Courtois AC280: Anybody?...

[greenbean]

Anyone played a Courtois AC280?

Opinions? Thoughts? Comments?...

[timbone]

Its a decent trombone based on their pro series. It has a forged water key assembly and adjustable thumb trigger. Nice case too modeled after pro cases. There is also an AC260 that is basically the same bell with a .525 slide.

[walldaja]

I've got one and love it. It is the first Bb/F horn I've ever had. The slide is super smooth and the valve is quick acting though a little on the noisy side but only because it's right against your ear. The thing slots like it has valves, I came from a Jupiter 836 and this horn is a major improvement in tone and response. It feels very much the same when playing a 6th position C or using the trigger. Love not having to use sixth or seventh position much. The case is really nice and protects the horn; however, it doesn't have much room for carrying stuff. I use a Wolfpack case and keep an in-bell stand in the side pocket as they have a tendency to rust from moisture in the bell. I feel very confident with this horn, it doesn't hold me back at all. Any other questions?

[timbone]

This should help-

[Bach42t]

The AC260 intrigues me. I notice it has nickel silver bracings, certainly characteristic of pro horns. I have a difficult time discerning the difference in construction of this model versus a Bach 36. Would anyone go so far as to say that Courtois considers this an intermediate, but it is really a pro-quality model?

[walldaja]

I played some gigs this month. Other trombones my partners played with were a Conn 88HO, a Greenhoe bass, a Benge, and a King bass. I had no problem holding my own and our sounds blended well both inside and outside (though our fingers got so cold we could turn the pages at the end of the gig). The more I play it the more I enjoy it.

[timbone]

The AC260BO is also an intermediate trombone

[Bach42t]

The AC260BO is also an intermediate trombone

Wow, doesn't get a more official answer than that. Thanks, Tim.

[timbone]

Why thank you!

[Mikebmiller]

I played a Courtois small bore horn at a trade show back in Feb and loved it. I thought it must be their pro level jazz horn and then the guy told me it was their beginner horn. So I wouldn't worry too much about labels.

[walldaja]

The slide of the 260 is narrower than the 280. The 280's slide is wide like a Bach.

[Bach42t]

I just played this horn recently. I surmise that Courtois has been viewed as a premium brand with high-quality construction, and thus capturing a small margin of discriminating pros. While that may be true, perhaps the wider market is and always will be the beginner and intermediate lines. This model gives Courtois an edge. I almost think that if I didn't already own a lot of pro horns I would just get this horn.

On to my play test: It played extremely easy. I cannot overstate how easy it is to play, or slot rather, it's got a great tone. I'm puzzled as a collector more than anything, I hardly play at all but I picked up the AC280 and went right to work. It was a joy to play, even for a casual guy like me.

I am curious though. Are the bracings that appear nickel silver actually nickel silver, or brass with nickel silver plating?

[TillE]

Just listened to a You Tube video from WWBW and it sounds fabulous.

Anyone know where they're made?

[walldaja]

That's a good question. My bell says Paris. But I doubt that's of little consequence. According to the Courtois website they (AC) bought out B&S and moved their production to Germany. Based on the price difference between the AC280 and the 420 Legend I presumed it had some Chinese lineage, but I really don't have a clue. Once upon a time a manufacturer clearly stamped where his product was made. All I know it is a solid horn that doesn't disadvantage me.

[TillE]

Last night I found an Ebay listing for the 280: new open box demo, $980.

Told myself I'd wait for this morning at which time I practiced admirable restraint.

But there's no reason why you should!

Don't know if it's OK to link but a search for Paris AC280BO will you get you there.

[walldaja]

TillE, compliments on your restraint. That horn is less than half the street price which makes it a good deal.