ADDER

Could someone please explain to me what the reverse leadpipe does? And why some people say it's better for beginner trumpet players?

Cheers
Geoff

BergeronWannabe

Theoretically, I've been told they are supposed to provide
a quicker response, more even tone quality, and better tuning.
The several horns I've tried with one did none of the above...at
least not any better than my Bach.

bagmangood

In a technical sense, it gives a longer leadpipe before there is a break, thus giving a more even response,
However, I does also affect the bell braces so can change the horn in another way

__________________
Bb: Courtois 305 "Elite"
C: Bach C180-239 (Akwright conversion),
Cornet: Conn Wonder (1900)
Picc: Coming soon?

oldlou

The original sales hype on reverse leadpipes was that they reduced airflow resistance. I doubt that. I have several trumpets and extended cornets that were made with reverse leadpipes and in my opinion none of them lives up to that sales hype garbage. The thing about response is also a bunch of crap. The flow of air through a trumpet/cornet is a very small part of its performance. The sound waves that pass through the tubing are what make a trumpet REALLY perform. The progressive conical expansion of the tubing and, in some leadpipe designs the steps in the conicality determine the sonic nodes.


OLDLOU>>

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Olds Special cornet Los Angeles
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Trumpet guy

It's all a matter of opinion, although I have never heard that the response, tone quality, or tuning are better with a reverse setup.
The response is different because there is one less step where the diameter suddenly changes.
The theory that the tone quality and tuning are better comes from the fact that reverse leadpipes have a slightly longer length to the taper than regular leadpipes. Tone quality can be changed by several factors but the reverse leadpipe is such a small factor that it will barely effect the sound.
And tuning tendencies will be slightly different, not necessarily better, with a reverse leadpipe. The low c# and d will still be sharp but to a different degree. This affects other notes too.

All the reverse leadpipe does is make sure the air doesn't run into the tuning slide at the entrance from the leadpipe. This, supposedly, makes the horn blow freer, making it easier to bend pitches and helps with flexibility. Some like this, others don't. It also depends on the horn. All factors come together to make a good horn. Trumpets, especially student models, are made to work well for a variety of people. If one doesn't have a reverse leadpipe, then there's another design element that's different to make sure the horn is not too restrictive or too open. (I don't think there are any student trumpets made with a reverse leadpipe anyway)

__________________


Daniel Lan
"If you're not improving, you're falling behind." - My Trumpet Teacher, Steve
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Horns
Bach Strad 37 - Schilke 22, Wedge 3C
Bach TR300 (collecting dust)
Berkeley Cornet - Factory Moutphiece
Berkeley Picc. Trumpet - Factory Mouthpiece
Jupiter Soprano Trombone - Schilke 22
Olds Ambassador Fullerton Trombone - Olds 12C

Trumpet Dad

In his book Trumpet Pedagogy, author David Hickman says that "a reverse leadpipe is a particular combination of leadpipe and tuning slide that allows for a longer conical (tapered) section within the leadpipe and eliminates the bore "gap" in the upper sleeve of the tuning slide. The purpose of a longer conical leadpipe is to improve intonation of the normally flat fifth partial in the harmonic series (written fourth-space E). This type of leadpipe provides increased overall flexibility when playing the instrument."

"Disadvantages of the reverse leadpipe are a decrease in slotting of notes due to nodes leing less stable within a tapered air column, and lack of bracing at the end of the bell which results in more tonal distortion at high volume levels. Many players consider these disadvantages to be small in comparison to the advantages gained through improved intonation and flexibility."

I remember reading in a different source that the "C" trumpets in particular benefit (in intonation) from having a longer conical section of leadpipe. This can be achieved through either a reverse leadpipe or a tunable bell design.