Bruce Lee

Hello, All!

I spent the last week in the UK, with Leigh McKinney and the guys at Eclipse Trumpets. We were very busy completing a project that has been on the drawing board for quite some time. As you can see from the pictures of the prototype, the "New Trumpet Coming Soon!" is finally a reality:

Introducing: The Teatro

Like a musical work destined to become a part of the celebrated musical repetoire of the musical world, it is difficult to separate any one part of the creative process. Much of the creative process involved with the "Teatro" revolved around its name.

"Teatro" is the Italian and Spanish word for "theater". Specifically, "musical theater" became the focal point by which the "Teatro" was created. In performinig music for the theater, a trumpet player needs to be able to play a very wide variety of musical styles... from opera and classical, to jazz or modern music. The "Teatro" trumpet is one which will allow the trumpet player to accomplish the musical goals of the most discerning composer and the listener.

While production is still a few months away, I'll be very happy to answer any questions that you may have if you'll please contact me. Thank you!

So, as is evident, my recent visit to the Eclipse factory was without a doubt an extremely pleasurable experience! A very special "Thanks" to Leigh and Radka McKinney, John Yianni, Eclipse staff - Carl and Peter, and to Noel Langley and Henry Lowther, for making my time in the UK so enjoyable.

Cheers!
Bruce

frank

Hi Bruce,

Happy to hear that your baby is finally here! I wish you a lot of success, even though that means even more work for Leigh...

Frank

Bruce Lee

Thanks, Frank!

The Teatro is definitely a "dream come true" for me... very exciting, indeed!

I'll have to plan on being at the Musik Messe, in Frankfurt, to meet you.

Best always,
Bruce

trumpetpat

what makes it different from the other horns? i noticed it has a regular reverse tuning slide unless i am mistaken. is that the only difference?

gzent

Yes, please tell us how this horn is different from an Eclipse.

Bruce Lee

Hi trumpetpat,

I would say that it's DNA is "American" on the left-hand side, and "British" on the right-hand side. It's a ML/.460" bore, yellow brass - excellent quality, standard taper bell, Getzen valves, reversed-leadpipe, standard bracing and water keys, custom leadpipe/receiver and finger hooks (1st and pinky).

Certainly, choosing good components is a key factor in creating a high quality instrument. Finding the best way to "balance" all of those parts is really what sets it apart from other trumpets.

When I arrived in the UK, last week, Leigh had already built the trumpet. I knew exactly what I wanted the Teatro to feel like, and to sound like. After I put it through its paces we discussed what changes we felt were necessary to achieve those goals. The key factor in making it play exceptionally well was the changing the leadpipe. Once that change was made, we were 99% there, and we both knew that the Teatro was destined to become an exceptional trumpet. Leigh McKinney is definitely one of the finest trumpet designers/craftsmen in the trumpet world today, and I feel very fortunate to be working with him.

The playing characteristics of the "Teatro" include... excellent response, intonation, slotting, flexibility, very even "feel" throughout the entire range, with a very pleasing sound quality... which is one with a very solid core, at all volumes, and brilliance when required.

I hope to have a few local pros try it, and have them post their feedback on the Teatro, very soon. Thanks for your interest, Pat!


Cheers,
Bruce

Clarino

So this is not an Eclipse brand trumpet named The Teatro, it's a wholly seperate trumpet being built by FCB to your own specs?

Bruce Lee

Clarino,

Exactly! This project is something that I have been working on with Leigh for quite some time. Seeing it coming to fruition is incredible in every way.

Cheers,
Bruce

scream machine

Nice horn bruce.

tpter1

Beautiful looking horn, Bruce and Leigh. So where will this ball park for pricing? Will you be at ITG with a prototype for trial?