Full Circle

I feel like this whole journey has now come full circle.  I've used the skills and experiences on my way to come to a place not too far from where I began.  As a result I feel like my playing is finally in the groove I want it to be in, my tone is good, my endurance is improving and I'm enjoying playing (as much as I am able to -- I still have a love/hate relationship with the instrument).

So here's where I am:  I'm back to my trusty circa 1981 Holton H179.  It's got new valves, it still has the Lawson lead pipe, and I'm using the original bell.  For a mouthpiece I've settled on the Schilke 29.  It's as comfortable as the 30 but a little more shallow.  High notes are good.  My only trick is I don't utilize the F side for anything.  I can pretty much lock the thumb valve down and be fine.

The Holton still isn't as nimble as the Paxman, but I feel right now it's the sound that I need to be getting.  Maybe I'll go back to the Pax one day, maybe not.  But for now everything is okay.