ZO 6/4
Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2020 11:35 pm
Disclaimer: I do not work for Mack Brass. Yes, I worked his booth in DC but he and I have been friends for a long time.
In the past I have not liked 6/4 instruments due to their lack of broad practical application and the more sensitive needs required to play them. I really thought the ZO would be just another Chinese 6/4 (I think they’re all doing a pretty good job), but I was very surprised. I have never played a horn that size that was that manageable both in pitch and flexibility. I felt it was a real cut above. YMMV but it seems to me this is going to be a horn to watch.
In all candor, I waited to write this review to make sure my thoughts were clear or if they needed to be posted at all. The biggest factor was playing a rehearsal of Shostakovich 5 Monday night and imaging playing it on the ZO. While I don’t own one, I probably will soon.
I’m interested to get your thoughts on this.
In the past I have not liked 6/4 instruments due to their lack of broad practical application and the more sensitive needs required to play them. I really thought the ZO would be just another Chinese 6/4 (I think they’re all doing a pretty good job), but I was very surprised. I have never played a horn that size that was that manageable both in pitch and flexibility. I felt it was a real cut above. YMMV but it seems to me this is going to be a horn to watch.
In all candor, I waited to write this review to make sure my thoughts were clear or if they needed to be posted at all. The biggest factor was playing a rehearsal of Shostakovich 5 Monday night and imaging playing it on the ZO. While I don’t own one, I probably will soon.
I’m interested to get your thoughts on this.