Pocket trumpet
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The pocket trumpet is a compact size B♭ trumpet, with same playing range as the regular trumpet. It is a non-standard instrument, not to be found in orchestral brass sections and is generally regarded as a novelty. The tubing is wound more tightly than that of a standard trumpet to reduce its size while retaining the instrument's range. It is used mostly by trumpet players as a practice instrument; something they can throw in a suitcase and take with them places their normal trumpets would be awkward to carry. Although not having a reputation as a serious instrument, it has (rarely) been used in jazz or other ensembles to add flare and variety.
[edit] History, design and properties
The concept of reducing the brass instrument size without reducing the resonating tube length can be seen in several 19th century models of cornet. Pocket cornets have been constructed since 1860s, supposedly used in marching bands, but are not longer in serial production.
The variation in design among pocket trumpets makes tonal characteristics and playability extremely varying from model to model. Yet there are two basic design approaches to pocket trumpets:
- 1. Reduced bell and bore size design
- 2. Standard bell and bore size design
The models with reduced bell and bore size design originate in 19th century pocket cornet design and regularly suffer from poor intonation and severely hindered dynamic and timbral range. As the bell is not the standard sized, no standard mute can be applied.
The models with standard bell and bore size design originally appeared in the USA in the early 1970s, mostly following the ingenious design of master trumpet builder Louis Duda. The intonation is radically improved and the dynamic range is of a standard trumpet, although the tonal quality, projection and articulation are different. Apart from often being used for practicing purpose, pocket trumpets are mostly played as auxilliary instruments by soloists in jazz and dixieland bands as well as for some specific studio recording demands.
Standard Features
- Bell Diameter: 4 inches
- Bore: Medium-Large Bore .460"
- Height: 6 inches
- Length: 9 inches
[edit] Common Manufacturers and Models
Ranked by Cost, Lowest to Highest
- Amati ATR 314 Bb (Czech Republic)
- Jupiter 416 Bb (Taiwan)
- Holton T650 Bb (United States)
- Benge Colibri Bb (United States)
Many pocket trumpets that can be found at music stores or on eBay are from a variety of Chinese or Indian manufactures under various "Italian sounding" or musical names. These instruments tend to be of poor quality, in both sound and build. Although these instruments may be hundreds of dollars cheaper than top brands, they are almost never worth the investment. Always do research before purchasing an instrument.
[edit] External links
- ITG The International Trumpet Guild is an association dedicated to increasing communications between trumpet players worldwide.
- Trumpet Player Online The internet trumpet resource
- Trumpet Geek A resource for trumpet players
- Dallas Music — a non-profit musical instrument resource site
