Re-discovered Benge

unclewawa · Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 6:06 am Post subject: Re-discovered Benge

Recently, I have been on a trumpet safari.
I felt that I could improve on my choice of a (approx) 1977 LA Benge MLP - Resno Tempered. Although I do play on a Schilke B3 for classical work, the Benge has been my 'go to' horn for everything else, which includes jazz, R&B and commercial. My safari was intended to find a replacement for 'Gabriel' (my name for him). After trying about a dozen "name horns in various sizes I had an epiphany.
While listening to several of my students as well as a few pro players that I
play with, play Gabriel side-by-side with their horns, I noticed something that I had not previously noticed. Gabriel barks! The sound coming out of the bell will really bark. The other players noticed the same thing when I did a side-by-side comparison, as well! Throughout all of these years, with my not being in front of the bell to hear it, I never noticed its outstanding presence and the authority that this horn speaks with.
Had it re-plated two years ago. Had it chemically cleaned two months ago.
I decided to keep my old friend and look no further.
Practice Practice Practice.
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UncleWawa

kehaulani · Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 8:13 am Post subject:

What does "bark" mean? I equate that with a rather rough sound.
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"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn

unclewawa · Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 9:56 am Post subject:

No, I would not describe it as 'rough'.
Instead, I would characterize it as very responsive and punchy, if that helps.
There is no pffft, pffft in the sound.
I can make it blend or I can make it lead a section. However, it seems to be the most natural leading a section, however, doing so with a nice balance - not overwhelming.
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UncleWawa

OldKing · Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 10:38 am Post subject:

I think my Benge 5 "identifies" as a woman, although I've never named her. She definitely treats me like one would.
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For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? - 1 Cor 14:8

homebilly · Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 2:53 pm Post subject:

as i play both jazz and lead

my horn requires me to find the appropriate place to empty my water keys

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scipioap · Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 7:21 pm Post subject:

Here's a nice Benge that didn't sell for much, used by an old Disney World trumpeter...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silver-E-Benge-trumpet-serial-33338-/162626204188?nma=true&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
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1963 Martin Committee #3
1962 Martin Committee Cornet #3
1961 Martin Custom Committee C
1941 Martin HC Committee #2
1945 Martin Committee #2
1942 Martin HC Committee Cornet
1941 Martin IBICO Indiana
2012 Kanstul 1525 SLB
1977 Olds CT Flugel

yourbrass · Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 7:51 pm Post subject:

There is nothing like a good Benge.
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Evinerate · Veteran Member Joined: 15 Nov 2016 Posts: 154

The Benges I've played all were magnificient upper register horns, tight blow but the control in the upper range is superb. Sure it has a dense sound down low and screaming up high.

cbtj51 · Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 5:15 pm Post subject:

My 1971 Benge 5X was the first New Trumpet that I bought during my Freshman year in College. At the time the 3X+ MLP was all the rage among my peers, but I liked the versatility of the slightly darker and broader sound down low and didn't find the upper end any less sparkling that the 3X+. I used this horn exclusively playing Lead in the Jazz Ensemble and well into the 80s playing Lead in a busy Big Band. When I started playing in Latin Bands, I got a very versatile Yamaha and most recently a Bach NY7 for the same reason as always, versatility. The Benge is still in pristine condition and has never been overhauled, though I may get a Reeve's PVA and a valve replate soon. I still play the Benge regularly in specific situations and it never fails to be a thrill!
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'71 LA Benge 5X Bb
'72 LA Benge D/Eb
'76 Bach CL 229/25A C
‘92 Bach 37 Bb
'98 Getzen 895S Flugelhorn
'00 Bach 184 Cornet
'02 Yamaha 8335RGS
'16 Bach NY 7
'16 XO 1700RS Piccolo
Reeves 41 Rimmed Mouthpieces

frankcameraska · Regular Member Joined: 02 Apr 2016 Posts: 88

Hallo
Given you seem to know a lot about Benges

Can you tell me about a

Resno tempered bell n 7
Custom built by Benge USA
LP
Serial 41 3566xx

?

Thank you for helping me understanding more about this horn !
_________________
Bach NY - Adams A5

Bach 3C / Artisan 3C

frankcameraska · Regular Member Joined: 02 Apr 2016 Posts: 88

Hallo
Given you seem to know a lot about Benges

Can you tell me about a

Resno tempered bell n 7
Custom built by Benge USA
LP
Serial 41 3566xx

?

Thank you for helping me understanding more about this horn !
_________________
Bach NY - Adams A5

Bach 3C / Artisan 3C

shofarguy · Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 5:05 am Post subject:

cbtj51 · Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 5:09 am Post subject:

I don't know a lot about Benge Trumpets, but I do know a fair amount about my personal Benge from playing it for many years. The source that I use for Benge information is the excellent Joe Lill resource, http://www.musicbyjoelill.com/benge/ . Tons of info there! Shofarguy authored a very informative article, "A Tale of Two Burbanks" http://www.trumpetherald.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1505656#1505656 posted on June 30,2017 that gives a past and present view of the Benge legacy today.

Mike
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'71 LA Benge 5X Bb
'72 LA Benge D/Eb
'76 Bach CL 229/25A C
‘92 Bach 37 Bb
'98 Getzen 895S Flugelhorn
'00 Bach 184 Cornet
'02 Yamaha 8335RGS
'16 Bach NY 7
'16 XO 1700RS Piccolo
Reeves 41 Rimmed Mouthpieces

frankcameraska · Regular Member Joined: 02 Apr 2016 Posts: 88

Thank you very much !
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Bach NY - Adams A5

Bach 3C / Artisan 3C