187 vs 1291?

[Jerryleejr]

Other than the obvious piston vs rotor, what can I expect from these two models in sound and playing characteristics? Now I'm sure if I sound like crap on one ill sound like crap on the other but will one take less effort to sound like said crap??

JJ

[Roger Lewis]

Both are great horns. I own a 1291 BBb and love it though I would consider it a younger mans horn as it can require a fair amount of air at the louder dynamics. In my opinion, the 187 is a great all around horn with a warm and beautiful German sound while the 1291 has a very good American sound (more direct). Both have good low range sounds but the smaller bore of the 187 I think, makes it a tad easier to play. I own the sister horn 188 and use it quite a bit. I also find rotary valves easier on my hands.

An interesting aspect of the 187 is that you can not reverse the main tuning slide as the flare starts there instead of after the main slide.

Just my observations.
Roger

[Jerryleejr]

Both are great horns. I own a 1291 BBb and love it though I would consider it a younger mans horn as it can require a fair amount of air at the louder dynamics. In my opinion, the 187 is a great all around horn with a warm and beautiful German sound while the 1291 has a very good American sound (more direct). Both have good low range sounds but the smaller bore of the 187 I think, makes it a tad easier to play. I own the sister horn 188 and use it quite a bit. I also find rotary valves easier on my hands.

An interesting aspect of the 187 is that you can not reverse the main tuning slide as the flare starts there instead of after the main slide.

Just my observations.
Roger

That gives me a lot to think about, choices choices...

JJ

[Jess Haney]

Both are great horns. I own a 1291 BBb and love it though I would consider it a younger mans horn as it can require a fair amount of air at the louder dynamics. In my opinion, the 187 is a great all around horn with a warm and beautiful German sound while the 1291 has a very good American sound (more direct). Both have good low range sounds but the smaller bore of the 187 I think, makes it a tad easier to play. I own the sister horn 188 and use it quite a bit. I also find rotary valves easier on my hands.

An interesting aspect of the 187 is that you can not reverse the main tuning slide as the flare starts there instead of after the main slide.

Just my observations.
Roger

I will echo what Roger said about these two great German horns. the 187 is definetly a beefier step ubove a 186 and is smaller in size (bore, bell) to the 1291. the 1291 is shorter which does bring it in to a better perspective and makes the horn seem to appear quicker in response than the 187. The 1291 has a great compact feel and has some surprising big characteristics from a seemingly shorter horn. Depending on the playing situations both can be great for any situations. The low register grows on you with the 1291 where the 187 has a better overall feel with the entire register. The 5th valve is a great and necissary comodity for any horn that you wish to purchase over $6000, and the 1291 has either 4 or 5 valves and I do not recall if the 187 has a 5th option or not. Hope this helps but just one perspective.