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Tony Scodwell Heavyweight Member
Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 1965
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 7:22 am Post subject: Louis Armstrong Selmer Replica |
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I have been making a prototype of a 1931 Selmer Balanced model like the great Louis Armstrong played on during that period. It is even more extremely balanced than his later K-Modified versions and can be seen in his early photographs. I will try to utilize donor Selmers from the K-Modified series if possible but will remake all the parts to replicate those if necessary. Right now I am at the point of getting feedback to determine if the market justifies my going further with this project. Let me hear from you via this post. Projected cost for the horn in gold lacquer finish [as on the early Selmers] would be around $3K. Thanks in advance.
Tony Scodwell
Scodwell USA Trumpets and Flugelhorns, available only at Washington Music Center, call Lee Walkowich at 301.946.8808 |
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Retlaw Heavyweight Member
Joined: 23 Nov 2006 Posts: 3263 Location: UK
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 8:25 am Post subject: |
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Hi Tony
I think it is a very worthy project....
I am fortunate to have a 1934 Selmer Balanced (L. Armstrong) model and it is a real player. If you are able to get close to the original sound as well as the look it should prove very popular. My horn is the smaller bore and has a nice open feel with a great sound.... Recordings from that period don't come close to what Louis in his prime would have sounded like on these horns.
Here are a few pictures to whet the appetite.... granted that this one is silver.
I wish you well....
Walter |
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krax Heavyweight Member
Joined: 22 Apr 2007 Posts: 685 Location: Hofors, Sweden
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:48 am Post subject: |
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I have a '52 ML balanced Selmer, like the one above but with a few cosmetic changes. Now, I haven't bought a new horn since my first student trumpet, but if you made one of those with small bore and all like Louis' one, I would be very very interested. Price, well, when a 19A (his model) comes out on ebay (very rare) it ends close to your 3K anyway, so that is expected. |
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Bob Sweet Veteran Member
Joined: 20 May 2005 Posts: 156 Location: Sun Lakes, AZ
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 10:07 am Post subject: |
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Hi Tony,
I am no marketing expert, but given Louie's widespread popularity, I think there would be demand for such a horn in the 3K price range.
The thing that is very tough to gage is the effect of our overall economy.
I am curious as to how the Selmer differed (other than finish) from the
Harry James King replicas?
Best wishes for your success with the project.
Bob |
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giakara Heavyweight Member
Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 3833 Location: Greece
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 1:07 pm Post subject: |
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Retlaw wrote: | Hi Tony
I think it is a very worthy project....
I am fortunate to have a 1934 Selmer Balanced (L. Armstrong) model and it is a real player. If you are able to get close to the original sound as well as the look it should prove very popular. My horn is the smaller bore and has a nice open feel with a great sound.... Recordings from that period don't come close to what Louis in his prime would have sounded like on these horns.
Here are a few pictures to whet the appetite.... granted that this one is silver.
I wish you well....
Walter |
What a beauty ....... if you ever thing to sell this babe email me .
Regards _________________ Lawler TL5-1A Bb 2015
Lawler TL6-1A Bb 2004
Lawler TL5-1A Bb 2003
Getzen eterna 910 C
Getzen eterna 850 and 800 LB cornets
Selmer Paris 3 valve picc
Yamaha 731 flugel
Carol mini pocket
Reeves/Purviance mpcs |
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BedfordTrumpeter Heavyweight Member
Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 504 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 3:54 pm Post subject: |
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I notice some vintage horns - such as Olds Recording models - have a profile where there's more tubing "behind" the valve block, and less "ahead" of the valve block than the typical modern Bb horn*. To put it another way, it looks like the valve block has been moved forward on the horn.
Does this change in configuration have an appreciable impact on sound?
Paul
* Forgive me if I'm generalizing here when I say "typical". But I've come to expect the general layout of most Bb trumpets to resemble my Bach Strad or my old Yamaha student model - at least at a glance.
Edit: Oh, it just occurred to me: Is this what is meant by a "balanced" horn? Sorry, I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to horn designs. I just play 'em. _________________ CarolBrass 658R Bb | CarolBrass 506R Bb | CarolBrass 4000 C | Yamaha 631GS Flugel | CarolBrass 6882T Bb Cornet | Besson 60MD D/Eb | CarolBrass 7770F Picc. | Curry & Reeves mpcs
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http://www.bedfordbrassquintet.com |
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