Thomann TRF-23 Flugelhorn

I play in a traditional Brass band, and I've always wanted to test out a rotary valved instrument, hence I took a punt on the Thomann flugel. I normally play a Bach Strad flugel with a Denis Wick 4F mouthpiece. In comparison to this, for a sub £400 instrument, there are a surprising number of benefits to this flugelhorn.

Firstly, the rotary valves are excellent, quick and responsive. In rehearsals some technical passages which were slightly problematic on the Bach were simple on the rotary valved instrument. Also as far as tuning and intonation goes, I've had no major problems, nothing more than playing on the Bach. In rehearsals I used a Denis Wick 4FL mouthpiece - ok this piece is not fit for a german shank (didn't want to invest in other mouthpieces just yet), but the sound and response of the instrument were still great.

Further, I found that the mouthpiece supplied with the flugel is servicable. I actually prefer the slightly brighter sound from the medium deep cup to playing with the Denis Wick, which I used in rehearsals to blend in more with the band. I've since used the mouthpiece that came with instrument in rehearsals and performances and had no major issues with it. An interesting feature of the instrument is the water key, which can be useful for tuning some high notes F, Ab (alternate fingering), Bb, D above the stave.

Cons - Holding the instrument in a horizontal position leads to quick build up of water due to the narrower bore, and it then can't be removed quickly, which is not good for longer pieces or solo playing. Hold it tilted to the side slightly to correct this, otherwise you'll spend a lot of time during short resting periods frantically removing water.

Finally, I don't know how our German and Austrian friends play this type of horn without destroying their hands! After a few rehearsals and performances I've found more comfortable ways to hold it, and find myself adapting. However, don't underestimate this issue if buying this type of horn. Piston valved instruments are definitely more comfortable.

As far as the instrument goes, I've no real complaints. For the price, the quality is very high. Also the service from Thomann is first class, and I would definitely use again.

I've been using this instrument for two weeks now, playing it for 5-6 hours in total.

The sound is excellent in the A-G'' range. G and below seems to be a bit off, I think it's a tad too low. Beyond G'' it becomes quite thin, however, skill (or the lack thereof) could have a significant part in that.

The trigger cork fell off in transit, but that was trivial to fix with a drop of glue. Otherwise the build quality is solid (including the the other corks). The valves are excellent, quick and easy to press. The slides are very difficult to remove, but I expect that to get better over time.

Figuring out a good way to hold the instruments was quite a challenge. This is the first rotary I've ever played, so I don't know if this issue is particular to this model or universal to all rotaries, but it's quite difficult to find a hold on the horn that is both stable and doesn't put too much strain on your fingers. I eventually managed to fulfill both criteria to an acceptable level, but it's definitely not as comfortable as a piston instrument.

Overall, I'm satisfied with the purchase. There is some room for improvement here and there, but I doubt you could get anything better in this price range.

I bought this instrument because I wanted to restart playing , since I was used to play a old rotary valves trumpet. I found very good feedback for Thomann Company so I decided to buy an instrument on internet (first time in my life). I have to say that was simple to access to all the info on the Thomann App, very good and simple way to show everything.
Yesterday I received the flugelhorn. The service in the delivery was good, also because during the shipment I decided to change the delivery address.
The flugelhorn comes with valves oil, a simple mouthpiece and a nice case. The instrument, in general, is well made and the sound is good! The rotary valves are free to move and the mechanism is simple but efficient. I will restart playing with a very nice instrument!
I am very satisfied from Thomann and maybe I will continue to by online from Thomann, a very efficient Company!
Thanks

I bought this for my former school band where I often teach as an amateur instructor. The horn has big fat sound, and definitely a flugelhorn sound. The fit and finish is very good, the valves and the trigger work perfectly out of the box. The mouthpiece coming with it is also good, but I think I will try other "real" flugelhorn mouthpiece later. The case is also good and protective, albeit quite bulky.

My only complaint is the ergonomics. I have big hands, my bandmate who also tried the horn also have big hands, but we struggled to hold it comfortably. The left hand is overstretched with the thumb on the trigger paddle and the little finger in the ring. And the ones who will mainly play it from now on would be middle- to high-school students, with definitely smaller hand than ours. I would suggest moving the finger hook a little bit closer to the player.

Is it Schagerl or a Gerd? No, but it is a nice reasonably priced horn that performs pretty well. Intonation seems solid, more me than the horn. Mouthpiece is ok and case is basic… the sound is pretty good and the have FAST service and an enjoyable horn. You can’t have mine back…

This horn could easily be played in a band/ensemble with other instruments..

I am, if it is not obvious, pleasantly surprised.

Lubed the valves and they are fast and quiet. Really for a horn I could find no reviews, did see some for the perinet valves horns and so I just took a chance… glad I did.

Intonation and sound improved with the JK 4D and Denis Wick 2BFD later ordered.. Provided 2 different sounds with similar feel and both are a serious improvement. After which I updating my review and improving the scores…. Nice horn! Still can have mine!

Pros
- Fantastic price for quality of instrument
- Good sound quality, very mellow and consistent (providing you can keep the air flowing)
- Solid intonation, it's also easy to bend notes so no excuse for being out of tune!
- Sturdy build quality, feels very solid
- Excellent valves straight out of the case

Cons
- Third valve had a small "click" when the valve was released, Fixed this by moving the soft gel.
- Provided mouthpiece has no markings and is not amazing, would suggest buying another.
- The third valve slide is just out of reach for my hand size although another friend did not have this issue

Overall 8/10
For the price, this is an amazing purchase, the cons are minor and forgivable at this price point. If you are in need of a cheap flugelhorn and would like to experiment with rotary valves, this is a no brainer purchase