Please view drawing:
http://webpages.charter.net/gntzent/...lverBullet.jpg Special Thanks to Gzent for hosting my picture!! Tell us how you would improve a trumpet with a new feature or design.
I want to create a trumpet that is easy to hold and to play, a design that promotes proper grip, finger technique, and posture, a trumpet that will resonate and project with enough sound and power to split the head of a werewolf.
Grip Design:
1. The left hand grip will be moved to below the valve casing. (see drawing) This will help the player achieve the proper horn angle and help fight excessive mouthpiece pressure. The horn will rest more on the lower lip which increases the embouchure vibration. (try it with your finger while lip buzzing) I also believe the horn vibrates a bit differently when the hand is removed from the valve casing.
2. The right hand rests in normal position however an ergonomic hand piece fits comfortably into the palm of the hand. The thumb rests underneath into a comfortably rounded slot. The pinky rests freely on top. This piece will mostly serve the thumb in supporting the horn. It will be short enough that it will not interfere with finger movement.
3. The finger buttons are designed to keep the fingers in proper position. Each finger slides into position and is slightly covered over the finger nail by a rounded top. (see picture) The valve caps could be slightly recessed to add extra comfort. This part could be removed and would mostly be there for practice. No more flying fingers.
4. The 1st and 3rd slides need to move effortlessly and not cause the horn to shift around while playing. Two rings will extend down to the 1st or 3rd finger and thumb and act like triggers to tune the horn. Typically, triggers are stiff and hard to move. This design will require triggers that move very freely; I believe the length of the trigger will be key providing an extra bit of leverage. If the trigger design fails a ring and saddle could be moved to the bottom of the slides.
Each of the ergonomic pieces will be made of special tone woods much like that of the Shulmann System. These pieces could possibly be removable. Painted Black or Natural Wood.
Trumpet Build:
I’m thinking I would prefer the build of the trumpet to be that of the Large Red, or perhaps the Medium Red, although I have yet to play an Eclipse trumpet. I have faith in the Eclipse design and feel that this area will be best left to the expertise of the Eclipse horn makers and we could work together to find the horn that will best suit my playing.
Bracing would be the standard Eclipse. It would however be interesting to experiment with the use of tone woods for bracing.
Give us a theme for a trumpet!
Introducing the ‘Silver Bullet’
The new grip of the trumpet resembles that of a pistol. The 1st finger of the left hand is used to pull the trigger and shoot the third valve slide forward. The horns bracing will have a sharp forward moving look. It would be interesting to plate the horn using white gold. Otherwise, the plating will be either shiny silver, brushed silver, or dark gun metal lacquer. The sound will be powerful enough to frighten Werewolfs on those late night jazz gigs set under a full moon.
Write a short story
A small town just south of Houston is terrorized by a series of killings. Young trumpeter Charlie Coyner is determined to find the werewolf responsible for the killings. The image of Coyner’s entire jazz quintet being eaten alive invades his sleep and haunts his every waking hour. Charlie is sickened and is growing weak as he can no longer stand the sight of red meat. Turnip Greens and Cashew Butter alone will not provide Charlie with the strength needed to continue playing the trumpet never mind kill off the werewolfs.
Upon hearing of this tragic incident Charlie receives a call from his Uncle Leigh. Leigh comforts Charlie and tells him that he has built for him a special instrument, an instrument specifically designed to kill werewolfs. Leigh rushes over and hands to Charlie a shining silver trumpet. ‘For you Charlie, I have made the Silver Bullet’ proclaims Leigh! Charlie is overwhelmed at the site of this amazing instrument. His energy is renewed and he realizes he has no time to waste. For he must put this new axe to use and bring forth justice to those that are deserving.
Later that cold windy night Charlie throws on his black trench coat and heads out to seek his revenge. He knows the werewolfs will be about and be hungry as the lunar eclipse is approaching. “Take me to 6th and Main,” Charlie orders the taxi driver. “The Eternal Thirst Night Club…you sure about that boy?” states the driver. “Did I stutter?”… “Aight, Aight.” As they near the club Charlie’s eyes are wide checking the scene. He jumps out from the car and begins to make his way down the street. His ears are perked for a clue of a cue. Around the corner he hears approaching taps over the sound of trickling water. His eyes twitch for fear that it is a werewolf lurking nearby in the dark ally. Making his way around the corner he panics knowing he hasn’t even a chance without warming up. He's shaken as a werewolf begins to approach him and he has no choice, he pulls the silver bullet from its case, aims it at the werewolf, and blows a lightning fast stream of air thru the instrument. He wounds the werewolf in the eye with a double-C yet the beast still plunges forward after him. Again, Charlie shoots knocking the werewolf to the ground fatally wounding him with a double-D this time. ‘Yes!’ he celebrates, amazed at his own performance with this instrument. He approaches the werewolf slowly still armed with the silver bullet. The werewolf is now beginning his transformation back to human. His cries echoing through the street will surely attract the others. ‘Bring it!’ yells Charlie lifting his head in glory. Slowly then he turns and walks away from the now dead beast. ‘This Gig ain’t over till the Silver Bullet Swings!’
Apart from your brilliant answers to the above, please tell us just why you feel that you should win this contest.
I’m sure there are many wonderful deserving trumpet players out there. Here is why I feel that I should win this contest:
You asked for a new feature or design. I believe my design to be original and exciting with a practical purpose. Comfort and Playability!
You asked for a theme and a story. I’ve tried to be creative and link together my theme and story. Many thanks to Stephen King for the inspiration.
Now aside from following the rules of the contest, I have played the trumpet for 15 years. I have a bachelor of music degree and I am dedicated to continue learning the trumpet, playing the trumpet, and teaching to others everything that I have learned. Designing a trumpet and having it built by Eclipse…icing on the cake.
Best of Luck to All !!!!
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