I mow my lawn with a John Deere mower. Growing up my family had every kind of push mower imaginable - from the Kmart special to the Wal-Mart special. Every one got the job done, but it was never easy work, especially in the hot New Mexico sun. The thing I remember most about those days is how difficult it was to start those bargain basement machines. I can't begin to tell you how much of my youth was wasted pulling on stubborn mower cords. On the worst occasions, I'd eventually give up and try a new spark plug or air cleaner; sometimes I'd even rebuild the carburetor. When all else failed my father would look at me and say, "well, it's time to get a new mower", and the latest push special would roll into our lives.

Fast forward to the present. My summer Saturdays find me walking behind a John Deere. This machine easily costs as much as all the cheap mowers of my youth combined. Outwardly, the differences are subtle, but after using this mower for two years I've grown quite fond of the green machine. It starts every time I pull the cord without fail. It never overheats or gets bogged down in the tall grass. Being self-propelled, I simply walk along as it does all the work. Maneuvering is a breeze thanks to the front casters. I can still remember the salesman's comments: "You'll own this mower for 10-15 years... maybe longer depending upon how you take care of her." Given my track record with mowers, I was all for that kind of longevity.

So, why am I boring you with stories of lawn care? Because they help answer the question I hear everyday: "What makes Edwards better?"

Those that are "fit" to our horns will give you their own reasons. They notice the craftsmanship in the build and the evenness of tone in all registers. They comment on the ease in which the partials slot and how well the horn plays in tune. They find an ease in response at all dynamics. Most importantly, they realize they have found a great horn on which to make music.

I've noticed a trend with the farmers I drive past every day - they all use John Deere tractors. Even though my John Deere is much smaller and costs thousands less, I still feel connected to them somehow. I realize that we share a common bond by owning the best.

When you look at professional brass musicians, what do you see? Edwards. Every player has a different reason for owning his or her horn, but the sum of these reasons are the answer to "what makes an Edwards better". Why? Because we're tired of pulling the cord on old mowers.