Trumpet Equipment – Page 3

Looking For A New Trumpet Case?

written by Bruce Chidester on December 12, 2019

Trumpet Equipment

From time to time we all get a little antsy when it comes to our equipment and this is my case at this time. I have a perfectly good original hard case for my Bobby Shew Z trumpet but still “lust” for something new. This is the reason I have decided to explore the possibility of a new trumpet case. I have never been a strong supporter for the trumpet bag approach and after doing some extensive research into the next step up for trumpet cases. I decided to look at the Protec Trumpet Contoured PRO PAC Case, Black, Model…

Big Mouthpiece or Small Mouthpiece? That Is The Question. Part 3

written by Bruce Chidester on December 8, 2019

What advantage is there for the use of two mouthpieces? This is a question which comes up often for many times we are faced with contrasting performance styles, i.e. Classical music and Jazz compositions. Generally the Classical music requires a darker, more “legit” timbre and the Jazz music requires a more commercial or brighter tone quality. It seems logical that two different mouthpieces would fit the needs of the performer and this is what we will be covering in this posting. What should I consider when switching between two different mouthpieces? • Two mouthpieces with the same cup diameter cause…

Big Mouthpiece or Small Mouthpiece? That Is The Question. Part 2

written by Bruce Chidester on December 6, 2019

Trumpet Equipment

What constitutes a big or small mouthpiece? There are several areas which can be described as parts of a big or small mouthpiece. • Cup diameter- The distance between inner edge or bite of a cup is described as the cup diameter. • Cup depth- The distance from the top of the mouthpiece rim to the bottom of the first cup is the depth of the cup. • Contour of the second cup- The shape of the second cup will effect how the mouthpiece responds. • Throat diameter- the width of the throat has a great effect on the sound…

Big Mouthpiece or Small Mouthpiece? That Is The Question.

written by Bruce Chidester on December 4, 2019

This has been a constant decision for all trumpet players. The large mouthpiece gives you a big, dark, rich sound but on the other hand, the small mouthpiece makes the upper register easier to play. I will try to illustrate the advantages as well as the disadvantages when trying to select your perfect mouthpiece. Big is big and small is small. The larger the mouthpiece the more air you will be able to push through your horn and the smaller the mouthpiece the less air you are able to utilize. Now at this point, I have lost half of my…

How To Play A Flugel Horn

written by Bruce Chidester on November 30, 2019

Most trumpet players approach the flugel in the same way they approach their trumpet- put it to your face and blow! Although this works, it might not be the best way to get the most out of your instrument. As I covered in a previous post, the two instruments are constructed differently and their use and even playing style are different. Both the trumpet and the flugel horn are played basically the same. Both also play the same range of notes with the same fingerings. The difference between the two lies in the application and playing style of the player.…

Who is Jim Morrison?

written by Bruce Chidester on November 28, 2019

When we speak of great trumpet players, names such as Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard Ferguson, Wynton Marsalis roll from our lips. But how familiar is the name Jim Morrison, and I am not speaking of the member of the famous rock band of the ‘60s; the Doors? If you are unaware of this talented trumpet player, be prepared to welcome a new icon into your trumpet world. James Morrison was born November 11. 1962 in Boorowa, New South Wales. His talents as a multi-instrumentalist (clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, flugelhorn, bass flugelhorn, trombone, euphonium, tuba…

25 Of the Best Christmas Suggestions For Your Favorite Trumpet Player

written by Bruce Chidester on November 24, 2019

Trumpet Equipment

Christmas is just around the corner and to make your shopping easier for your favorite trumpet player, here are just a few suggestions. $3.00 > $3.99 $5.00 $9.49 $9.99 $10.00 > $10.99 $11.50 .$12.09 $16.99 $19.53 23.99 $24.99 $24.98 $24.99 $24.99 $25.00 Humes & Berg 102 Stonelined Trumpet Cup Mute $26.99 $32.92 K&M Stands 15910-000-55 Mute Holder, Black $35.40 $35.99 $36.83 $39.89 $44.95 $50.00 > $80.99 $100.00 $116.16 $152.00 $165.98 All these products are available at Amazon.com All above prices are subject to change.

Best Valve Oil

written by Bruce Chidester on May 13, 2019

For most of my professional life I have been dedicated to the Al Cass “Fast” valve oil but today I may have become a convert to something different. Ultra Pure is really not a new valve oil but is new to me. While visiting our local music store today I tried to purchase my old friend Al Cass and was very disappointed to find that they did not carry that brand. Due to the fact that I was almost out of oil, I reluctantly paid the good man his token requested and I took it home. Upon arriving home to…

Have You Ever Considered Playing A Medium Bore Trumpet/Cornet?

written by Bruce Chidester on December 21, 2018

Now that is a question that I am sure you have never been asked! Most selections of bore size are limited to either large bore or extra-large bore and an option of a small bore or even a medium bore never enters the picture. Here is a quote from the Bundy instrument manufacture ring company. “The Bundy trumpet’s large bore makes it easy for a beginner to blow”. And here is a quote from the well-known music store Musicians Friend. “For new, and especially young players, a horn with a small bore is more appropriate because the small bore makes…

“Clocking” Your Mouthpiece Part #2

written by Bruce Chidester on November 17, 2018

Some may remember my first post (How to place your mouthpiece in your horn) which was written to disprove a practice which stresses the importance of placing your mouthpiece in the proper position to benefit your consistency in playing. This practice is called “Clocking” and the reference to positioning your mouthpiece in the best rotation in your mouthpiece receiver turn out to be true. What I started out to disprove, I ended up totally agreeing with. The reason for this second post on the same subject is again to verify the importance of the correct rotation of your mouthpiece in…