Building upon the success of the LDX5 'Geyer style' horn, this LDX5 Anniversary Model features new tapers akin to the C. F. Schmidt. This horn plays very similar to those boutique horns that have years long waiting lists. It is made of lacquered yellow brass, features an adjustable finger hook and thumb lever, and has an interchangeable nib system, which makes for a seamless transition between European and American mouthpieces.
The LDx5 was created by the synergetic cooperation of two masters of your subject. Masterly workmanship combined with the best materials and experience of the master craftsmen Steven W. Lewis and Dietmar Dürk result in a fantastic result. The horn has a traditional design, but the concept is innovative. The tools and manufacturing techniques have been developed in-house, assure the quality and serial identity of each horn and support the traditional manual work. The gentle and careful handling of the materials during processing means a minimum of material stress. This results in a horn that sounds free, has a quick response and resonates with an open and clear sound from the first note.
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WOW!!! Buy this horn!
SInce 1985, I've owned quite a variety of horns. I started with a unique hybrid consisting of a Steve Lewis leadpipe and bell branch paired with a Yamaha valve cluster, assembled by Steve's then-assistant Ron Pinc. I've had one of the very few Pope-Phelan horns in existence; a Conn 6D, an Alex 107; a Geyer; Yamaha 667, 671, and 672; a Paxman triple; a Ricco-Kühn triple; and several others. Recently, I was using only the Yamaha 671 and 672, depending on if the section I was in used Geyer or Kruspe-style instruments, but I had hit a wall, so I started to look for a high-quality Geyer-style horn to replace the 671. Having done a great deal of business with Ken over the past 20-something years, I called him up to tell him what my situation was, and by the time I got to his shop, he had laid out 4 instruments for me to try: A Ricco, a Paxman, a Finke, and finally, the Lewis-Dürk LDx5 Anniversary. They're all fine instruments, but it only took about 4 notes on the Lewis-Dürk for me to say, "This is the one! Sell my 671 AND 672; I'm taking this horn!" Great high range, slots like a dream, beautiful slurs, effortless to play, and that SOUND... I think this may be the best horn I've ever owned. In fact, the main thing I need to remember is not to try too hard. Don't fight the horn, just blow air through it and move your fingers. The result is magical! Much as I love that classic Hollywood/Cleveland/Met Opera 8D sound, here in the States it seems that the pendulum has swung to the boutique Geyer style of horn for orchestral playing, and I'm confident that the LDx5 is going to serve me well no matter what I'm playing.
