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Specifications
on all student model trumpets are all fairly standard, however
when choosing a professional level instrument there are a number
of specification choices you need to make to ensure your instruments
fulfills your own exact requirements - for the type of player
you are, and style of playing you do. |
Bell Type
Bells can be described as "One Piece" or "Two Piece" -
dependant on the number of sheets of brass used to make the bell.
To create a one-piece bell a pattern is cut from a brass sheet, then the
brass is folded, heated, and hand hammered into a gradually recognizable
form. The rough form is then spun to an exact tolerance, and the rim is
added prior to bending. This creates a single axial (lengthwise) rather
than lateral seam, making it a continuous extension of the instrument's
material.
The result is a consistent sound, an even feel, and a responsive instrument,
which is far superior to a two piece bell in terms of resonance and unrestricted
vibration. |
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Bell
Flair
The shape of the tapered surface, or rate of bell flair, determines the
characteristic sound of the instrument. Bells with fast tapers produce
dark, warm sounds, while slow tapers yield bright tones. Bach offers a
number of bell flair options with their Stradivarius trumpets - the most
popular being the 37 (fast), 43 (Medium) and 72 (slow) flairs. These numbers
refer to the mandrel (tooling used to shape the flair) number, not any
diameter or measurement. |
Bell
Material
Brass is basically an alloy of copper and zinc, but different blends of
these materials offer different tones when used in bells. Gold brass for
example, softer and redder than standard yellow brass due to a higher copper
content results in a warmer tone. The thickness of bell material also effects
the playing characteristics. Lightweight bells respond quickly for a lively
sound. For situations involving high dynamic levels without distortion
or dark qualities, choose a heavyweight bell (in either yellow or gold
brass). |
Leadpipe
The venturi
(constriction) and rate of taper in the mouthpipe effect the
trumpet's characteristic sound. Like the bell, leadpipes with
fast tapers result in warm tones, while slow tapers produce bright
sounds. Some players opt for the "reverse leadpipe" construction
option. By eliminating a step where the pipe connects to the
main tuning slide, the air moves more freely. Reversed construction
results in a longer pipe maintaining constant taper for improved
intonation. |
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Main
tuning slide
The shape of a tuning slide contributes to the resistance of the overall
instrument. A rounded tuning slide (usually an extra option) provides a
consistent gentle curve for smooth airflow and therefore, less playing
resistance. Most players however, prefer a "D" shaped tuning
slide as it provides a balanced resistance, which contributes to the security
of the instrument. |
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Bore
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the bore size determines an instrument's
tone quality. While the bore does play a role, primarily the rate of taper
in the mouthpipe and bell section influence whether the sound is dark of
bright.
A trumpet bore is measured at the inside diameter of the second valve slide.
While large bore instruments may have greater volume of sound and carrying
power, they require more effort to play. Consequently almost all players
opt for the medium - large bore. |
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Valves
The material used on the valve casing is very important to avoid corrosion
and leakage. Most professional level brass instruments come with Monel
valve casings with the exception of Besson sovereign instruments, which
have stainless steel casings.
Monel is a special alloy - mostly nickel and copper - which is both extremely
hard and resistant to corrosion.
Valves that are hand lapped after automated honing also ensure the right
balance between air tightness and smooth action. |
Weight
The weight of a trumpet depends primarily on the thickness of the brass
in its tubing and bell. The thicker the brass, the heavier the instrument
and the darker the sound. A number of manufacturers offer heavyweight,
medium and lightweight models to suit a wide range of tonal requirements. |
Choosing your Stradâ
Bach offer
a huge array of options for their Stradivarius range of trumpets
incorporating most combinations of the various specification
options discussed. However, by far the most popular models are
the following: |
| 180ML37 |
Medium
large bore with 37 bell flair, standard configuration lead pipe and "D" tuning
slide. Medium weight, yellow brass bell. |
| LR180ML43 |
Medium
large bore with 43 bell flair, "reverse leadpipe" and "D" tuning
slide.
Medium weight, yellow brass bell.
A more free blowing alternative to the "standard 37" |
We
keep a good choice of these popular models in stock at all times,
however we can supply you with a custom instrument to match your
exact requirements.
Customised options including bell engraving can also be arranged at the
Bach factory "custom shop" in Elkhart - but can often take some
considerable time... |
Trumpet
Recommendations
There is a wide choice of good student trumpets on the market. Particularly
good (if a little more pricey) are the Yamaha instruments. We prefer the
slightly more expensive 2335 model - made from a superior and thicker grade
of brass than the 1335, and supplied in a more substantial case. Also good
value are the Elkhart (supplied by Vincent Bach) Besson 1000 series and
the Jupiter.
At an intermediate level the Yamaha 4335G stands out as by far the best
choice and remarkable value for money. The Bach Omega is also a nice instrument
(in essence a Stradivarius with a two piece bell) but in our view is overpriced
- being not much cheaper than the "pro level" Yamaha Xeno range.
At the top level the Bach Stradivarius has traditionally dominated, however
the Yamaha Xeno trumpets (available in standard and reverse leadpipe configurations)
offer a real alternative and are now outselling “strads”. Customers
who try both invariably choose the Yamaha - and are then shocked to find
out it's considerably cheaper. The Yamaha 6310Z / 8310Z models are also
a very popular model with Jazz orientated customers. Designed by Bobby
Shew they feature a unique "stepped bore" giving a great sound
with ease of playing. |
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High
Trumpets
There is a huge variety of types of high trumpets both in terms of keys
and exotic makes. We have therefore restricted the range in this catalogue
to "mainstay" instruments needed by orchestral players and music
college students - the Eb/D and Bb/A piccolo; and the professional models
of Yamaha. However, if you want something more specialist please call us.
High trumpets fall into two general categories, Instruments with or without
interchangeable bells. To change the key of an instrument you need to change
the length of tubing. Less expensive Eb/D instruments have an extra set
of slides to change the instrument's pitch and Bb/A piccolos have an extra
mouthpiece shank to lengthen the instrument from Bb to A. However, top
of the range instruments often also have interchangeable bells which make
them more in tune with themselves (by increasing the length of the instrument
in more places).
On Bb/A piccolos a 4th valve is the norm - which allows for an extended
low range and alternative fingerings.
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Pocket
Trumpets
Pocket trumpets (in Bb with the tubing tightly wound) are used by jazz
musicians in novelty acts, players going on holiday, and by conductors
(to play with one hand while conducting with the other). Surprisingly popular!
- the only real option is the Jupiter. |
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