What's The Real Difference?

Since we introduced the Category Five (to rave reviews from the people who have ACTUALLY PLAYED IT) there have been some comments on the net that the features found on this instrument are (1) not unique; (2) not original; (3) available on lower priced instruments and (4) unnecessary. One self appointed "expert" (you gotta just love those guys who have really accomplished nothing in their career, but pop up on the internet pontificating at length about horns they have never seen or played) goes so far as to describe the features of the Category Five tenor as "bling". Well, maybe you should actually try the horn yourself, and if you haven't, think of it this way:

Consider the comparison of a Rolls Royce and a Yugo: both have four wheels, both have four doors, both use internal combustion engines, etc. etc. etc. The basic configuaration of both has resulted from over a hundred years of evolution. They both really perform much the same function of transportation. Yet they are significantly different. Only a fool (and there seem to be plenty of those out there in cyberspace) would assert that they are the same. The difference, of course, is one of execution: the Rolls Royce has a much higher level of sophistication in its components, the materials used are of significantly higher quality, the build quality and level of execution are much higher etc. etc. etc. Some, but certainly not all, consumers want the very best. Others are satisfied with products that function at only the most basic level. Superior quality comes at a price. It's really just a function of what your standards are.

I note with interest that one of the allegations (again, this was made by someone who had never actually seen or played the Category Five) was that the four octave vents were not necessary, as other manufacturers have obtained good results by merely changing the bore. What a load of crap! You could not possibly know how well something works until you have actually tried it yourself. The possibility that the Category Five system might be light years ahead of other designs was not even considered.

None of this surprises me, of course. No matter what I bring to market, these "experts" (again, stictly self appointed) will find fault. They're certainly entitled to their opinion. I wouldn't want them to think for a minute that I care what they think.