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Lake City 415 Flugabone

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$899.00
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Instruments
Instrument Type:
Flugabone

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

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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.

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lakecitymusic.com
Minneapolis, MN

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  • What I was hoping for!
    4

    Posted by Rob Rypka on Feb 28th 2024

    I play trombone in a small jazz combo and I was looking for something to enter into rotation to change up the tone/vibe/etc to suit different pieces. I got the flugabone in unlacquered brass to give me the most contrast to my silver-plated small bore tenor trombone. I've been playing this for the past month or so, and want to give my impressions based on that.

    The tone is exactly what I was hoping for. I like the different possibilities valves opens up for me as well, but the tone has been the standout. I have been pleasantly surprised how well the lower register responds also. I had pretty much intended the unlacquered brass finish to develop some "personality" as I played it, and it's doing that (maybe a little faster than I expected). I like the small size for portability, the case is solid (I don't use the strap, but there is one), the mouthpiece is fine (although I might experiment with some others), and overall I'm very happy.

    The biggest drawback I have on this horn is the placement of the first valve tuning slide. It goes straight into my chin, especially if it is pulled out at all. I have worked around this by holding the horn at an angle, which is fine for my purposes. I still may experiment with extending the mouthpiece or some other modification, but it's something to consider. There are other things that I'm still getting used to, such as clearing out water (much more complicated than a trombone), general valve care, and the third valve tuning slide (or general piston valve care).

    I'm still really happy with the purchase, the delivery, and overall experience with the horn, especially for the price.

  • 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

Returns Policy

You may return most new, unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

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When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. Depending on the shipping provider you choose, shipping date estimates may appear on the shipping quotes page.

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