TrumpetMaster - View Single Post - Old horns and resonance: fact or fiction?

ctm2aud · 04-17-2006, 09:35 PM

Hey guys,
I have heard anecdotally that an old trumpet can take on the character of how it was played over the years. If it was played well and in tune by a pro over many years, the horn "prefers", if you will, to be played in tune and produces stunning resonance as a result. On the other hand, if a horn was played and tuned inconsistently over the years it will play ok but nothing spectacular.

You could think of this as simply the slotting and resonance the horn naturally has based on how it was made and dismiss the idea but I think I have just experienced it this last week. I bought a 1970's vintage Strad 37/25LR that was gold plated sometime after it was made. I believe it was played for a number of years in an orchestral setting. When I pull the main slide out about 1/2 inch (similar to the way I used to tune in band) the horn just sings!

So wada ya think?

04-17-2006, 09:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
ctm2aud New Friend Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 43	Old horns and resonance: fact or fiction? Hey guys, I have heard anecdotally that an old trumpet can take on the character of how it was played over the years. If it was played well and in tune by a pro over many years, the horn "prefers", if you will, to be played in tune and produces stunning resonance as a result. On the other hand, if a horn was played and tuned inconsistently over the years it will play ok but nothing spectacular. You could think of this as simply the slotting and resonance the horn naturally has based on how it was made and dismiss the idea but I think I have just experienced it this last week. I bought a 1970's vintage Strad 37/25LR that was gold plated sometime after it was made. I believe it was played for a number of years in an orchestral setting. When I pull the main slide out about 1/2 inch (similar to the way I used to tune in band) the horn just sings! So wada ya think? __________________ Sing to the Lord a new song, praise him with the sounding of the trumpet!