davidjohnson

- a new feature or design -

sterling silver leadpipe

- theme -

this new model is destined to become the eclipse best-seller!
presenting for your awe, and eclipsing all other trumpet makes and models-

the "NOQUYSI FAER" (star spirit)

the model name is a blend of uncommon languages to reflect the pinnacle achieved by eclipse trumpets. 'noquysi' is a variant of the cherokee tribal word for 'star', an old word from the new world depicting the stellar heights of musical art to which trumpeters aspire.
the word 'faer' means 'spirit' and comes from sindarin, the tongue of j.r.r. tolkien's grey elves. the spirit of the instrument sounds a new page in the legend of eclipse each time the horn sounds, and the name pays homage the homeland of the eclipse through the writing talents of a native son.
my personal 'noquysi faer' will have the eclipse large red bell in savannah gloss laquer, a sterling silver leadpipe for clarity of articulation, and the body will be gold plated. my preference is medium bore, but an ml will do nicely!
model name engraved upon the bell.


- (back to school time!) Write a short story using each of the following at least once.

A. A TYPE OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
B. A COUNTRY OR CITY
C. A FORM OF TRANSPORT
D. AN ITEM OF CLOTHING
E. A FOOD

in keeping with the holiday season, i present the following short story in the guise of song lyics, with deep reverence to gene autry & rudolph!

--andante rubato--

you know schilke and yammie, bundy and getzen,
selmer and freebell, holton and besson,
but do you recall, the most famous trumpet of all???

--moderato, quasi beguine, uh 1 & uh 2---

eclipse, the golden trumpet,
had a clear and shining sound,
and if you ever heard it,
you would even say profound!

all of the other trumpets,
from e-bay out to l. a.,
they never let poor eclipse,
join in their happy play.

then one foggy christmas eve,
santa came to say..
'eclipse with your tone so right,
won't you guide my sleigh tonight'?

then how the trumpets loved him,
as they tossed their caps with glee,
eclipse, the golden trumpet, lead us on a happy spree!!

(instrument = trumpet
city = LA
transport = sleigh
clothing = caps(valve)
food = spree candies)


- please tell us just why you feel that you should win this contest-

1) for personal satisfaction in that i get to help 'design' a new trumpet model, and i get a superb horn to play when i win.

2) i have often shared equipment with my public school music students for many years, and this will be a perfect way to let students play upon an unexcelled music instrument.

happy holidays and good luck to all
dj

trumpeterb

1. Tell us how you would improve a trumpet with a new feature or design.

The new feature that I would add is a single-piece leadpipe with a semi-integrated mouthpiece. When I say semi-integrated, what I mean is that the backbore is part of the leadpipe. The end of the leadpipe is threaded, and the cup and rim of the mouthpiece can be screwed onto the leadpipe. This would make it possible to change the cup and rim, while still having the "integrated" mouthpiece look and feel. The gap would be eliminated completely. In addition, the horn would be a ML bore, reverse leadpipe, amato water keys, heavy weight bottom caps, counter sunk top caps, and a larger bell (5 or 5 1/4 inch). The finish would have to be silver plated with gold highlights.

2. Give us a theme for the trumpet.

SOLAR FLARE. Solar flares are like off-shoots of the sun and its energy. These flares reach far into the universe, and many even come in contact with our atmosphere. I think that such an outreach of energy and power would justly represent this horn.

3. Short story.

Gus was a simple man. No, there was nothing special about Gus...just a plain old everyday janitor at a local mall in Pittsburgh. Gus was used to that way of life; you know, get up, go to work, take a lunch break, work again, go home......without any family around anymore, Gus just seemed to have lost that desire to live, or at least to live well. Oh, but everyone at the mall loved Gus. He always portrayed a happy, kind, and loving man. Of course this was only a mask behind which the real Gus existed. Day after day, month after month, year after year, Gus would put on his janitors overalls, work gloves, and name badge, and head into that lonely place we call the world. His world had been this way for years....but it changed one day. After taking the transit bus to work one morning....Gus didn't drive, you see, at least not after the terrible motorcycle accident ten years ago, Gus noticed something different. There was a new, but pleasant face behind the counter of the music store that was located just inside the main entrance of the mall. Trying to get a better look, Gus pushed his wide and well-used broom down the hallway towards the music store entrance. "Hello," he heard her voice for the first time. "Welcome to Pittsburgh Music, can I help you with something?" Gus just stared, and could not believe that such a beautiful woman was standing just before him. "Uh...no, that's ok," replied Gus. "I was just cleaning the floor and noticed that there was a new employee in here."

"My name is Adrienne. I used to work at the bakery down the street, but making doughnuts and bread all day long started getting old. I thought I would try the music store scene for a while."

"Well, Adrienne, welcome to our mall. My name is Gus, and if there is ever anything you need, you be sure to let me know."

"I will do that, Gus, it is a real pleasure to meet you." Adrienne could not look at Gus without smiling, and don't think for one minute that Gus didn't see the twinkle in her eye.

Each passing day, Gus looked forward to sweeping the hallway by Pittsburgh Music. Every day kind words were exchanged between Gus and Adriennne. It took every bit of courage in his soul, but Gus finally decided to ask Adrienne out for a cup of coffee at the local coffee shop.

"I would love to get coffee with you, Gus, I am done working at 8. Meet me here, and we can go to Bruno's Coffee House. I heard that there is a really good jazz combo playing there."

The date was set.....Gus agreed, turned, and walked away with elation, sweeping the floor the entire way down the hall way. Gus had a lot to think about over the next few hours....what should we talk about....how do I politely ask her to drive.....I really hope I don't screw this up. Just be yourself.....honest is the best policy.

Eight o'clock came, and Gus met Adrienne outside the door of the music store. "Would you mind driving? You see, I was in this accident years ago, and I haven't been able to drive since."

"No problem. My car is parked right outside. Let's go."

Upon entering the coffee house, Gus started to absorb the atmosphere. The smell of the coffee, and sound of the jazz combo, and the beauty of the woman at his side. "Listen to that tremdous trumpet playing, Gus. I used to play trumpet, you know. Years ago. I gave it up when I graduated from school."

"Now that you work at a music store, did you ever think of getting back into it again?" asked Gus.

"I had thought of it, but I just can't afford the trumpet that I would like to have....it is called the Solar Flair, and it is made by a company called Eclipse Trumpets. It is a great horn, but unless I win a contest or something, I guess I will just have to keep on dreaming." Her response caught Gus a bit off guard.

"Dreaming is a good thing. I used to dream....a lot. I used to dream of a family....you know, a wife, kids, grandkids, the whole nine yards. I guess that dreaming is all I will ever have."

"Gus, I have known you now for a few months, and I have been wanting to tell you something....I really think that I am falling in love with you....I know, I know, it sounds weird, but hear me out......you have been the only person in the mall that has shown me the friendship, compassion, and love that I needed over these past few months. I really hope that I may be able to help you make your dreams come true."

Well, after eight months of courting, Gus and Adrienne were married. As for a family.....well.....let's just say the my father and his new wife wasted no time having me, and then my brother and sister.

Now and then, you can still catch Gus at the coffee house. He is retired now, but he still enjoys returning to that very same coffee house where he and mom had their first date. He has dreams that I may someday play a Solar Flair Eclipse trumpet with a jazz combo at that coffee house....and as you have already seen, dreams can come true. Let's hope, for Gus's sake, that this one does.

4. Why should I win the contest.

I cannot say that I should win because I am the best trumpet player entered into the contest, because I doubt that I am. I cannot say that I should win because I have the best story, because I probablydo not. I cannot say that I should win because my new idea for a trumpet is totally innovative, because it is not that innovative. I can say, however, that I am a very serious trumpeter, and I have always been willing to take risks and chances on new equipment, and in life in general. I would love the chance to play an Eclipse, and this contest may be my only chance to ever do so. Like Gus and Adrienne from the story, I am a dreamer, and I hope that you can help to make this dream a reality.

drKmod

How I would improve a trumpet with a new feature or design: Since I’m only a player and not an sound engineer I wouldn’t have the first clue as to what would improve on what is already available in the marketplace of current ideas. I would say that keeping the ends of the trigger springs hidden or tucked under so I don’t prick my thumb or finger on the ends of the springs would be good. An ingenious way of oiling, like a zert, so I wouldn’t have to stop and unscrew the valves to oil them.
The Theme: I would name the horn" "My Baby" After all, its mine, isn't it? We can configure it anyway we want to...can't we.
The theme of my horns would be “My Baby” or Babies. Meaning more than one horn, eventually. Maybe twins, uh...two at a time. Their could even be a series of Horns falling under the Baby category. As a trumpeter/cornetist I prefer my trumpets to be bright, lead like and my cornets to be more blending, maybe even flugelhorn like in sound for small group, jazz work. I think instrument coloring is more important than braces shaped like initials, medallions, nuts and bolts, rockets, trucks or some NASCAR symbol. Braces should be functional or not there. “My Baby” should have the appropriate coloring. I imagine the valve block being iridescent white, the slides being powder blue and the bell from the first valve being pale pink morphing into red at the bell indicating a hot sound! The inside of the bell could be polished brass or colored, either. “Baby” would cover both sexes with the pale blue and pink coloring. “Baby” would be taken good care of with nurturing and easy handling. The only difference is I would be the only one growing and learning. Thank you for my new horn “Baby”. Remember, if you’re going to pray for rain, bring an umbrella.

A Short Story:

For the past several years a band appears at the older, Shepton Mall, in Oklahoma City, on NW 23rd St during the Holidays and plays for a couple of hours. The important thing about this band is the players are all older men and a woman. Every year they have arrived in an older, racing green Jaguar with a red ribbon tied to it, they are all dressed in suits and ties with overcoats, they use no music and play wonderfully.
There are very few shoppers at this mall, only walkers and exercisers. Most of the stores have moved to other more popular malls. The offices close at 5:00pm so the mall is open for walkers until 9:00pm.
They park on the West side of the mall. They enter around 6:00pm into the large, central area where most all walkers have to pass by and they play their music. The statesmanlike 4 string banjo player starts out with a slow version of “Just A Closer Walk”. Joining in is the attractive, lady clarinetist with her soft arpeggios and octave jumps sounding more like Bob Snyder than a local clarinetist. The trombonist slides into the second chorus with mellow sounds. The single, strap held, snare drum is rhythmically keeping everyone together while the trumpet brings the full sound altogether.
These five musicians bring their insulated cups with their choices of liquids to drink, usually coffee. The crowd of people slowly began to gather around the musicians. The musicians stand in a circle and play to one another so they can hear and the crowd stands behind them as they play. The banjo player, dressed in a 3 piece suit, announces the next tune, counts 1,2,1234 and they play another Christmas tune for the crowd. After about 40 minutes or so they take a break and the crowd waits for their return.
The almost reverent atmosphere while these musicians are playing is very unusual. There is no excessive talking, no hollering or wandering around. Just people enjoying good Christmas Music.
However, during the 2002 Christmas season, there were some younger couples showing up with small children for this occasion. The small coffee shop stayed open for the music and the listeners had their hot coffee, hot chocolate and pretzels.
The lady clarinetist asked the crowd to join in in singing “Silent Night” as the last tune of the evening and the crowd sang as though they were a choir with harmonies. They all exchanged pleasantries, thanks to one another and all left the Mall rather orderly. The plans were made for the 2003 season.
Liz Humphreys , a local reporter, contacted the lady clarinetist, Ramona Patrick, a lawyer in Edmond, OK and asked her if the band would play this year and she said they planned on it. Patrick wouldn’t reveal her age, although she looks considerably younger than the men.
The drummer’s name is Larry Snow, 65, a semi-retired professor of math. The trombonist’s name is Roger McGuckin, 64, a retired city planner from Oregon now living in Oklahoma City. The banjo player is 65 year old David Davenport, a studio musician and record producer. He is currently working with upcoming country singer, Elizabeth Cole. The 63 year old trumpet player, Jay Silverii, is a retired medical salesman and musician. He was a vocalist and trumpet player in the Grand Hotel house
band in the 60’s and 70's.
This group got started at a high school class reunion and have played together since 1994. They call themselves “Rebound”. They don’t know why they named themselves Rebound so they don’t have to explain it.
The local media has been aware of this group and their music for over five years. The property management team at the Mall doesn’t seem to care as long as this tradition brings people to their mall. “The tradition will continue as long as people come to hear “, Patrick said. We don’t charge for our music but a man once threw a dollar bill in my clarinet case. Liz Humphreys reported this to be a very popular band in the area during the holiday season. Oklahoma City is proud to have caring people like these musicians.

Why I feel I should win this Contest:

My dedication to the last horn manufacturer has lasted almost forty years. I still have my original horn I played in college and in the bands for the next few years. From Selmer I have had a Flugelhorn, a cornet and my K Modified Trumpet. I have sold the flugelhorn and the cornet. I am ready to move on to a newer horn to keep up with my counterparts. I need a more open lead sound as I have a new gig this coming year. I am playing in two bands now and am adding one this holiday season. Jay Silverii of the Rebound Band has had major surgery and will not be able to play this season. The band has asked me to take his place while he recuperates. Jay suggested me and they all agreed. What is noteworthy is that all but the drummer play custom instruments. The banjo, hand inlaid sparkles, hand built and beautiful and the trombone are custom built to specs. My new Eclipse “Baby” powder blue, pink to red trumpet would be the talk of music society in Oklahoma City. They’ve never seen such a thing around these parts before.

Best to you this coming year.
Trumpeter Don Huddleston
drhuddle@swbell.net

ps I will post pictures of "Baby" as soon as it arrives.

JackD

Firstly, I'd like to say thanks to everyone at Eclipse for this competition. It was interesting and fun to think about.


1. My idea for an useful improvement to the trumpet came to me when I was playing a gig last week that required a lot of very quick mute changes. The music called for mute changes so fast that occasionally I had to give myself an extra bar or so to get the different mute in, for example: changing from using a plunger to a cup mute within the space of a crotchet rest at a fast tempo (damn arrangers!).
A multiple belled trumpet would solve this problem: having two bells would make timbre changes just as easy as pitch changes.
You could change between bells with a valve type mechanism, a bit like French horns have for changing between crooks.
I see the valve or trigger being located near the first valve slide, so that the left hand thumb can operate it.
You could anticipate mute changes, and use a different mute in each bell, or have one open bell and one muted bell.
This would allow for much faster and easier mute changes, also removing the risk of damaging the instrument by denting it through panic-stricken carelessness.
Multiple bells would also allow for a flugel / trumpet bell combination or a cornet / trumpet bell combination, or any combination of silver / lacquer / copper bells.

This really would be a useful improvement to the trumpet, and would allow for a greater expressive range on the instrument.

This may sound a little ambitious, but I believe if you chose to make it, it would be an improvement to traditional trumpet design with very real, musical implications.

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2. I would call the double-belled trumpet the "Gemini".

This name reflects what would be revolutionary about this trumpet - the twin bells.

The "Gemini" theme can be illustrated by reference to the "Gemini" starsign :

A "Gemini" is said to be: "Adaptable and versatile, communicative and eloquent" (from http://www.astrology-online.com/gemini.htm) - exactly what this trumpet should be.

The twin stars that give the constellation "Gemini" its name are called "Castor" and "Pollux", so you could engrave these names into the two bells, which should be side-by-side.


The bells of the "Gemini" should be different to maximize the versatility of the instrument. I would suggest one Medium Yellow and one Medium Red bell. This would give the player the option of producing a dark or a bright sound.

The Medium Red bell should be closest to the body of the trumpet, allowing the Medium Yellow bell to resonate more, and giving the Medium Red bell a more focused sound.

Bracing on the "Gemini" should be kept to a minimum to minimize weight. This will also allow the two bells to resonate as much as possible. Due to the twin bells, a counter-balance may be necessary in the back bow.

The finish of the body of the "Gemini" should be Scratch Gold. This allows each of the bells to retain its individual character, whilst giving the trumpet an elegant look.

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3. Through my window, the orange-pink light of morning shone warmly through the billowing grey of London clouds. As I crouched over my breakfast of fragmented flakes of cardboard, raisins and milk, I listened to the clug-e-te-clug clug-e-te-clug of a tube train passing, taking people from here to there, or from there to here. Tracing down a line with my finger from my temple to my jaw, I allowed the sounds of the dawning day to stir me awake. A lone bird outside seemed to sound a bugle call. Dwelling on these natural notes, and smoothing out a ripple in my tie, I sat up, pushed back my chair and proceeded up the stairs, towards the waking world outside.

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4. If I won this competetion, I would give the trumpet a lifetime (hopefully a long one!) of use. I'm currently applying to music college (I've got my Royal Academy audition this Wednesday) and professional trumpet playing is really what I want to do with my life. I have an insatiable love of music, but I also have an equal love of the trumpet. For me, there is no instrument that makes a more beautiful sound, or that has a more flexible timbre.

I would really love the chance to play an Eclipse, as I've heard so much praise about these trumpets. Hopefully I would be able to allow one of these beautiful trumpets to resonate to the sound of a lot of great music for a very long time indeed!

Thanks again,

Jack Davies.

gus

New Feature for Trumpet:
=================

Considering the terrific leadpipe that Leigh invented,
I would make the leadpipes removable. Besides
this could be used to have differenes leadpipes to
change the character of the blow and sound. To acquire stability
the braces should be two piece with a sort of screw to fix it
properly ( I don't like loosen things ). In other trp.
this feature is almost irrelevant, but in a trumpet
with such a long leadpipe, is really having another
instrument.


Theme: The PANZER - WAR TANK- Eclipse.
============================
The feature suggested is cool, but for my Theme I will choose
something different.

The Panzer Eclipse is intended to be a heavy and efficient
trumpet, that due to its design will BLEW OUT Bachs and
Yamahas and Conns. With this horn there will be no problem
switching between cornet, C and Bflat.

Name: Panzer is because if constructed will be the tank of
the Eclipse Line. Features: Heavy bell and body.
Bore: Medium ( If available it could be added a M bore valve
block - not compulsory-) If no M valve block is available, a tighter leadpipe could be used.
Finish: Green Olive in the Bell and in valves a gold plate ( Tank Camouflage).
Bracing: Strong and Solid to keep the core of the sound, and a
little sheet of brass in both bows ( 1/2 inch ). Tempered brass, to sizzle a little when pushed.
I believe in Leigh so the tuning slide is the rear.
Normal water keys ( not amados )

I think that this horn would be a winner because you will be
able to throw through it all your air and when you don't have
air, the saliva and when you don't have saliva, your amigdalas,
and then your guts and still have a sound that do not break and
is heard in the back of the hall. I imagine the finale of Mahler 5th
or the Great Gate of Kiev -gorgeous- or just for being up to the
theme of the horn the 1812 of Tchaikovksy, sounding through
the blast of cannyons and drums - A REAL PANZER HORN-

I think that is a very difficult horn to do, because must be constructed really good to be in tune. I think that Leigh is DA MAN for this....

I am not a belic guy, this is the Panzer of Music, intended to blew mediocre horns and oboe players -yes I hate the oboes-.

I think that due to this characteristics it will be far better than any Martin Committee of the past or Monette of today also in Jazz groups.

History ( sorry for my English, my dear English speaker fellows )

HISTORY: ICE CREAM CURSE.
====================

Once in a dance party at Rosario, in the borders of Parana River (CITY)in Argentina, I was playing second trumpet and the lead trumpeter started to fart during a very high note part because he ate a lot of ice cream (FOOD) and drunk a lot of beer in the break between the first and second part of the show. The saxes (INSTRUMENT) started to yell "... man it stinks...." and the man should go to the bathroom. When he went, we could see a dark spot over the rear of his pants... That was the end of this guy in that night.

As an act of bravery I took the part I played the hell out of me, even
though I am not a Jazz player, and then I saw a nice, curvy, blonde
girl wearing a sexy black dress(CLOTHES), who was looking at me smiling. I thought to myself "... this is my chance..." After the concert we starting to chat a little and I told her,"... lets go to the band bus (VEHICLE) for a little bit of privacy...". We went to the bus while the other guys were eating and drinking. When things started to get horny, I felt and strange discomfort in my bowels and an irresistible necessity of farting, and then I started to make noises with a violence never seen before ( I should say heard or smelled ), the girl started to run in a frantic pace until she disapeared through the bushes...

I went quickly to the bathroom with my loyal trumpet in my hand
and then I realized that I have eaten the same cursed ice cream
of the first trumpet. Damn¡¡¡.

WHY I SHOULD WIN.

Basically because I live in a third world country, and because I
run a brass band ( with trumpets and the other classic brasses
not the british ones ) for free. This brass band has produced the
best orchestral players in Argentina in the last 15 years and all
of us ( The other guys and I ) teach children and teens for free and
we give the guys the instruments and so on. Conclussion: I am
not cheap¡¡¡¡ but I won't be able to buy the Eclipse by my own
in the near future.

Hope that my little story is not somekind of porno¡¡¡.

Regards and thanks for the chance of posting.

Gus Hereñú- Buenos Aires- Argentina.

PJB

1. How I would improve an Eclipse trumpet.

Although many would argue an Eclipse trumpet needs no improvement, I suggest two principal features that would create a very flexible horn suitable for a variety of playing styles. These features are:

- A screw-on bell system that would allow the player to change bells based upon desired style of music played. Thus, the player could easily change bell material and flare by screwing on a different bell onto a screw coupling located near the third valve (in a manner similar to the Lawler STS). As a result of this design, the interchangeable bell section would not be braced. As I see it, the horn would come with two bells of the player’s choice. Thus, the winner could choose from current Eclipse bell offerings such as the medium or large red, yellow brass, heavyweight or standard bell in either material. In my case, I would probably want the large red in gold plate and the medium yellow standard in satin silver with polished silver inside the bell.

- The horn would come with both standard and heavyweight valve caps. Thus, the player could custom tune the horn’s response their liking by using all standard weight, all heavyweight, one heavyweight on the third valve, or any mix they desired.

The main body of the trumpet would be of the standard Eclipse medium large bore construction.

2. The theme for this Eclipse trumpet: The Chameleon

It only stands to reason that a horn with so many available tonal colors and the ability to blend with an almost endless variety of playing styles would be a virtual chameleon. Ah, but what would such a “Chameleon” look like? In a nod to classic understatement, the Chameleon would be plated in satin (or scratch) silver with bright silver highlights on the slides and valve caps. However, a uniquely placed touch of gold would be found on the third valve slide. There, a small gold chameleon figure would be permanently perched on the slide with its head looking towards the bell. With a bit of whimsy, its upturned tail would morph into the third valve slide’s finger ring.

3. The short story.

Eric slowly awoke to find the morning sun burning his face. While his overnight trip in the Greyhound bus had been boringly uneventful, catnapping in a bus seat was never a picnic. However, as the cobwebs cleared and he collected his thoughts, his somewhat numb buttocks were the least of his concerns. He could see the distant skyline of Manhattan slowing taking shape through the smudges and smears in the window. In a few hours, he would either begin to realize the fruits of his many years of work or he would simply board another bus and go home a failure, at least in his mind he would have failed.

“Kraut and heavy mustard,” Eric told the street vendor. The smell of the hot dogs had been irresistible! As he had walked away from the bus terminal, his stomach had been screaming, “FEED ME!” Not your typical breakfast but it would do—and it was pretty tasty! Washing the dog down with a tall Starbucks coffee, he continued his trek towards the theater. Everything he needed was either strapped to his back or swinging by his side. In his backpack was the basics of a serviceable wardrobe—a couple of pairs of jeans and a few shirts. More importantly, he had also packed his tux. After all, he wasn’t auditioning for just any gig. Hanging off his shoulder was his triple gig bag with his trusty Bb trumpet, a vintage Mount Vernon Bach Strad that had been his only connection with his long-deceased father. His mother had presented the trumpet to him the Christmas of his junior year in high school as the successor to his well worn and battered Holton student horn. Eric had the talent to make the Strad sing! As high school gave way to college, his playing only improved. Rounding out his instruments was a serviceable C trumpet and decent flugelhorn.

From when he was old enough to remember, Eric had been indulged with tales of his father’s playing. As he grew older, he had begun to wonder if his mother’s memories of his father’s virtuoso musicianship were natural exaggerations growing from the memories of a still grieving widow for the love of her life. Eric had never really known his Dad; he had died a couple of months after Eric’s second birthday. The plane crash that had taken his father had changed his and his mother’s lives forever. Only when he met his current trumpet instructor did he begin to really appreciate the musical legacy that was his.

He rounded the corner and there it was, the Majestic! He had only learned of the pit orchestra opening for The Phantom of the Opera yesterday and had traveled all night to get here. Here he was nevertheless! Fortunately, his university trumpet instructor—a phenomenal player who had played beside Eric’s father—was very well connected and had telephoned a convincing referral to the show’s musical director. In less than two hours Eric would put his talent on the line. He slowly opened the backstage door and entered.

4. While I deserve a custom Eclipse trumpet no more than anyone else entering this contest, I find myself at a time in my life where I am playing more, I’m pushing myself to improve my capabilities, and I’m having a ball! Moreover, my opportunities to play range from playing in a swing band to sitting in with our local symphony. I would definitely appreciate a custom horn that easily morphs from one genre to the next.

TrumpBlasterCC

1. Tell us how you would improve a trumpet with a new feature or design.
I would have it a regular silver plated trumpet but has stars cut around the very edge of the bell.

2. Give us a theme for a trumpet!
I would call it the Aurora Borealis, it would have neon greens and reds panted on it along with the night sky.

3.Write a short story.
On a trip to Montreal a little boy looked up at the night sky. Looking overhead, through the plane window he saw the Aurora Borealis, a magnificent site, as only could be made by the heavens. The aurora was displayed as if being a beautiful song made by a trumpet.
When the boy looked up at the night sky after landing, the Aurora was gone. He put a hat on his head and headed with his parents to get something to eat. They went to a dinner, and had hamburgers and as the boy was looking outside he saw a shooting star.
The night sky is like a symphony filled with beautiful objects flowing like a river. The sounds come from many different instruments. Mixing to make a display that captivates the eye and makes you want to stare up forever.

4. Why you feel that you should win this contest?
There are a lot more reasons why I shouldn?t win this contest, especially that other people probably spend hours working on there descriptions and stories. I just think that its worth a try and that I need a new trumpet bad seeing that my family doesn?t make a lot of money and all I have is a crappy King trumpet. But I play no matter what I have anyway!

FlugelFlyer

1. Tell us how you would improve a trumpet with a new feature or design.

-For my specific purpose, I would use an [almost] ENTIRELY TITANIUM ALLOY body for yet another innovative lightweight lead horn that won't crumple in your hands either. With a standard gauge of titanium used to make the plumbing, the horn will weigh next to nothing. Just ask Mr. Calloway, late great (if you're not the head of the USGA) innovator of those beasts we call Big Berthas. titanium is such a light, dense, and responsive materal the horn will practically vibrate in your hand. Hands down, this will probably be one of the most responsive horn ever built. Also, when played into a microphone the sound will absolutely explode, in a good way.

-An integral backbore you might call it with Warburton threads will replace the mouthpiece receiver on this particular horn (yes, I admit I was beaten to the punch here ). I can get my paws on the top needed, so that's no concern. I'll be using a threaded Bach 7C with this trumpet, and I'm designing this trumpet with the 7C in consideration.

The throat section will be drilled at a standard #27 but will be longer than standard throat sections, about 1/2"-3/4" long to increase slotting and positive resistance in the horn. Main purpose is to decrease unnecessary turbulence through this section while maintaining the reasons mentioned in the previous sentence.

-The leadpipe will straight-taper into a cylindrical .459 bore. The first crook will be oblique to lock high notes in more securely, as featured on the Monette 2000LT. My Strad can't lock anything above a high E above the staff, so slotting up there would be a welcome luxury to me.

-The plumbing in the valve section will be sized entirely at .465 and cylindrical to help pop out fat, bright notes on fast solo runs.

-The actual valves themselves will still be made from nickel if that's how they're currently made, but the valve block will be made of titanium.

-The bell section will cylindrically run at a .471 bore section. In the tuning crook, this is the only part of the horn besides the valves. This part will be made of copper and finished brushed copper lacquer. See two bullets down as to exactly why, basically to keep the sound moving forward.

-From there, the bell will slowly taper into a 6" flare for substantial projection without obstructing my view of the conductor or music.

-There will be three areas braced on this horn, the bell bow, between the upper bell bow and leadpipe, and the first valve. The former two will employ "I" shaped braces (check out the Pitts Special Biplane) and the first valve will use fairly standard bracing between the valves and bell/leadpipe. This is to keep the bracing strong just in this back area keeping the sound moving forward while letting the front end vibrate freely, thus letting all of the sound explode out the front end.

-Finally, the plating will be brushed titanium throughout to even further enhance the overtones. Titanium Alloy won't tarnish either, so that's a plus. I think that covers everything.

2. Give us a theme for a trumpet!

The horn is called the R&B Titan after the musical style of R&B which has influenced me greatly and the material that makes the horn. Listen to Mic Gillette and Greg Adams in old Tower of Power CDs, or even Bill Chase when he had his own fusion group, they all have a sound that defines the sound in R&B, very lazer like compared to traditional trumpet sound while maintaining an incredibly massive core in the sound. I hope with the titanium horn to maximize the overtones with the design characteristics and maintain that heavy core in the sound which would optomize the horn for use in rock, R&B, or even general studio recording sessions. This is why I named the trumpet the R&B Titan, its made of Titanium and it's most suitable for R&B or any serious studio work, though the R&B and funk style was my origional inspiration for this trumpet, though this horn would perform well in a fusion group also.

3. (back to school time!) Write a short story using each of the following at least once.

A. A TYPE OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
B. A COUNTRY OR CITY
C. A FORM OF TRANSPORT
D. AN ITEM OF CLOTHING
E. A FOOD

My spot in the aeronatical showcase is somewhere lodged in the middle of the Chicago Air & Water show. Before me, the A-10 thunderbolts show their tank-busting demonstration and has the crowd estatic. After me, the Antonov An-225, six engine monster and the world's largest aircraft by far, will make an appearance to show it's mighty power and size. Between those, me in my tiny little Pitts Special biplane, aptly named the R&B titan, will put on a performance between two crowd wowers. How do I excite the crowd at North Avenue beach? Well, I just happened to record a funky solo track with my R&B Titan trumpet. The music blares through the loudspeakers as all of a sudden that little hornet of a plane comes screaming up the beach at what seems like near 200 knots just barely skimming the beach. With smoke bellowing out the rear end as I travel up the beach, I reach the bulk of the crowd and suddenly pull up at 4g's and climb 500' before I cut the power coming to a near vertical stall, and suddenly push the power in on the 300HP motor and actually balance on the prop before I pull over backwards and dive back to the ground and breakneck speed. At the last moment when it looks like I'll dive into the lake, I pull into a turn and come out of the dive with an 80 degree right turn, as the beat of the music and both R&B Titans funk onwards. The show is filled with entirely death-defying maneuvers in one R&B Titan and crankin' trumpet solos from the other R&B Titan. Finally, the show finally ends with the loudest, fattest double C ever heard on trumpet on my sound track held on all the way through my signature maneuver in the air, an inverted flat spin with a recovery by turning the spin into an upright loop and coming out straight and level just inches off the water. Somewhere in there, my view was rotating rapidly, but I caught a lady on some 80' yacht squirt ketchup from her hot dog on her bikini, apparently in shock. DAMN I'M SEXY!!! No, she probably just freaked out at my acne-pitted face from those teenage years of testerone going to all the wrong places. It all worked out in the end though by the time I was 18 or 19 ;). Anyways, In the end, some people were crying in fear of my death, some people were left breathless, and everyone else in the crowd was left in total awe at the near superhuman moves I pulled off. Some jazz cats in the crowd stood near the loudspeakers and dug the groove of that trumpet player, not knowing it was me behind the other R&B Titan, but the highlight of this show was definately the flying. I leave the way I entered, traveling north along the beach inches above the water with smoke bellowing out the rear end, and the music slowly fades. Next up folks, the Antonov An-225, weighing in at 1,000,000 pounds!

(remember folks, this is in the future :wink: )

4. Apart from your brilliant answers to the above, please tell us just why you feel that you should win this contest.

Believe it or not, there is not much new here. Titanium alloys have already been engineered into trumpets, and just about every other aspect of the horn mentioned has already been seen on another trumpet, so unfortunately I can't boast too many origionality points. Mainly, this horn should win if you believe in its abilities to do what I intend it to do, equally if not more than I do, i.e. this horn can actually be made a reality from paper. As far as personal pleas go, I really have no sentiments that others haven't echoed yet, however I can say one thing. Many people say that their horns upon completion will make them sing like no other. However, it is of my belief that it is the player that makes the horn and not the horn that makes the player. That said, I believe in my abilities to make any horn sing like no other, and I believe in my abilities to make this horn sing like no other. Leigh, the ball is in your court, so you can decide as you wish from here on out. All I can do, like many others, is continue dreaming.

Jazzman

I have an idea for a horn and will try to keep it short and to the point. LOL
This trumpet would be called, "THE ECLIPSE BEMSHA" and would be a horn dedicated to the Jazz Masters of present and of old.
This trumpet would have a shepard's crook on the bell bow and on the main and third tuning slide. All the slides would be bowed to open the horn's resonance, to promote a warm and rich jazz tone. The idea of the Bemsha would be that of a Jazz trumpet that represents tone, colour and nuance. It would also be a tribute to the great Jazz Musicians such as Thelonious Monk, who celebrated diversity and creativity in Jazz. Also, the bell would have a 5.5" bell throat, to give it a "flugel like" presence. I have seen many horns with heavy caps and such, so my idea is to have the valve block encased together to appear as if it is one large valve. The valves would be inside this large block and it would comfortable on the hand as well. This design would promote the horns center and give the tone warmth and depth as well. The BEMSHA would have a bore size of .464. I believe that if you have a horn with a large bell throat, that the bore size should not be too big, as you need to keep the air moving!
THE *BEMSHA* BELL:
The bell would have a "fin" on the bottom of the bell, from the rim of the bell, half way to the bell bow. This would not only help in making the tone warmer on the horn, but it would make the horn look STUNNING! This fin would be shaped in an S like curve and cut into this fin would be the words,"Eclipse Bemsha". I believe that this fin would assist the player with a warm tone and further stablize the tone's resonance and warmth. The bell would have a 5.5" bell throat and a large diameter on the bell flare. This would help improve the tone and promote a broad Jazz presence.
THE VALVES:
The valves would be encased in a solid "block" of brass that would be bead blasted into a seperate finish than the horn itself. The valves would each be inside this block, each in their own cylinder of course, but the block would encase them all. This block would be rounded and smoothed to fit well in the players hand. It would not be too thick (just enough to encase the valves), but would stabalize the center of the Bemsha.The finish would be the same primary finish of the horn, only the block would be a satin finish. In the valve block would be engraved beautifully, " BEMSHA".
THE BEMSHA CAPS:The valve caps would be a heavy valve cap, somewhat like the Taylor caps. The valve stems would be quite short, promoting a quick valve action on the horn as well. Each valve cap would have one word engraved on each. The words read on each valve would be, "SING SING SING"
THE SLIDES:
The tuning slide, first slide, third slide and and the bell bow would all have the shepard's crook. All three would be shaped in this manner to open the resonance of the horn and to promote a warm presence about the horn. This would also be an amazing look on a horn with an oversized bell, as The Eclipse Bemsha would have. The Bell bow crook would be a slightly large crook than the other three slides, as the other three slides would enhance this look. I am sure that having the slides crooked like this would promote a huge, warm tone on the Bemsha!!
As it is with the Eclipse trumpets, the tuning slide would be on the bell bow, to enhance the vibration in the horn.
THE LEADPIPE:
The leadpipe would have a .464 bore and would have a heavy receiver as well. The heavy receiver would be made with a mouthpiece that would give the Bemsha a strong core to the sound. The mouthpiece description follows.
THE BEMSHA FINISH:
This horn would be done in a dark gold Satin lacquer. The valve block would be a lighter colour of lacquer, in order to give the horn some contrast. The contrast would be slight and subtle. The concept is to remind the player (hopefully me!!) about the subtlety of jazz and to play with concept and depth. Jazz is about colour and nuance and this horn would be a strong representation of that concept within this great music.
THE MOUTHPIECE:
Would be a copy of a Bach 3C, but made like a heavy mass Taylor, cut to fit this horn. It would match the finish of the BEMSHA and stamped into the side of the piece would be, "BEMSHA SWING-3"
Thank you for the opportunity to dream and if I had a dream horn, this would be the one!! Thanks to this site and to the people at Eclipse. If I won this horn, I would then after one month of receiving this horn, have a Jazz CD made with my group consisting of tenor sax, piano, bass, drums, guitar and The BEMSHA Trumpet. This CD will include original compositions and arrangements and the final track would be Monk's "Bemsha Swing." The cover of the CD would have a photo of of the Bemsha from the side, with myself playing it. This CD soles purpose would be for the music and to promote the Bemsha and Eclipse trumpets. The CD would be made and I would send 200 (or more) copies to Eclipse trumpets, intended to be used to promote the horn. The CD will have 2 ballads to allow for the Bemsha to truly be heard in a Jazz ballad setting. It would also have a few post modern bop tunes and the above mentioned "Bemsha Swing". I would release this CD as a gift to Eclipse for their vision and for giving us this opportunity.
Again, thanks very much and I hope to be the proud owner of the finest "Jazz horn" ever made- ****THE ECLIPSE BEMSHA****The story of the Blues:
10 years ago, I spent 2 years on the road with The B.B.Coleman Blues band. It was not only the finest experience for me musically, but travel wise as well. Here is my story:
The rain was pounding the streets as I walked with my gig bag and my *trumpet that I have owned since grade school. My suitcase was filled with all of the clothing that I owned and man, I was looking for a gig! I had not been home for quite sometime and things sure looked different. I had been at University and many of my friends had gone in all directions. I had nowhere really to stay and I decided to check into a Hotel until I found a pad. I decided to go to a Blues club and take in some Blues. As I approached the club, I could see the lineup outside and got excited right away. The Band inside was playing the heaviest Texas Blues Shuffle that I have ever heard. For a brief moment, I thought that I recognized the tone and feel of the Bass that was pumping and shufflin' through my bones. As I stood soakin wet in the line-up to get in, I was sure now that I had heard that Bass before. It sounded like a good friend of mine that I had called "Papa Joe", who I had not seen in 6 years. As the line stood, not moving in the rain, I was now convinced it was Papa-Joe. As the gig bag and my suitase started to feel as heavy as my sins, the music stopped. At this point, the line had not moved an inch and I was losing hope. Just as I turned to walk away, I heard "Hey you!!!" As I turned, a huge smile was greeting me with open arms. It was Papa Joe and he was just as I had remembered him years ago.......very musical and crazy as a loon. He then said with great enthusiasm, "Man, I am having the time of my life with B.B. and we are moving on tomorrow!!" He then continued, "You want to sit in?" I could not believe what I was being asked, as the timing could not be better.
As we pushed through the delighted crowd, we made it to the backstage area where B.B.Coleman was sitting in his wheel-chair, in all of his majesty. The man was eminating cool like I had never seen before. He was glowing and radiating with music and happiness for being a part of making the world a better place through his life struggles. He studied me with a deep glare as I approached and I felt as if he was looking right into my soul...in fact, he was. Papa Joe said with care, "B.B., we need a trumpet player and this man here can sure play the Trumpet! I used to have a gig with him and he really swung..." B.B. looked at me and began to speak.
"You wanna play the blues my friend?" "You are going to have to forget about all that schoolin' and use the ears that God blessed you with."
He then followed, "If you are ready to do that, then please join us!"
I smiled nervously and replied, " I would love to be a part of what I just heard!! I am ready to play some music, as I have my horn and ready to play the blues!!"
Who was I kidding??.....
The lights were low in the back stage area where I climbed into my two piece vintage suit, that was in my suitcase that I carried. I walked out on the stage and standing there was the largest sax player I had ever seen. His name was Kenny and he had in his hands a vintage Selmer mrk VI tenor sax, that was dangling from his neck like the finest piece of jewellrey that I had ever seen. I strolled up to him and could see the experience on his face. He looked at me with skepticism and said, "You come to play the Blues?" The he said, "Just follow what I play and we will get along just fine." He then added with a deep tone, "When you get called for a solo, just take 2 choruses my friend." I was so nervous and thought to myself, "Ok, here we go........"
The Band started to play the deepest slow blues that I have ever felt on a bandstand. B.B. sat in front in his wheel-chair armed with his beautiful Red Gibson, Sun glasses and silk suit. He then began to sing the words," I went down to Ol' St.James Infirmary........saw My baby Lyin' there....."
Shivers ran down my spine, as the smoke in the club drifted up thru the blue and orange lights. I followed Kenny's lead on the lines in the turnarounds and such and before I knew it, B.B. was pointing at me and singing into the microphone, "Heyyyy trumpet man, give us some Bluueess!!" I closed my eyes and started on the flat seventh of the chord and descended with a growl. The band started to cook and I could tell that the rythm section was pushing the limits to see what I could do. I stayed with them, as I could not help but to. The music was so deep and I just let myself get into it. I finished my 2 choruses and I could feel that I was accepted.....
We played the rest of the set and by the end of the set, the horn section was cooking. I mean, we just connected and by the end of the night, I felt like Kenny and I were reading each other idea's. As we were packing up our horns, I could feel that same feeling I had on the street creepin' up on me. Where would I go and where would I stay? Would I ever in my life have another musical experince such as this? I felt the sadness overcome me as I felt someone touch my shoulder. I turned around and there was Kenny with another man. Kenny told me that this was "T", Kenny's road manager and that he wanted a word with me. He then said, "Man B.B. loved your playin' my man. Our trumpet player left a few weeks back and B.B. wants you in the band." I was shocked and was speechless. He then laughed and said, " He wants to see you in his trailer right now!"
I walked off the stage and following "T" and we walked thru an obscure hallway to the parking lot in the back, behind the club.
As we enetered the parking lot, I could see a large trailer attached to a Ford F 150, that was just about the most beautiful truck that I have ever seen. It was black and gold and the side windows and back window were smoked black glass. The plate read "B.B.". As we approached the large silver stream trailer, I started to get really nervous. I mean, here I am walking into the trailer of the finest bluesman that I have ever heard (let alone share a stage with) and he is about to ask me to go on the road with him. I knew that where he came from the term ,"on the road" is a deep and soulful meaning and not to be taken lightly. We reached the door and "T" surprised me with, "Hey B!! Open the door man!" I mean he yelled it outloud!!! All of the people in the parking lot looked over as if a domestic was going down. Then, the door opened and there sat B.B. looking up at me over a plate of hot steaming corn bread and beans. The TV was on and he had the VCR playing some re-runs of some soap opera that I had never seen before. I immediately saw the humour in this and said, "I really enjoyed playing with you Mr.Coleman, but I have a question." He looked at me and smiled as I said, "I cannot believe that a Blues musician watches Soaps!!"
We both laughed with all of our soul for about 10 minutes. He told me that he never thought about it before and he also "dug" my humour. He then changed my life with, "I like the way you play and it looks like you know how to hang.....wanna go to Texas?"
The very next morning I was on the road in the horn section for the BB Coleman Blues Band and lived and played with them for 2 BLUE-tiful years.......