Lake City 415 Flugabone

Description Reviews (3)

Made By Musicians for Musicians

The flugabone was a popular design among brass players in the 1970's and early 1980's, combining the response and feel of the valve trombone with the warmth of the flugelhorn. Originally designed as a marching instrument it was often used in commercial settings, such as jazz and latin/salsa (salsa legends Willie Colon and Ruben Blades made numerous recordings with the flugabone) as well as classical genres, often in the bass trumpet role, and has made a recent resurgence among brass players in a wide range of settings (for example, New Orleans-style brass bands).

The Lake City FLB415 flugabone features a .492" bore, 8.7" bell (with a taper that allows it to use standard tenor trombone mutes), all-yellow brass bell and body construction, 3rd valve tuning slide ring, water keys on the main crook and 3rd tuning slide, 3 top-sprung stainless steel valves and is available in either clear lacquer or unlacquered finishes. The FLB415 responds and slots easily, with a timbre that balances warmth and clarity; the upper register access is particular solid on this instrument. It is a blast to play and is a great option for the player looking to explore a different and unique timbre, add an accessible valve option to their repertoire or have a compact and portable low brass option for travel or gigs! Comes with fabric-covered hardshell case and mouthpiece.

Specifications

Key: Bb
Bore Size: .492"
Bell Size: 8.7"
Bell Alloy: Yellow Brass
Body Alloy: Yellow brass leadpipe, tuning slides and valve casings
Valve Setup: 3 top-sprung stainless steel valves
Mouthpiece: 6 1/2AL, semi-conical cup

Passion for performance. Quality that resonates.

Each thing that we make, from our instruments to the tiniest accessory, is designed by musicians to be better than it was before, more playable, easier-to-use, more effective, and ultimately provide the best value in its category.

lakecitymusic.com
Minneapolis, MN

Write a Review

Great choice for my "comeback"
4
Posted by Patrick Junkers on Aug 10th 2023

As a youngster I played a German style baritone horn, and when I wanted to pick up playing a low brass instrument - thirty years after ... - the flugabone called my attention. I have been playing the Lake City 415 for several months now, and I have to say that it has been a great choice: I just love its sound, playability and design, and I'm very happy with the size and weight. Intonation seems to be okay, and, as said in the description, accessing the upper register doesn't take much effort.

Water is an issue though: sometimes, a gurgling noise may be heard after only a few minutes of playing, and for draining the instrument the two water keys play only a minor role, actually; what you really have to do, is to rotate the instrument 270 degrees counterclockwise, and then, a splash o water will come out of the bell. So, I think a third water key, in the right spot, would be a real improvement. The valves work fine, but I find them a bit loud. I should have gone for the silver plated version, because my lacquered horn is a bit scratchy already, although I have handled it with a lot of care.

Nevertheless, I feel that the price-performance-ratio of the Lake City 415 is more than acceptable; I absolutely don't regret this purchase: I love my flugabone and don't miss a day playing it. The horn was delivered really quickly, and it comes with a good mouthpiece and in a practical case.
Excellent horn
5
Posted by Eric Carter on Mar 23rd 2022

I received the flugabone recently, and I’m very pleased with this instrument. It’s a lot of fun to play, and I like its tone. My wife also thinks it has a very nice sound. The valves are nice and smooth, and intonation is quite good. I have tried both my baritone mouthpiece and the provided mouthpiece. With its funnel characteristics, the provided mouthpiece gives the horn a more mellow and colorful tone. It also seems to be easy to play softly. It’s not as heavy as I expected, which a pleasant surprise. This horn is a real winner at a good price point, in my opinion. Very well done!
Lake City 415 Flugabone
5
Posted by Tom Heinar on Dec 29th 2021

Everything said about this as introduction is true!
Great horn, thanks,

tom

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