Gene

My horn does not play flat.

With the patience and generous time afforded me by Noel Langley I am able make the above statement as fact. Corresponding several times with Noel has given me the ablility to be completely at rest with owning that horn.

The process in determining this was a series of simple exercises:

Have the tuner set A to 440. Warm up you and the horn. Using a Harmon mute with the stem removed and your eyes closed play second line G at forte with the mute really buzzing loudly. WITH THE MUTE LOUDLY BUZZING THE CENTER OF THE NOTE. After a few seconds open your eyes to check the tuner. Do not lip it in tune... Adjust the slide and repeat until you have the slide adjusted for the green light. For me this was with the slide out 19mm. I started at about 1 inch out. Then repeat blowing C below the staff then third space C, then open E, then G on top of the staff. Then remove the mute. Repeat with eyes closed starting with second line G. Adjust the slide until you get the green light. For me this was at 8mm. After some time with these then move on thru the 2nd valve notes, then the 1st valve notes, then 1 & 2, then 2 & 3 and so one chromatically. I now have all at the green or at least in the yellow with the slide out at about 8mm. The Bb and below below the staff deviate the worst. The upper staff and above deviate the least. That I believe is player induced. For this I put my other horns away and will keep them out of sight for a while longer as I continue with these exercises for a while. (may even try them on my other Bb)

The process was enlightening in several ways. I have a clearer understanding of what "a responsive horn" is as well as really listening for the center of a note. And a greater appreciation for a horn that 'slots well'. The mental state of the player has improved. Now I am able to concentrate on advancing my skills and musical ability with this beautiful instrument. I have always felt this trumpet was 'easier' to play (easier on me as well) than my others. This horn does not require the manipulation of notes that I was unconscieniously used to doing. It sounds better every day!!!

Many thanks to all for the positive advice. A very special thank you to Noel Langley.

P.S. The positive conclusion was reached several days ago. Just now got the time to post it...

__________________
Gene

rowuk

Gene,
you are a "hero for a day" (Noel too!)!
This is exactly the reason why buying a handmade horn can be so gratifying. You buy into the family, not just a piece of brass!
I believe that you need some time to acclimate. Go for that resonant center on every note - even after removing the mute. Once you have reprogrammed your ears to always EXPECT that resonant sound, your playing will have advanced one big step forward. At that time, review your other instruments, there may be a need for "adjustment".
This should also serve as a guide to those TMers that think a new horn should be immediately better - or that it is possible to go to a music store, play 10 horns in 2 hours and walk away with the "right" one. This only works if the player is free of bad habits. Glenn is for sure a fine player, yet he had intonation issues with a very special instrument. A little patience and detective work have uncovered the discrepancy and Glenn is probably playing more relaxed than ever before. That will lead to additional range and endurance!
Congratulations!

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

lonelyangel

Gene, really happy that things are going so well - hope your teacher agrees with our findings when you meet next.

Robin makes some excellent points as ever.

It was really fun helping Gene with his problem - I think we exchanged around 20 emails over the course of a week. I have to say he was an excellent student, very patient, open minded and kind enough to follow my quite detailed instructions to the letter. We've never met of course but, as is often the case here on TM, I feel we made a real connection.

I have occasionally had similar experiences here in the chat room, giving an impromptute lesson - sometimes one to one, other times with several people 'listening' in. There is always an exchange of views and I usually receive more than I give - as was the case with Gene.

Now I can't make any promises, but if anybody feels they have a problem I might be able to help with, then please feel free to PM me and I will do my best to get back to you if I have any bright ideas.

All the best. Noel.

__________________
Noel Langley - Eclipse Artist noel@eclipsetrumpets.com

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