SSS or anyone else

[Colleen Thomas]

i am working on a story idea, I need some information on horns, particularly the trumpet. I know it has a mouth piece, thre valves and a bell, but I need to know if there are diferent kinds, different ranges and basically an info I could use to make a character seem like she knew what she was about while going over an old one she purchased that belonged to a little known, but highly respected bluesman.

 

[Weird Harold]

i am working on a story idea, I need some information on horns, particularly the trumpet. I know it has a mouth piece, thre valves and a bell, but I need to know if there are diferent kinds, different ranges ....

Technically, A Trumpet doesn't have to have valves to be a Trumpet. The long straight horns used by medieval heralds are also "Trumpets."

I know that there are different types and styles of modern three valve trumpets but I don't know wht distinguishes them from similar instruments like a Cornet (except that a Cornet is shorter, has a bigger bell, and has a higher range than the most common type of Trumpet.)

Other than that minor bit of trivia, I think you're in for a fairy extended session with Google to get the kind of information your charcter is going to need to avoid nit-picking fed-back from musicians.

 

[Lucifer_Carroll]

i am working on a story idea, I need some information on horns, particularly the trumpet. I know it has a mouth piece, thre valves and a bell, but I need to know if there are diferent kinds, different ranges and basically an info I could use to make a character seem like she knew what she was about while going over an old one she purchased that belonged to a little known, but highly respected bluesman.

Hmm, all horns has you chasing french horns to bugles, but for just the trumpet, there are multiple keys they can pitched to. The most common is Bb, but a true afficianado will likely have different ones. The different pitches are C (mostly for classical), D, Eb, E, F, G, and A.

There is also a piccolo trumpet which a jazz musician may have because it is easier to reach the double-high C made popular by such artists as Gillespie. There's alto and bass trumpets as well, but they are usually for more classical purposes or for players of other instruments such as the trombone.

Many jazz musicians also used bent-bell trumpets, but I can't remember what it is called.

Also the tapering (the sort of spiral boring throughout the roughly cylindrical tubing) is the key to the intonation.

Also trumpets like to aim their bells at the heads of the instrument in front of them until the Horn player is filled with psychotic rage and ends up writing porn.

 

[hugo_sam]

i am working on a story idea, I need some information on horns, particularly the trumpet. I know it has a mouth piece, thre valves and a bell, but I need to know if there are diferent kinds, different ranges and basically an info I could use to make a character seem like she knew what she was about while going over an old one she purchased that belonged to a little known, but highly respected bluesman.

The keys and such have already been covered.
Bell size and bore make a difference.
large bell size richer tone usually,
Bore is more playing preferance and wind power.

Most horns you see will be either medium or medium large bore.
Standard bell is around a 37, a 43 is medium large.

Vincent Bach was the ultimate trumpet for decades, do not know if it still is.
Stradavarious like the violin was the top of the line.
You also have the Benge from France, brought to the states in the earlier years of the last century.
Getz used to be a name and seemed to have a following with jazz musicians.
The Dizzly Gillespe model with the raised bell was one. BTW his was not originaly manufactured that way, it was a manner of affectation of his, later incorporated by the manufactured horn.
Olds made good horns and had some professional ones.

Most of those will be either polished brass which is a richer sound, or silver or nickel silver plated which is a 'brighter' sound.

Other horns are by Selmer, Conn, Ambassador, Bundy.
There were also many manufacturors that have since disappeared making various grades of horn, most not as largely known.
Most of those are 'student' line horns primarily. Although most companies had pro lines and student lines.
Plus there has been many buy outs etc
As Selmer owns Bundy and Vincent Bach now.

Hope this helps

Hugo

 

[Guest]

Just saw your thread - the topic has been well-covered, Colly.

Echo Hugo's idea of a Bach Strad as a good choice for a quality instrument.

And silver. The type of silver that would tarnish a bit, so if the character is looking at an older instrument that hasn't been cared for it wouldn't look good upon first examination.

And you'd want it in Bb - in fact, the key doesn't have to be a major issue.

Hugo, one of my physics professors pounded into my head that the type of metal should make no inherent difference in the quality of the sound. Hmmm. Yet, I still have a gold mouthpiece - go figgah.

http://www.bachbrass.com/content/s_trumpets/index.php

The site - and info.

Another music site with a new trumpet model. But it has historical information about earlier models?

http://www.kesslermusic.com/html/trumpet/bach.html

Vincent Bach Stradivarius , a.k.a Bach Strad , Trumpets are among the most respected and well known professional trumpets to date. Bach Strad Trumpets can be found in the hands of some of the best players in the world in every venue. Born from a rich tradition of Trumpet-making, the Bach Strad trumpets are always a safe bet for guaranteed quality and performance.

New Limited Production Model:

Bach "Stradivarius" New York #197

• .462 L Bore
• lightweight one-piece hand-hammered #7 bell
• #7 Leadpipe
• French-bead flat rim
• vintage 1930's mouthpiece receiver
• semi-precious finger buttons
• gold plated slides and trim
• Monel pistons
• Limited Edition double case

Retail: $3,100.00
M.A.P. Price: $2,179.00

Bach Press Release Notes:

Conn-Selmer has introduced a special edition Vincent Bach trumpet that skillfully combines historically significant qualities with modern day performance features. The Bach Stradivarius New York #7 Trumpet is available in limited quantities and features a Vincent Bach #7 bell, made popular during the early 1930's.

The Bach #7 bell, developed by Vincent Bach during the 1920's, first appeared in 1929. This bell is constructed in one piece from lightweight yellow brass, with the current version featuring a classic French-bead flat rim. The instrument also features a .459" bore, #7 leadpipe, vintage '30's style mouthpiece receiver, first and third slide finger rings, single brace tuning slide, third slide stop assembly, and semi-precious finger buttons. The instrument is finished in bright silver plate with gold plate slides and trim. The outfit includes a specially marked double case and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.

"Lightweight body construction with narrow braces and narrow tuning slide make this a very comfortable and intimate instrument," said Tedd Waggoner, Conn-Selmer marketing manager for brass instruments. "Given the tremendous historical significance of the #7 bell, we are very excited to be able to offer this limited edition."

Historical records show that the first production instrument with a #7 bell was a Stradivarius trumpet (#1249) made February 26, 1929. A few horns with earlier serial numbers were also retrofitted with the #7 bell. Regular production of the #7 bell started in January 1930.

Examination of shop cards for these instruments show that influential players of the day purchased these instruments, including Merle Evans (on a cornet), George Mager, Leona May Smith, Dr. Charles Colin, Henry Busse, and the Juilliard Graduate School (all trumpets).

 

[R. Richard]

i am working on a story idea, I need some information on horns, particularly the trumpet. I know it has a mouth piece, thre valves and a bell, but I need to know if there are diferent kinds, different ranges and basically an info I could use to make a character seem like she knew what she was about while going over an old one she purchased that belonged to a little known, but highly respected bluesman.

Colly:
One thing that has not been covered here is the mouthpiece. You need to Google up some research on trumpet mouthpieces. The specific shape, taper and size of the working part of the mouthpiece has an enormous effect on the sound of the instrument. You actually have to play the instrument to really understand the total effect, but you should be able to get enough info for a story.

 

[thambok]

I can't tell you much about trumpets, but if you need info on French Horns, I may be able to help.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

Just saw your thread - the topic has been well-covered, Colly.

Echo Hugo's idea of a Bach Strad as a good choice for a quality instrument.

And silver. The type of silver that would tarnish a bit, so if the character is looking at an older instrument that hasn't been cared for it wouldn't look good upon first examination.

And you'd want it in Bb - in fact, the key doesn't have to be a major issue.

Hugo, one of my physics professors pounded into my head that the type of metal should make no inherent difference in the quality of the sound. Hmmm. Yet, I still have a gold mouthpiece - go figgah.

http://www.bachbrass.com/content/s_trumpets/index.php

The site - and info.

Another music site with a new trumpet model. But it has historical information about earlier models?

http://www.kesslermusic.com/html/trumpet/bach.html

Vincent Bach Stradivarius , a.k.a Bach Strad , Trumpets are among the most respected and well known professional trumpets to date. Bach Strad Trumpets can be found in the hands of some of the best players in the world in every venue. Born from a rich tradition of Trumpet-making, the Bach Strad trumpets are always a safe bet for guaranteed quality and performance.

New Limited Production Model:

Bach "Stradivarius" New York #197

• .462 L Bore
• lightweight one-piece hand-hammered #7 bell
• #7 Leadpipe
• French-bead flat rim
• vintage 1930's mouthpiece receiver
• semi-precious finger buttons
• gold plated slides and trim
• Monel pistons
• Limited Edition double case

Retail: $3,100.00
M.A.P. Price: $2,179.00

Bach Press Release Notes:

Conn-Selmer has introduced a special edition Vincent Bach trumpet that skillfully combines historically significant qualities with modern day performance features. The Bach Stradivarius New York #7 Trumpet is available in limited quantities and features a Vincent Bach #7 bell, made popular during the early 1930's.

The Bach #7 bell, developed by Vincent Bach during the 1920's, first appeared in 1929. This bell is constructed in one piece from lightweight yellow brass, with the current version featuring a classic French-bead flat rim. The instrument also features a .459" bore, #7 leadpipe, vintage '30's style mouthpiece receiver, first and third slide finger rings, single brace tuning slide, third slide stop assembly, and semi-precious finger buttons. The instrument is finished in bright silver plate with gold plate slides and trim. The outfit includes a specially marked double case and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.

"Lightweight body construction with narrow braces and narrow tuning slide make this a very comfortable and intimate instrument," said Tedd Waggoner, Conn-Selmer marketing manager for brass instruments. "Given the tremendous historical significance of the #7 bell, we are very excited to be able to offer this limited edition."

Historical records show that the first production instrument with a #7 bell was a Stradivarius trumpet (#1249) made February 26, 1929. A few horns with earlier serial numbers were also retrofitted with the #7 bell. Regular production of the #7 bell started in January 1930.

Examination of shop cards for these instruments show that influential players of the day purchased these instruments, including Merle Evans (on a cornet), George Mager, Leona May Smith, Dr. Charles Colin, Henry Busse, and the Juilliard Graduate School (all trumpets).

thanks Hugo, SSS, and everyone else who responded. The main thing is, my character cannot play the instrument. She's majorng in music history, with an eye to teaching. This particular instrument is of note, not because of the maker, or the quality, but because itbelonged to a particular artist and thus has a historic value to her that is out of proportion to the actual value. So it's sort of like a pistol you can prove was owned by Cole Younger, or a baseball bat you can prove was used by Stan Musil in the world series.

In the main, I only need to know wnough about them to make her sound like she knows what she istalking about and I think that's been covered amply and I am very appreciative to one and all.

 

[thambok]

thanks Hugo, SSS, and everyone else who responded. The main thing is, my character cannot play the instrument. She's majorng in music history, with an eye to teaching. This particular instrument is of note, not because of the maker, or the quality, but because itbelonged to a particular artist and thus has a historic value to her that is out of proportion to the actual value. So it's sort of like a pistol you can prove was owned by Cole Younger, or a baseball bat you can prove was used by Stan Musil in the world series.

In the main, I only need to know wnough about them to make her sound like she knows what she istalking about and I think that's been covered amply and I am very appreciative to one and all.

Just an idea, but you may want to research the artist as well. Some famous artists only use specific horns. It would add an additional air of authenticity.

 

[rikaaim]

I just saw this, being a trumpet and french horn player myself. I can't really add anything to the conversation other than, yes, as a trumpet player the main goal is not to create beautiful music, but to blat the notes out so loudly that not only is every one deaf, but the utter semblance of music is completely lost. That's important to character developement, trumpets have the biggest egos.

 

[thambok]

I just saw this, being a trumpet and french horn player myself. I can't really add anything to the conversation other than, yes, as a trumpet player the main goal is not to create beautiful music, but to blat the notes out so loudly that not only is every one deaf, but the utter semblance of music is completely lost. That's important to character developement, trumpets have the biggest egos.

As a former French Horn player, I can attst to the fact that trumpets are ,in fact, loud for the purpose of being loud.

 

[rikaaim]

As a former French Horn player, I can attst to the fact that trumpets are ,in fact, loud for the purpose of being loud.

It's only after playing french horn in a style that was similar to the way I played my trumpet did I learn the folley of my ways. Eh, who am I kidding, I blasted that thing as loud as the trumpet just to piss off the saxaphones behind me. On that note, end threadjack.

 

[thambok]

It's only after playing french horn in a style that was similar to the way I played my trumpet did I learn the folley of my ways. Eh, who am I kidding, I blasted that thing as loud as the trumpet just to piss off the saxaphones behind me. On that note, end threadjack.

*nod*

French horns will win the volume war, but you can definitely hear when you have gone beyond the edge of music into noise....

 

[Colleen Thomas]

Just an idea, but you may want to research the artist as well. Some famous artists only use specific horns. It would add an additional air of authenticity.

The artist is fictional

 

[thambok]

The artist is fictional

Well now, that just makes it easy.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

I just saw this, being a trumpet and french horn player myself. I can't really add anything to the conversation other than, yes, as a trumpet player the main goal is not to create beautiful music, but to blat the notes out so loudly that not only is every one deaf, but the utter semblance of music is completely lost. That's important to character developement, trumpets have the biggest egos.

Noo wnow, Schemo could make some beautiful music

 

[TheEarl]

I once had a whim and I had to obey it,
To buy a French horn in a second hand shop.
I polished it up and I started to play it,
In spite of the neighbours, who begged me to stop.

Sorry, I have nothing useful to add here. Your thread just made me start singing Flanders and Swann at the top of my voice and I think I scared the neighbours.

The Earl

 

[minsue]

I once had a whim and I had to obey it,
To buy a French horn in a second hand shop.
I polished it up and I started to play it,
In spite of the neighbours, who begged me to stop.

Sorry, I have nothing useful to add here. Your thread just made me start singing Flanders and Swann at the top of my voice and I think I scared the neighbours.

The Earl

. .

 

[rgraham666]

Nothing beats bagpipes though, for sheer annoyance factor.

They look and sound like the player has a cat under his arm, its tail in his mouth and he's biting it.

I love 'em though. Makes my soul shiver every time I hear them.

 

[china-doll]

Is it bad that I saw a question directed at S3 and immediatly assumed it was a butt sex question.

 

[Guest]

I once had a whim and I had to obey it,
To buy a French horn in a second hand shop.
I polished it up and I started to play it,
In spite of the neighbours, who begged me to stop.

Sorry, I have nothing useful to add here. Your thread just made me start singing Flanders and Swann at the top of my voice and I think I scared the neighbours.

The Earl

Ah, to be a fly on your wall, Earl.

 

[Guest]

Is it bad that I saw a question directed at S3 and immediatly assumed it was a butt sex question.

*Gasp!* What you said!

Well, that makes me kind of proud, I suppose.

Bringing anal sex information to the masses, one reader at a time.

 

[china-doll]

*Gasp!* What you said!

Well, that makes me kind of proud, I suppose.

Bringing anal sex information to the masses, one reader at a time.

Oh come on, don't tell me the thought didn't cross your mind when you first saw the thread title.

And it is such a nobel calling.

 

[Guest]

Oh come on, don't tell me the thought didn't cross your mind when you first saw the thread title.

And it is such a nobel calling.

Well -

I hate to brag.

 

[thambok]

Well -

I hate to brag.

Understood. Someone else should do the bragging for you.


Preferably with illustrations.