I was looking for a top that would suit me better than the 7S or the 7ESV that I had been trying. The lead parts in big band that I'm seeing have solos starting on top E 3 lines above the stave and going up from there. The 7ESV was better than the 7S in that range, but it was a beast if you had a few days without practice and could completely wash out in the mid register. I guess that's all part of playing shallow cups. The KT gave me some extra things to think about. The lack of an inner 'bite' means you have to take care of your attack a little more. Its slightly bigger in diameter and that meant I had to do some work to get used to it. Its slightly wider rim does help endurance. Sound wise, it's not as cutting as the 7ESV or the 7S. Range wise, it's there. In the first weeks, to be honest, I could have thrown it against the wall. After persevering, I am very glad I didn't. I love the sound, the feel, the range. I'm sticking to the KT! I'm playing a ML bore trumpet with a 3 backbore if that helps anyone to choose. I also play the same setup on Soprano Cornet (with the proper cornet BB of course!)