| contest entry
1.) Tell us how you would improve a trumpet with a new feature or design
While I am not a trumpet engineer, I can only suggest a few features that I would like to see as a "player"...
I.) Ergonomics at the valve body. Think about it!!!
While the trumpet has changed a lot since the first score was written for trumpet, 1607 Orfeo, if I remember correctly, little has changed in the comfort level. With all the work related research that is done today to ensure our bodies stay as healthy as possible like ergo mice and keyboards, even ergo screwdrivers, who is thinking about the trumpet player? The simplest way, in my nonprofessional opinion, would be to spread the valves apart ever so slightly and enlarge the casing.
There could be additional improvements, but honestly they would have to be custom for each user to have much benefit and due to the expese of a custom fit for each user would be too expensive for retail sale.
In addition to ergonomic, I'd like to see...
II.) Spit valve on first slide...
While not needed often, it would be "nice" and easy just to open a spit valve than to remove a pipe. Which is impossible to do with a trigger design and I prefer the trigger first slide again because the traditional hooks and rings do not allow for bigger hands and thumbs!
III.) Adjustable leadpipe...
not for tuning, but for bell alignment
set the lead pipe farther off to the right and allow it to pivot slightly with an adjustable lock, like those found on a Pic.
Then the player can lower the leadpipe to keep the bell up.
(just the opposite of the "Dizzy" design.
problem with this is moisture. You would need an additional spit valve near the mouthpiece. However, a nice feature for those with a slight overbite or someone who just wants a little help projecting sound up and out. Really nice when tired!
Maybe apply the same adjustable design to the bell pipe section.
You would need a slight section, 1" or so, to be flexible, maybe after the final bend. the only example I can use is in Automotive exhaust systems. Almost all use at lease one section of a flex pipe today to allow the engine section of the exhaust to move with torque, as the body section stays stationary.
IV.) adjustable rings
third and pinky
V.) Metal
My older horns appear to make from a single metal.
My new horns look like they were made from a cheap brass and then silver-plated. I like a solid metal horn. I'm sure it is cheaper to use brass and then plate it, but what will happen in time... you guessed it, WEAR. Additionally what about resonance. Aren't you altering it as it transfers to the plating? Again, I'm not an engineer, but it appears a single metal construction would be best! Mine has to be silver, I like it the best!
VI.) adjustable mouthpiece receiver
maybe similar to that of a piccolo design mouthpipe.
this way if the end user is playing with different mouthpieces and all have a slightly different shank he/she will have a better fit.
VII.) braces
should all be miniature trumpets when possible.
This way we can show how just how proud we are to be trumpet players!
VIII.) Lots of engraving
I love most old horns just for this reason
VIV.) Bell
in addition to the nice engraving, it would also have to have a slightly larger taper into a traditional bell or maybe a hair bigger
X.) Trim
The edge of the bell trimmed in gold
The end of the slides and the curve of the main pipe trimmed in gold.
Valve caps and bottom caps in gold
This goes against point #V if the gold trim is plated, but I doubt that anyone can afford solid gold, but at least it would look cool!
2.) the name...
ergo Bb
or
up and out
or
fast and fancy
it depends on the final design
3.) A short story...
Not very long ago, in a town called Dearborn, there lived a trumpet player who always wore a black shirt and loved to eat chicken. He would drive his 1982 Bronco almost anywhere to find the best chicken. As a matter of fact, he has been known to drive 300+ miles just for a great chicken dinner! What is he, "chicken" to try something new?
4.) And last but not least!
As a single, full time father raising two children on my own and making less than poverty income I cannot afford a GREAT proffesional horn. I do not receive child support from my ex-wife and have no other support to raise my children.
I don't ask for much in life, just a place to call home, family to fill my home and good music.
I currently play, or should I say, try to play, on a the only horn I can afford, purchased from a pawn shop for $200.00 US dollars.
The horn was made in 1972, but looked like someone really cared about it or just never played it. While this horn is far from ideal for most "professional" players it IS better than nothing.
Someday I hope to be able to make great music on a great horn and everyday that I practice on my 32 year old horn, the better I get. I just hope and pray that I win so that I can own a "real" proffesional horn!!!
I just started playing the trumpet again, seriously a few years ago.
I hope to attend college again and obtain another the degree, this time in music. For now I just hope that my playing part-time inspires my children to find what makes them happy and that my public performances inspires others. what better way to inspire others and myself than a GREAT, PROFFESIONAL, CUSTOM trumpet!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
TTFN
Sean Reisdorf
Dearborn MI |