Two LA Williams 6's in the Same Room

[Jhereg]

I was gonna wait to share but got too excited!

Behold!
Serial numbers are 29 digits apart!
Mine that I've had for years is the one with the neck guard, the other I just received from James Burton.







Interested that the one I just received has a removable leadpipe. Mine definitely does not. That's gonna be some sort of adjustment for me.


I'm working today so only had time to play them briefly, but am bringing them both to a rehearsal tomorrow and very much looking forward to a nice long compare/contrast. They feel very similar to hold of course, but the balance is a little different with James's horn feeling slightly lighter in the slide. Also there is a surprising difference in sound; mine feels kind of "raw" and...not "brighter" but somehow "sharper" if that makes sense. James's feels more mellow and controlled, "rounded." I wonder if that's the leadpipe.

Other interesting differences:

- The engraving on my bell is smaller and cursive, and on his it's a gothic font and larger.
- James's horn has definitely had more work done on it (I don't think mine's every had repair at all, knock on wood) and the grip seems to be maybe a Bob(?), but both grips have the patent number on them.
- Despite having less repair mine is far more tarnished as the lacquer is wearing off; James thinks his was relacquered sometime in the 60's.

Never thought I'd see two of these together in one room and couldn't wait to share with y'all.
I can't help but wonder if they were together in Earl's shop at some point as well! It seems likely given how close the serial numbers are, and a really nice thought

[BGuttman]

James has a removable leadpipe so I suggest it was changed at some point. As you observe, that could account for the different feel.

Let us know how the comparison feels.

[Jhereg]

James has a removable leadpipe so I suggest it was changed at some point. As you observe, that could account for the different feel.

Let us know how the comparison feels.

He says the leadpipe is original, just put on a pressfit ring. My only beef with it right now is it comes out with the mouthpiece so want to investigate lessening that, but I won’t be messing with anything just yet.

[ithinknot]

My only beef with it right now is it comes out with the mouthpiece so want to investigate lessening that

PTFE tape

[Jhereg]

James has a removable leadpipe so I suggest it was changed at some point. As you observe, that could account for the different feel.

Let us know how the comparison feels.

I’ve had more time with the new Williams.

It is a GREAT horn! Just as good as the one I already had, maybe even better.

Here’s a short recording of Pat Gullotta playing it: https://youtube.com/shorts/6FBwzNR60Ks? ... Ot-x7YLkuv

He said (in writing even!) that it’s one of the best trombones he has ever played

One interesting difference that I’ve noticed is how each bell sounds when you flick it. Mine has a lower pitch and seems to resonate for longer, making a sort of “WooOOoowooOOoo” sound before fading out. The other one resonates a long time too but is a higher pitch, and doesn’t make a “singing” noise like that.

I tried switching out the bells and slides too, and that was fun! The removable leadpipe on the “new” one is certainly making a distinction and difference between the two slides, possibly giving a more centered sound than my “old” Williams. I feel that something about the bell section on mine, though, gives the potential for more volume than the other one.

Anyway, they’re both great and the new one is excellent and I feel like I got a steal! James now has my Minick and is very happy with it, though he may tweak it.