MUSICandCHARACTER

Semantics I guess.

When you speak of a new leadpipe, it is rarely called a conversion. You simply install a new leadpipe. A conversion sound like you change more than the leadpipe, you "convert" it to another configuration.

Oh well, I don't really know. Just adding my 2 cents worth is case it was helpful.

Jim

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Dr. Jim Fox
Licensed Mental Health Therapist
Mouthpiece chart: www.ibowtie.com/tmptmpccharts.html

trumpetpimp

Okay,

GR is calling it a leadpipe conversion. You're converting your trumpet from a standard leadpipe to a GR leadpipe. It's a complete replacement. Don't get hung up on the word conversion. It's no different than putting a Blackburn or a Pilczuk on your horn. It's just a new leadpipe.

Reverse. This is related to the previous. GR will be offering his pipes in standard or reverse configuration. You can stick with the type of tuning that your horn originally came with but I don't suppose it will be a problem to change it when you do the upgrade. That's what I'm considering doing.

Faith in GR? Oh, yes. Maybe it's just because I found a comfortable rim(that potentially could have been found with any manufacturer) but I heard what overtones were for the first time when I got my new GR's. I picked up my pieces from the music store after they had been ordered and played them that afternoon at church. The cup was slightly smaller than I was using before but the sound was bigger and richer. When I had my rim put on a cornet shank it made my cornet playable again(I don't like playing cornet very much). My piccolo experience was pretty good too. I couldn't belive how easy it was to play my picc after switching to GR and picking the right shank adapter. The jury's still out on the flugel FD cup but you can't win them all! His pieces have been so good so far I was ready to buy his leadpipe the moment I heard it was coming.

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For sale:
Courtois 154 flugel
http://www.trumpetherald.com/marketp...detail&id=5375

Kanstul 1500 Bb copper bell
http://www.trumpetherald.com/marketp...detail&id=7504

orchtrpt

I agree MC. Semantics. I don't know why GR is calling slapping a new leadpipe on a trumpet a "conversion" When I think conversion I'm thinking Laskey Conversion or Malone conversion. Anyway I guess we will have to wait and see how these new pipes play. Thanks

SchilkeFan

I normally play a Schilke X3L, yet often wondered how a B1L would compare to same. I stumbled across an older (1984) B1 for a decent BIN price on ebay and decided to check it out. It played pretty well...somewhat more resistance than my X3L, however, that was to be expected.

I had Gary Radtke take a look at the horn, and he recommended that it was a prime candidate for one of his Macaluso leadpipes. Gary took all the measurements (venturi, leadpipe length, engagement in tuning slide sleeve, etc.) and formed a leadpipe from his mandrel. He then machined the leadpipe to the exact specifications as mentioned above, as well as a new mouthpiece receiver. He then sent them to Charlie Melk for assembly and, once assembled, Charlie sent it off to Anderson to be silver plated. Upon receiving the plated leadpipe assembly, Charlie attached it to my B1.

The horn is now the best playing Schilke of the three I own! I have no idea what magic GR breathes into his machined products, but this B1 is the real deal. The intonation is spot on, it slots like crazy, and yet it still retains the Schilke sound (which may not be for everyone, but is the way I like a trumpet to sound :) ).

I have complete respect for everything GR has done for trumpet players everywhere. His mouthpieces play better (for me) than anything I've ever played on, and I've played on just about every mouthpiece out there. His new leadpipe/mouthpiece receiver is out of this world, as well.

Just a comment or two about the work of Charlie Melk. This guy is a real artisan as far as horn maintenance is concerned. Everytime that I read about a horn having impeccable "fit and finish", I can't help but think that that is what defines Charlie Melk. He put this leadpipe on my horn, and everyone who has inspected and/or played my horn is amazed that it looks straight from the Schilke factory. Charlie has performed other minor miracles for some of my friends, and noone else will ever do maintenance on any of my horns.

John MacGregor
Waukesha, WI