Cornet1

A question from a cornet player who knows little about trumpets so please bear with me!.....

I was looking at the Possegger trumpets on the NYTC site and was very intrigued by the 'Monette style' panels attached to bell and tuning slide curves.

Are these fuctional or simply decorative? I notice that they are 'only' attached at two points and are fixed by means of small bolts, presumably to allow their removal. Interestingly, the main part of the panel is allowed to float inside the curve so it looks like there has been a definite attempt to reduce the mass of the panels. Does anyone know what the thinking is behind the careful design.

In recent years there has clearly been a move away from the heavy monette and Taylor trumpets sp perhaps this is just 'retro' styling without acoustic issues by Possegger.

As well as being just a cornet player, I also live in the UK so am unlikely to ever see one of these instruments,...just my curiosity getting the better of me......

lmf

Hi,

Don't feel that you are alone in your question. I've wondered the same thing?

Best wishes,

Lloyd

rowuk

The additional mass controls the vibration and forces more energy out of the bell by not letting the horn ring as much.
The issue with a massive trumpet is that it can be VERY resonant and that forces its palette of colors on the player as well as projecting very well. In the hands of a player not accustomed to this type of response, there are blend and expression issues. Once you get used to it, you can play with MUCH less effort than any standard horn.

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lmf

Hi, Rowuk,

That is so cool! Thanks!

Best wishes,

Lloyd

Cornet1

Hello rowuk.

Yes, I understand the principle with the increase in mass over a conventional instrument and I have played a Taylor with sheet bracing,...it was a strange experience.

The element of the Possegger design that I'm trying to find out about is that it appears to use the same idea of increased mass using sheet bracing,..except that the panels are not fully attached. If you look at the photos on NYTC site you will see that the panels are allowed to float inside the tubing curves. It may just be that they are merely decorative but I would like to know more from someone who knows the answer please.

rowuk

It does not need to be fully soldered or brazed to the slide. Additional mass is attached and lowers the resonant frequency and the amount of energy that escapes. Full connection could damp somewhat more than with this partial attachment scheme, it really depends if the braces are on the vibrating nodes (which would change depending on the position of the tuning slide..............

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

tatakata

someone post a picture

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Schwab

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Dylan Schwab
Stage 1 New York

miles71

I must confess to two things. #1 - I have that horn and #2 - I took off the braces to see what would happen (Felix dont fall down)

Of course I was extremely careful, this is a beautiful instrument and I did not want to change it in any way. I was also interested in getting some other plates for it, but they would need to be made a fitted over in Austria. So thats that.

The biggest differences I see without the plates are the notes are a little more "slippery", not quite as slotted, and the tone has a little less punch to it. These difference are minor, and I think this horn plays amazing either way, but I can tell the plates where put on for a reason. I think the plates and where they are attached equate to a big brace and they seem to have the same effect as a bracing on the tuning slide. The plate in the bell bend doesnt seem to have as much effect.

I will say, this horn has amazed me with its feel and response. It opens up so nice in the upper register and I have remembered what it feels like to play with little effort thanks to this horn.
TD

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www.domenicomusic.com

rowuk

TD,
isn't this what everybody REALLY wants to know? When we compare trumpets built and optimized heavy or light, we can't really say what causes what effect. I think you would notice the difference of the bell brace if you were in a big great sounding concert hall. I am sure that the bell brace would make you sound more "present" at the back of the hall. In a studio environment or into a microphone, there probably will not be that much of a difference.
At least you have proven that the often expressed opinion "simply cosmetic" is "simply" not true. I am sure that Felix has forgiven you, his artisan maybe not...........................

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.