Here is my opinion about the VRII I purchased in March 2008. My friend and fellow trumpeter John Foss has a Raptor which he let me try. I thought it was a great horn but wanted to do some more research and make sure this was what I wanted and what would work best for me. I was excited to see the VRII on the Brass Spa website and even more excited to see that Jim Manley played one. So I called to see if I could try one out. I could not believe the difference in the weight of my Bach and the lightweight VRII. I hadn't been playing a lot when I got it but the first practice session I had with it was over four hours. I couldn't have done that with my Bach. It was so much easier to play. Almost effortless really. There was so much back-pressure on my Bach and none with the VRII. And the valves were so smooth. I always felt like I was pushing through sludge on my Bach. During that first practice session I played some etudes, jazz pieces, and some big band charts. As good as the horn felt and sounded, I felt like I could have played anywhere with anybody. The best description I can give overall is &ldquo effortless&rdquo. I get a great open sound without all the hard work. The air flows through the horn so efficiently.

I am not going to be the next hot shot trumpet player, but that doesn't mean I don't deserve to have a great horn. I am thoroughly enjoying playing it and wonder why I waited so long to get a new one. I guess I was just waiting for the right horn - and this is it. Thanks so much! Take good care,

Selena Dunbar
Maine

---

---