Lacguered and Unlacquered Z

[sinkdraiN]

I must say there is a HUGE difference between the two horns. After some playing on the lacquered version I was pleased to return to my unlacquered Z. I find the lacquered version to be more focused and controlled while my unlacquered Z thicker and more colorful. More me the unlacquered sounded the way I wanted the horn to. I seemed to have more control over the tone color, while the lacquered version had a more consistent tone. Both horns, while sounding different, had beautiful tones. The lacquered sound like a "ping" while the unlacquered has a "pong" tone to it. I play an 875 alto and I find the lacquered Z to have a "yamaha" sound. I couldn't categorize the unlacquered sound as easily. I was very surprised to hear that much of a difference...I expected them to be very similar.

One thing I can not say is that it sounded different to an audience. I did not have anyone around to listen and compare the tones. It would not surprise me if both horns sound identical to a listener but the vibrations from the different finishes going through my fingers and jaw make me hear it differently. Its a big difference for me! I pick the UL

[T.S.]

I've played all but the Silver plate 82 tenors. I found the Unlacquered to be the darkest with a very warm and centered tone. The regular laquered was the brightest (oddly enough) with having much more of a ring and cut to the sound. The black Lacquer was darker than the gold lacquer, but not as dark as the unlacquered. I liked the tonal characteristics of all three, but liked the unlacquered the best.