly. If that makes any sense.
These comparisons are awesome.
As always a joy seeing your videos.
Thank you
I love how he says the Adam's is from 2020... I don't know if that can be used as a selling point given everything else that's come out of 2020
Although the Adams is CLOSE in tone, the Committee has far truer (if that's even a word) texture and shape to each note. I'm starting to realize why the lowest I've seen these online is about $1500 yet I've seen them go for as much as $10,000!! There's NOTHING like the aged and treated brass of a vintage masterfully made horn
Great job brother...
I’ve been playing trumpet for 40 years and have 4 Martin Committees that I play at gigs and studio work.
The handcraft Committees (2 of them) slot much better and really very tight. The trombone key Committees
(I2 of them) are slippery little devils and intonation is mostly controlled by my embouchure but that’s what
makes them fun once you know the sweet spots.
The only other horn I have that comes extremely close is Jerry Callets “Jazz” with .470 step bore. That horn sounds
fantastic and slots like a king.
Good demo brother
The bell of the Martin tapers out earlier than most horns plus the step bore plus the
different metallurgy of the early 40’s brass combine to make the magic
The Martin sounds AMAZING! Adams is a purer sound but also nice!
there's some funk in that martin sound for sure!
Just listened to your interesting video on the Martin and the A9 . When you changed mouthpiece near the end of the video , both horns seemed to come alive. Mouthpieces can change the sound coming from a horn tremendously.
The Adams sounds remarkably good and close in tone to the Martin, I would buy it based on your demo!
Thanks so much! I think it's a great modern option for anyone looking for that vibe!
Trent makes all trumpet sound good!
Looks like I'm going to get the a9 soon 😂
As of now, I am using a 1981 Schilke B5L-B and a 1956 martin deluxe #2... Both lovely horns, but a bit of a pain in the @s* to bring both horns to a gig (commercial/studio & cruiseship).. Seems like the a9 will meet my needs.
For me the a9 meets the "todays" trumpet sound.
Thanks for the review trent!
The Martin has definitely a richer and more smoky color. I think those old Martin are impossible to copy perfectly. The Committees, some Imperial and some Indianas have their own personnality, their own vibes.
The A9 is really close to the Martin. The overtones seem to be the signature. You are such a great player Trent and I enjoy any instrument you demo.
The Martin has that beefy percussion like attack quality (may i compare with the „hammonorgan“click attack on the start of every note thanks) plus beautiful tone. It seems a bit louder too. The Adams shines with pure clarity and I really would see it in classical environments.
Of course the tone seems to be a bit brighter on the Adams, eventually more sleek and not too loud also..
It maybe interesting what feedback the player hears from his positions
They both sound great but the Martin is more slippery which fits your style of playing better( kind of Kenny Wheelerish ) You seem to get around a little smoother on the Martin, The Adam’s seems to want to slot a little the Martin just slides thru everything. Trent you make all the horns sound great.
I think the A9 sounds like recordings of Committees from the late 40s. It has a better front on each note which is something I think those old recordings exhibit.
Martin sounds good to me. Love my 57' deluxe
That Martin certainly has a really special sound. Adams a better choice in “the section”; Martin, hands down winner for ballads and Ornithology. However, at 75 years old, one can’t rely on it as an everyday player (which is why I retired my ‘46). Love the loose slotting.
I use a 45' committee as a everyday player, for solo and for section work. It depends obvious on your taste and preferences, for commercial work i use my 87' calicchio, but i do have to say that a lot of times i also use the martin for commercial work and it works perfectly fine!
MC sounds better to me, but I want the A9 because it’s new and looks easy to play they both sound awesome 👏
Very close basic sound, but there's a smile factor to the Martin missing from the Adams. Interesting reading below how differently people hear things - I hear more brightness from the Martin and note shapes (and I am sure you were blowing the same) that I prefer. I'm not sure that extending the bell flare was a good idea.
I like both. But the Martin has a slightly warmer tone. Maybe the copper lacquering on the A9 is brightening it up. Maybe have a similar lacquer option to the committee would work.
The A9 is just a better made horn. Maybe the committee is just warmer and harder to play. It sounds like you are fighting the Martin more than the A9.
I own a MC medium bore and an A9 large bore. The Martin intonation is very complicated , g1 is to high, ab1 is to flat, b1 is flat too. I spend a lot of time on longtones and getting the notes in tune.
The A9 is easier to handle, but it's a little bit boring, because the sound is so dark and clean, at least when I'm playing it.
The Martin does some weird things, which is great, and once everything is in tune, it plays so easy, it feels like cheating sometimes.
Both horns are great for live improvisation, because they open up and can manage high (air-)pressure playing!
I have an Adams A9L. It's a good trumpet but so hard work compared to my Smith Watkins, and much more difficult to get the higher notes. I'm probably going to sell it.
Where does one acquire that tall trumpet stand you’ve got behind you? Would be great to have one waist level by my music stand.
I like the Adams better by far. It still has the Committee vibe but more versatile, sounds easier to play and has a clarity that records much better. A great all around trumpet. I would love to hear an A9 large bore in Sterling Silver. Also I would love to hear a A9 large bore with a 2 piece bell. Overall Adams has made a very fine trumpet. Also was this a large bore A9 or medium bore? Also what bore was the Committee?
medium bore on both horns
I found that the Martin had a more centered slightly more compact sound.
I am thinking this is the final horn for Miles era jazz once I earn my samurai sword. I have played sax and clarinet for 39 years and recently got formal lessons on trumpet. I wanted a Martin, but my teacher decided it’s a scam looking for one because they are all taken or damaged. But the A9 customized I am sure is close or even better. This is probably my final jazz trumpet once I earn it.
Trent - where do you get the elastic string for the 1st and 3rd valve trigger slide. I could use one on my Manchester Brass.
Email us at info@austincustombrass.com we sell them
The Bells are the same size did I hear you say? I have a very rare bird I wish could have been included here: an early Kenosha Committee. Not the Redesign, but a hand built, Special Order horn using Elkheart Tooling and parts; with a Seamless, true One Piece, 5" Bell. At first glance, its a typical Committee. The Bell is the same shape, just a tad bigger overall. The Horn sounds unmistakably Commiittee in a Jazz setting, but has a bigger, more complex tone that goes into its own realm when pushed. Made for Miles Davis and presented to a friend in the early 70s. I think it might sound somewhere between these two horns. Your Original here sounds more focussed and compact, slightly darker and "fluffier" than the broader sound of the Adams; which reminds me a lot of my horn. The late Wallace Roney once commented to me that these Hand Built special order Committees made for Miles under the Committee Project at Kenosha in the early 70s, before the Ramirez Redesign was released to the public; were very special horns. Mine is the Large Bore version and I've only ever heard of a few other examples in existence. Great comparison btw, love your work Trent!
More core and resonance on the Adams in my opinion :)
The Martin appears to be cleaner and more distinct while the a seems frequently to be a bit muddled. Personal opinion.
Personal choice is the Martin.
what bore is each horn ? I have a medium bore A9. I like both but the A9 is more focussed , the Martin has more colours and I like the sound of the latter
M bores for both horns.
@@austincustom thanks . You sound great on both . Love my fully engraved A9 . Fantastic valves on Adams horns
I actually like the A9 better. I feel like it still has the soul of the Committee, but it just sounds ... something. To me it sounds like you’re not wrestling with it to make a sound that is qualitatively the same.
Both sound the same to me! If I had to choose between, it would be playability and feel, ease to keep in tune, versatility, not sound quality.
Is this the selected A9 with the large bore?
Medium on both horns.
Martin Com is nicer, colors, richer. But both are great anyway, thanks
Martin all the way.
The 1945 Martin Committee for the win!
Trent, You are such a great player Man! I bought a 43 from your shop earlier this year.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support! I need to practice more that's for sure! Got lots of awesome horns at my home studio this weekend ready for recording! No excuses for me... I just gotta get busy!
Seemed like the Martin had more color to I it and sound.
They both sound intentionally smokey?
Martin ang day of the wook
Trent, what do you recommend the medium or large bore Adams A9?
Give us a call to chat about options!
I've had the opportunity to play both of these. The martin is a martin. Nothing compares to how it feels when you play a good one. It begs to be played. The Adams is great, but I still prefer the Martin. Soundwise, it's really hard to feel from in front of the horn.
Thanks for sharing!
The difference between the two is extremely close. The sound of the Martin and the sound of the Adams are just too close to choose. The only difference was in the last section of playing with the 1C mouthpiece. And in this case, the Martin wins.
The Committee is the clear winner
On my laptop with earbuds the Adams sounds way better, much warmer and more even. Obviously a minority opinion.
I think a comparison with the Large Bore models would be useful. I have played hundreds of gigs in New Orleans with my A9 Large Bore and love the jazz sound and feel of this horn. For a large bore it plays extremely easily in the upper register in an improvised soloing context. Too dark for a lead horn, though!
The Martin Committee is a LOW PITCH trumpet. The A9 is NOT!This is why the A9 hurts the ears in the upper register.
both horns are a=440
Modern pitch is low pitch, they're all low pitch
Martin for me better