Ethan Dulsky remembered this as one of George McCracken’s earliest custom Fidelio horns, built for him during his sophomore year of college. He described it as free-blowing, warm, clear, and richly colored, with even intonation and extremely quick response — a horn that was both distinctive and deeply enjoyable to play.
He later moved to an 8D for practical professional reasons while studying and working in Los Angeles, where that sound and setup were effectively required at the time. Even so, he noted that Jim Decker admired the McCracken for its “liquid” legato and European character, and Ethan continued using it for chamber music and solo recitals after winning his San Diego Symphony job.
He eventually let the horn go, but never forgot it, and said he still wishes he had it. He also expressed how encouraging it is to see George’s legacy carried forward through Doug Hall’s work.