Schilke X3 Bb-Trumpet

I trialled both the B3 and the X3. If you know Schilke then you know the B3 & X3 are the same trumpet except for the bell - B3 #3 taper/X3 #1 taper. but, they blow and sound quite different!

The descriptions Schilke publish regarding the sound characteristics of their trumpets are incredibly accurate. The B3 is good and the sound is very focussed but for me a little brighter and less free blowing than i wanted. The X3 has a much more open feel/darker sound and that instant Schilke response. Intonation is excellent and there is no problem fitting in with a section of Yamaha or Bach.

What I would say is that it seems to be very sensitive to mouthpiece selection. I've never encountered a trumpet that can behave and sound so different depending on which mouthpiece you use.

Many players I believe are put off the large bore Schilkes fearing they will be too large but the laws relating to large bore size seem to be different for Schilke. Yes it's free blowing but it's not silly & still gives feedback to the player. If you are tempted by the large bore my advice would be to try one. They don't feel that large!

I purchased the both the B3 & X3 and employed Thomann's excellent 30 day money back guarentee to return the B3 keeping the X3.

In short a fantastic trumpet that in sound terms is a real Chameleon depending on how you blow it/mpc selection. I use it for Classical Orchestral playing and despite many preconceptions some have about the sound of schilke trumpets, it is not overly bright in timbre at all - it can play quite Cornet like. Put in a Curry TF/TC mouthpiece and it goes all girly and soft - put in a Warburton SV and close the windows!!

In short - a fantastic trumpet. If you're reading this you're already thinking of buying one. I don't think it'll disappoint!