[TPIN] Question about C Trumpets

[Andy Del]

Hi Mark

While I no longer own a Bach C (ditched it in about 1985) I well
remember these issues. You're not alone, they are quite common.

I've heard of some tweaks that can help a lot with these issues, they
may or may not help your particular horn. It didn't offer much for mine,
but it was a real dog! Here are some ideas, ranging from cheaper to more
exxy, to very, very cheap!

1. A proper ultrasonic clean and Valve alignment. A 'PVA' seems the
current recommendation, although it's a bit pricey to ship from my
place, you may find it easier.

2. Remove stresses from the horn. I remember reading that removing and
replacing the leadpipe so it sits with no stress on it can really help
wayward intonation in the lower register.

3. A change of leadpipe to a longer model, such as a reverse, or 25A (I
think that's it)

4. A rounded tuning slide may free up the horn a bit and allow you to
get closer to pitch.

5. Get the Larson mods.

These are the cheaper options. For more exxy...

6. But an old Kanstul made French Besson (reverse leadpipe). Zig's
comment on these was 'We got it pretty close with that one.' I use one
for my day to day playing. A darker richer sound, reasonable intonation,
but what were strange valves, and the interchangeable leadpipe system
was odd. I mounted the one I like and use the others to dry out scuba
tanks or shoot spit balls at the tubas at school band. (only when they
play wrong notes...  ;-)  ) His current model, 1510 is very nice, but
heavy and rather dull in sound and tight feeling (the one in my office
at least). A rounded tuning slide may help... time will tell.

7. The cheapest option however, is to practice, practice, practice! I
did this and was able to play my old Schilke E3L reasonably in tune (at
least no one ever ran away screaming!) If I can learn to play a
particular in tune, so can you!

Cheers

Andy

-----Original Message-----
From: tpin-bounces at tpin.okcu.edu [mailto:tpin-bounces at tpin.okcu.edu] On
Behalf Of Mark Deaton
Sent: Thursday, 5 October 2006 9:16 AM
To: tpin at tpin.okcu.edu
Subject: [TPIN] Question about C Trumpets

I have a Bach C trumpet with the following specs:
- Large bore
- 229 bell
- 25H lead pipe
 
I like the sound of this instrument, but its intonation qualities drive
me
crazy.  Low Es, As, and even Fs are terribly sharp and the D, Eb, and E
at
the top of the staff are so flat that I never play them without using
alternate fingerings.

Are there C trumpets out there today that have better intonation
characteristics than the Bach version I currently own?  

I play a Ken Larson (Brasswerks) modified Bach Bb, and I've been
considering sending him my C trumpet.
 
Best Regards,
Mark
 
Mark Deaton
mdeaton at ix.netcom.com
843-810-5650 (cell)
866-266-0421 (fax)