Adams A4 versus A4-LT - Quick Comparison by Trent Austin at Austin Custom Brass
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- Опубликовано: 29 окт 2024
- In this quick video I compare two of the most popular Adams trumpet models, the A4 and the A4LT! This video will touch on some of the differences. For this comparison I chose two pre-owned Adams trumpets we had for sale at the shop. Both have the same bore, bell thickness, and bell material so this is a pretty fair comparison of the differences between the two models.
In terms of the construction, the A4LT has a 5-inch bell, less nickel trim (and lighter trim overall), and a lighter mouthpiece receiver; the A4 has a 5.5-inch bell, more nickel trim throughout, and a heavier receiver. The sound shape is fairly similar between the two, although the A4 has a little bit wider spread due to the bell flare. We can custom order the A4LT with the A4 bell flare as well.
The configuration for both horns in the video is:
ML bore
.45 thickness gold brass bell
I used my ACB MV3CS mouthpiece for this clip, you can purchase one here:
www.austincust...
Visit our Custom A4LT listing to order one in gold plate (or whatever finish strikes your fancy):
www.austincust...
You can customize your own A4 here:
www.austincust...
What are your thoughts? Let us know what differences you hear in the comments below!
Give us a call at 816-410-0826 if you have any questions about the trumpets, or about ordering your own!
We have a ton of goodies available at www.austincustombrass.biz
Austin Custom Brass is one of the world's premier brass pro shops. We routinely have hundreds of instruments in stock. If you are looking for something in particular please let us know via email at info@austincustombrass.com or call 781-944-6247 or 816-410-0826 today!
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I liked the A4 overall. The LT sounded better in the high register. Beebop sounded more jazzlike on the A4
Thanks for the video, Trent! Glad you chose to put the A4 and A4 LT side-by-side! Trent already knows how I feel about these models ... so I'm writing this to the trumpet community that will view this video.
First of all: I love these horns! I purchased an A4 (L) from Trent, and then he helped me custom order an A4 LT with the 5.5" bell in red brass with a shepherd's crook (ML). Cuban trumpeter Amik Guerra worked with Adams on the design of the A4, and together they just nailed it! To me, these horns in ML bore play more 'open' than a traditional ML bore, which gives you great flexibility in dynamics, bends, and comfort (no tightness or back pressure). The L bore don't feel much different, and are equally nice to play, but I could tell after a 3 hour gig that I was a bit more tired (chalk that up to less practice/playing time than when I was playing all day long in college = my issue ... not the horn). The A4 does have more weight than the LT, which is noticeable if you are coming from playing brand B or Y. I presume the LT's weight would probably feel comfortable to most when initially playing these trumpets. Another item not mentioned in this video is the 'wrap', which I find more open = bigger than most trumpets I've played. I like this. I never thought about it much, just enjoyed how comfortable these horns feel to hold. But recently when I played a few horns a friend brought over, I immediately noticed how my hands felt squished together and those axes just felt small.
To me the A4 in this video has a darker texture with more overtones, while the LT sounds more 'clear', as noted by A-Funk. I need to listen with a good set of cans on my ears to hear it better to be able to comment much more on my sonic reaction. Trent has mentioned it before in other A4 video demos ... these horns can easily change personality depending on the mouthpiece you are using and the sound 'picture' you want to attain. Bright, dark, edgy, smokey = all are available to you with these horns, as you desire. I can't say that about most trumpets.
Fit, finish, materials = all the best with Adams. It is just stunning to me that a company with relatively short history in making brass instruments could make such excellent products. Out of all the trumpets I've played over the years, none are as satisfying as my A4 LT-S. Would I buy another one? Yes, with zero hesitation. Is there anything I would change on my A4 LT-S = no! To me, it is the perfect trumpet!
If you have never tried one, do whatever it takes to visit Trent's store or go to a trumpet hang, ITG, NAMM, or whatever event you can to play them. I think you will be happy you did!
Is your a4lts still clear with the shepard's crook? What materials did you choose?
red brass used, as I wanted a darker tone overall. also 5.5" bell instead of the standard 5" on the LT. the SC design makes it darker too ... I use it for solo and combo work, not in a section. @@armandoperez4029
Thanks for the horn owner's response. Good to hear that those horns are versatile as well, mouthpiece-wise. I hope I can find a dealer in my home country(or near) to take a 'test drive' before it's time to do the update and buy a new horn. Also, Thank you, Trent for making these demos !
@@blainekelley816 have you ever played a trumpet with a reverse lead pipe? If so, how does the A4 compare to a reverse lead pipe trumpet as far as the resistance Factor? Like what's the resistance factor on the A4?
The A4 was darker and more to my liking the way I like to play
The A4 seems to have a louder fundamental and a more spread upper register. Thicker in the first octave/octave and a half and actually thinner in the higher register. The lower frequencies definitely seem louder, not by much, but the difference is there. Would love to hear a difference between a shepherd crook and regular one. I know the feedback is very different behind the horn. I wonder if they sound different in front of the horn as well. Cheers!
thanks for checking out the video. I know we have a Shepherd's crook model coming in stock at the end of February so I can present that video then! Cheers!
Interesting! I'm new to Austin today so don't know much about those trumpets - it clearly seems to me that the LT Is brighter and a bit looser whereas the A4 Has a darker more centered tonality. I actually like the sound of each for different styles. Thanks, and I'll be watching more of your videos.
Thanks for checking out the video!
the A4 is to me slightly darker in sound
Wow, What a great sound! I've seen so many videos of players testing horns and mouthpieces, and they're all great. Everybody sounds great (even you, as always), but I always feel like "Well, that's just fine... Everybody sounds great on everything, whatever." But, I'll have to admit, you playing the A4 I immediately thought "Oh Wow! THAT'S the sound I hear in my head when I think of the trumpet. That's it!" I'm intrigued.
A4 is gorgeous ....both sound solid....but A4 leans towards a darker Jazz vibe.
A4 sounds better playing Charlier and the LT better on the Be bop lines. You seem to be more at ease when you play those horns on each type of music. The A4 looks awesome though
the way you are playing, i hear that if had to make choice you should take the A4.
But you lucky man, you have a whole heaven of trumpets 🎺😇📯
Hi, in my opinion the LT sounds a little bit more clear, a bit more attack and 'loudness'. The differences aren't that big. At least that's what my brain says when listened 10 times excerpts 1 and 2 with cheap ear buds :)
I really need/want a new horn to replace my 200 euro cheap one. Too bad I live several thousand miles away from your shop. I've been playing a bit over a year now and am so hooked on this thing that I'm ready to spend some 1000-2000 or so euros to have a new one.
What is the weight difference and is it noticeable after playing for several minutes? How does the LT compare in weight to say the A1v2?
I think the LT is a bit heavier than the A1v2 but it's nominal. The weight difference between the 4 and 4LT is pretty noticeable.
@@austincustom I should have asked if there is a lightweight trumpet that plays thick and creamy?
any horn will do that with the right approach. The best thing for you to do is call us at 816-410-0826 with any additional questions you might have. We are always happy to help you find a dream horn here at ACB!
I like the A4 better because of the darker ton; however, the A4LT is also great sounding trumpet.
FYI here are the links to the horns:
Link for the GP A4LT:
www.austincustombrass.biz/adams-a4-lt-custom-series-ml-bore-with-gold-brass-bell-in-polished-gold-plate/
and the A4:
www.austincustombrass.biz/super-deal-used-adams-a4-custom-series-trumpet-ml-bore-in-brushed-lacquer/
two smooth horns, LT brighter...thinner sound, A4, darker (richer) commanding blow
Yes indeed, I have the Adams A4 shepherds crook. It would be great to hear the difference between the Adams A4 shepherds crook and the regular Adams A4. Hope that can happen soon.🎺
Check our channel we've had one up for years.
Oh yeah sir A4 no question. Sound is much more rich and complex to my ear.
Both sound great, A4 darker than A4LT!
A4 is wonderful I want one
What price in the trumpet Adams A4
Email us at info@austincustombrass.com to discuss any specific pricing.
LT SOUNDS MORE CRISPIER.
The A4 sounded darker to me...like it
:a4 sounds richerw/better core.
The A4 sounds more consistent, or even. There is more depth to the tone overall.
The nice thing is that they are made for salsa & jazz , but one goes more to one side than the other to variate , perfecto ! For me the sound that it produce is completamente adecuado and beautifull . I should pick A4 very nice. I can play salsa with EM 8340 , but his contraparte for strict jazz is a Tomonao H. 8335 hg that is a $1000 on top of A4 tag. But the bad thing its that you din'd play some salsa , cman copy Luis Aquino he is a bestia. Haha Súper nice comparation..
The A4 is richer to my ears.
Both sounded to me like you were playing with a mute.
what kind of mute? :)
@@austincustom I don't know its name. It makes the trumpet sound like it's being played through crappy computer speakers. Wait. That IS what it was being played through. Never mind. :)
Adams great trumpet manda a me one trumpet. Tanks
A4
The LT WAS DEFINITELY FULLER IN THE OPEN RANGE
A4 per me ha un suono più morbido, rispetto alla LT.
Don't like Adams A4LT