Loud and powerful. More controllable and articulate than a firecracker. The trumpets and overblown are slightly bright to the drone. Vocals project right through. Responds well to light play or rip it up throwdown. Encourages faster play with plenty of diaphramatic overblowns. Oiled inside and out with pure oils of tung, linseed, and citrus. No checks or fills , just pure organic beauty. No batteries necessary, naturally amplified. Ships internationally cheaply enough that I'll cover shipping on this one to just about anywhere, as I do with all domestic (lower 48) orders.