jonf

Hello all,

I'm by no means a brass player, I'm afraid - I'm primarily a jazz guitarist - but I've recently aquired a trumpet, which has been in the family for many years, and I was hoping members here might know a little about.

The trumpet I think is a Selmer (at least this is what is on the case), with a serial number in the 1700's, which my limited research has led me to understand that the instrument was manufactured in 1937, which would agree with what little I know of the instrument's history. It is silverish in colour and somewhat tarnished. It has seen little play throughout its lifetime.

The trumpet has a pattern engraved across the top of the bell, with the word "Manhattan". I'm not sure whether or not this was engraved post-manufacture. The trumpet also has an unmarked mouthpiece, and a Selmer "Rangefinder" mute - both assumedly from the same year.

I am thinking about taking up the trumpet, and simply want to ask what you all think of this instrument for a beginner (I don't really know if it is quality or junk, or if these older instruments are harder to play etc.), and if any modifications etc need to be taken before I begin playing.

Thanks,

Jon, UK

s.coomer

How about some pictures? It's very hard to tell without at least seeing it.

jonf

I'll see what I can do .. watch this space..

jonf

Pics:

http://www.jonforster.co.uk/public/IMG_0079.jpg
http://www.jonforster.co.uk/public/IMG_0080.jpg
http://www.jonforster.co.uk/public/IMG_0081.jpg

Bflatman

Wow, you have a Manahattan.

I am envious as you say its seen little use, its an excellent instrument from what Ive heard, although I've not played one.

As far as history goes, I dont have much, but it might help.

It started I believe with the Conn 10B, 56B, and 58B line of trumpets, they were very slim peashooters and very modern looking similar to your Manhattan, and such an excellent instrument that Louise Armstong played on one for a while, some say it was the 10B, although its also been said that he preferred the 56B.

After that the distinctive instrument design was copied by other makers, and I believe that this is when Selmer began to sell the Manhattan, as a Conn 58B copy, which it resembles.

I have a Monarch which was also a Conn 58B copy and it closely resembles your Manhattan.

I understand that your Manhattan was and is a good intermediate trumpet and of a higher quality than my Monarch. I love the sound of my Monarch it has a lovely jazzy tone and I am sure you will really like yours.

All in all I think its definitely a keeper, and one you can cherish, with a strong link to the jazz age and one of the great players of that era.

regards

Brian

__________________
The only place that "Results" comes before "Work", is in the dictionary.

"I aint squealing till Ive seen my mouthpiece"

2001 Yamaha YCR2330II Cornet
1954 Conn 80A Cornet
1976 Boosey & Hawkes Regent Cornet
1916 Boosey & Co A/Bb Silbron Class A Trumpet
1930's Monarch A/Bb Trumpet
1950's Comet unknown European Trumpet

Boosey 8A Trumpet mpc
Yamaha 11B4 Trumpet mpc
Yamaha 11F4 Cornet mpc
Denis Wick 4B Cornet mpc
Conn 4 Cornet mpc

MFfan

Forum: trumpetherald.com

Here is a similar thread I posted on from TH. Coincidence, I guess?

__________________
Dave Rafferty
Lemar Trumpet (peashooter-Conn?)
Lyrical Trumpet (Tokan)

Besson 609 Trumpet
1955-60 Besson 8-10 Trumpet
1948 Besson cornet
1946 King Master Cornet
www.kalamazooconcertband.org

jonf

Brian - thanks for the info - a very interesting background to the instrument!

Dave - thanks for the link, the instruments do look like they have similar origins, though mine seems to have its water keys in the right place!

I'll probably now see if I can get the instrument properly refurbed and cleaned up etc.

Thanks again,

Jon