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PJB · 12-03-2003, 01:05 AM

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.

12-03-2003, 01:05 AM	#16 (permalink)
PJB New Friend Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Niceville, FL Posts: 7	The Eclipse "Chameleon" 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. __________________ Pete Blaise 1974 LA Benge 3x Bb 1950 Olds Super Bb 2002 Yamaha 8445GS C 2004 Kanstul ZKF 1525 Flugel