Note Bending - Bb vs. C trumpet

comebackcornet · Regular Member Joined: 30 Jan 2017 Posts: 55

Hi All

Part of my regular practice routine involves note bending. What I've accidently noticed/discovered is that this seems to be a little easier for me on my C trumpet than on Bb. Is there a scientific reason for this, or does this make sense if I'm bending the same written note?

Specific example: I'm working on note bends out of Flexus (Frink/McNeil) p. 40 #6: Start on second space A then change fingerings (to Bb, B, C) while holding the same sound (second space A). It is quite a challenge for me to maintain the A pitch with open valves without the pitch dropping to the G. However, I find it easier to accomplish on the C trumpet. I thought the distance in the harmonic series should be the same on each trumpet (I am not transposing the pitch), however maybe the distance (in Hz) gets smaller as the concert pitch raises and that is why???

Bflatman · Heavyweight Member Joined: 01 Nov 2016 Posts: 720

The why doesnt matter, the fact is the design of the trumpet is different from trumpet to trumpet, some Bb trumpets are easier to bend than others due to this.

Technically its to do with the percentage of conical bore in the instrument and the rapidity of the bell opening up. This affects slotting and the ease of precision in centering and ease of bending.

The C trumpet and Bb trumpet are different lengths so the rate of expansion of the bore must be different therefore there must be a different bending response and different ease of slotting.

I would hazard a guess that because a C trumpet has shorter tubing and therefore more rapid expansion I would predict easier bending for a C

It may be possible to find a Bb that has bending response closer to your C.

I aint a technical whiz about trumpet design but this seems logical to me.

Thats all I have

comebackcornet · Regular Member Joined: 30 Jan 2017 Posts: 55

audreyl138 · New Member Joined: 05 Mar 2017 Posts: 5

These are all good suggestions, I would recommend the same.

Craig Swartz · Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2017 12:52 pm Post subject:

In my experience over the years with many different trumpets- much less effort to bend on Bb than C. This would also include jazz licks and embellishments (flips, shakes, etc.). I'd be concerned with the alignment and other aspects of my Bb were I you. Good luck.

GRVTrumpet · Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 10:43 am Post subject:

I personally like to note bend on most of my horns. It helps me find the center and keep the center on whichever horn I am playing. I try and always warm up on my Bb, then I do a quick 5 minute session on whichever I horn I switch to.
_________________
Bb: Bach - 190S37 - 50th Anniversary Horn
C: Yamaha Xeno "Chicago" Series - Gen 1
Picc: Shilke P7-4
Eb/D: Schilke E3L