Who can tell me about bass trumpets?

s_hill2 · 06-10-2005, 09:21 AM

I'm interested in getting a bass trumpet, but I don't know much about them. Basically I'm looking for some variety - I play a Bach Stradivarious model 37 that I've had for 30+ years and I love it. But I don't have the upper range I used to (hence the idea of trying a lower range instrument). I play mostly jazz.

I've heard a bass trumpet just once and liked the sound. When I look locally I can only find shops willing to order me a new horn for over $2,000 - no one ever seems to run avross a used one. EBay occasionally has something used but I can't really tell what I'd be getting.

I'd welcome anything anyone can tell me - how to select one, where to find one, whether this is a bad idea. Thanks!

davidquinlan · 06-10-2005, 09:47 AM

As far as I remember, Bass Trumpets take a large mouthpiece, i.e. something similar to trombone or euphonium sized?

Unless I'm mistaken..

dixiedaveb · 06-10-2005, 10:33 AM

Both of my adult sons are trombonists and double on bass trumpet. I am posting this note based on their input.
Most bass trumpets use a trombone style mouthpiece. Al Cass and Parduba make "doubler" mouthpieces, a trumpet rim with a chambered underpart.
Bach, Conn and Holton bass trumpets are what most of the people use. The Conn is the brightest and Bach being the darkest. Intonation is a problem. You could also try some of the marching style valve trombones and baritones. Most sound good and are a great deal. Check out the Olds or the King Flugalbone. These are often on Ebay for under $500. Hope this helps.

BigBadWolf · 06-10-2005, 11:25 AM

In most orchestras the bass trumpet part is usually played by a trombonist.

s_hill2 · 06-10-2005, 04:16 PM

Thamks, everyone. I appreciate the help.

Manny Laureano · 06-10-2005, 04:33 PM

If you can, Steve, contact Karl Lenthe and Dee Stewart at Indiana Univerity. We've used them both here for bass trumpet repertoire. Karl has played with us most frequently in recent years.

ML

Tootsall · 06-10-2005, 07:44 PM

You could also talk to NickD who is a member of this site: he's had quite a bit of experience with bass trumpets. Send him a PM; he's a very cool guy who will be happy to answer your questions.

Robert Rowe · 06-11-2005, 11:54 AM

Hello, s_hill2, and Welcome to TrumpetMaster. We look forward to your posts !

I've only had one occasion to play a Bass Trumpet (a Holton), and, as an infrequent "doubler" on Trombone, I decided to stay with the Trombone, and keep-up my novice-level familiarily with slide positions and the Bass Clef. I do use the fine Parduba "Doubler's" mouthpiece, though (can get that elusive "sizzle"-tone).

Regards,
Robert Rowe

brian moon · 06-11-2005, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s_hill2

I'm interested in getting a bass trumpet, but I don't know much about them.

My old school system used tromboniums. They were more narrow bore than baritones and nice and light; very easy to play. A decent trombonium might be easier to find than a bass trumpet. Perhaps you would want to try an alto horn? An alto horn mouthpiece can be real close to trumpet size.

Bear · 06-11-2005, 04:04 PM

we play on some bass trumpets when workin' in trumpet ensemble stuff... Any particulars you need to know about them?

06-10-2005, 09:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
s_hill2 New Friend Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 5	Who can tell me about bass trumpets? I'm interested in getting a bass trumpet, but I don't know much about them. Basically I'm looking for some variety - I play a Bach Stradivarious model 37 that I've had for 30+ years and I love it. But I don't have the upper range I used to (hence the idea of trying a lower range instrument). I play mostly jazz. I've heard a bass trumpet just once and liked the sound. When I look locally I can only find shops willing to order me a new horn for over $2,000 - no one ever seems to run avross a used one. EBay occasionally has something used but I can't really tell what I'd be getting. I'd welcome anything anyone can tell me - how to select one, where to find one, whether this is a bad idea. Thanks! __________________ Steve in Minneapolis

06-10-2005, 09:47 AM	#2 (permalink)
davidquinlan Pianissimo User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Southgate, London, UK Posts: 173	As far as I remember, Bass Trumpets take a large mouthpiece, i.e. something similar to trombone or euphonium sized? Unless I'm mistaken.. __________________ David Quinlan ============

06-10-2005, 10:33 AM	#3 (permalink)
dixiedaveb New Friend Join Date: May 2005 Location: southern california Posts: 16	bass trumpet Both of my adult sons are trombonists and double on bass trumpet. I am posting this note based on their input. Most bass trumpets use a trombone style mouthpiece. Al Cass and Parduba make "doubler" mouthpieces, a trumpet rim with a chambered underpart. Bach, Conn and Holton bass trumpets are what most of the people use. The Conn is the brightest and Bach being the darkest. Intonation is a problem. You could also try some of the marching style valve trombones and baritones. Most sound good and are a great deal. Check out the Olds or the King Flugalbone. These are often on Ebay for under $500. Hope this helps.

06-10-2005, 04:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
s_hill2 New Friend Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 5	Thamks, everyone. I appreciate the help. __________________ Steve in Minneapolis

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06-10-2005, 11:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
BigBadWolf Piano User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 312	In most orchestras the bass trumpet part is usually played by a trombonist.

06-10-2005, 04:33 PM	#6 (permalink)
Manny Laureano Utimate User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: USA Posts: 5,989	If you can, Steve, contact Karl Lenthe and Dee Stewart at Indiana Univerity. We've used them both here for bass trumpet repertoire. Karl has played with us most frequently in recent years. ML

06-10-2005, 07:44 PM	#7 (permalink)
Tootsall Fortissimo User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Yee HAW! Posts: 4,641	You could also talk to NickD who is a member of this site: he's had quite a bit of experience with bass trumpets. Send him a PM; he's a very cool guy who will be happy to answer your questions.

06-11-2005, 11:54 AM	#8 (permalink)
Robert Rowe Piano User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 498	Hello, s_hill2, and Welcome to TrumpetMaster. We look forward to your posts ! I've only had one occasion to play a Bass Trumpet (a Holton), and, as an infrequent "doubler" on Trombone, I decided to stay with the Trombone, and keep-up my novice-level familiarily with slide positions and the Bass Clef. I do use the fine Parduba "Doubler's" mouthpiece, though (can get that elusive "sizzle"-tone). Regards, Robert Rowe

06-11-2005, 04:04 PM	#10 (permalink)
Bear Mezzo Forte User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: CO Posts: 805	we play on some bass trumpets when workin' in trumpet ensemble stuff... Any particulars you need to know about them?

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