Switching from trombone to trumpet...

mch_nz · Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2004 3:59 pm Post subject:

Hi,
after a break of about 15 years I've decided to get back into it. I was quite good on trombone but have decided to have a crack at the trumpet this time around.

Any ideas, tips, suggestions etc. as to making the transition? Also interested in what mouthpeice would be best suited.

Thanks,
Mark

plp · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 5:51 pm Post subject:

If you still play trombone, you will want what primarily trumpet players consider a 'big' mouthpiece, say a Bach 1C to Bach 3C, or the equivilent in another manufacturor brand. If you no longer play trombone, start off where we all did, with a 7C. This is the best all around one size fits all baseline mouthpiece, and will take years before you outgrow it.

Now to answer your question with a question......I recently acquired 3 trombones, and would like to know what is the smallest diameter small shank trombone mouthpiece in common use today? I know I could have a 'custom' 'piece milled for trombone, but I would rather spend that much cash getting my recently acquired 3-B up to speed.

nieuwguyski · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2004 12:39 pm Post subject:

I used to primarily be a trombonist, and the smallest mouthpiece I remember a handful of players using was a Bach 15C. There are smaller trombone mouthpieces that wouldn't be custom orders -- Bach goes all the way down to a 22 diameter, Schilke makes a 40B model specifically for trumpet doublers, and some of Dick Akright's "Rudy Muck" reissues are tiny. However, I never met a player during my trombone-playing days who used any of these. Like I said, the Bach 15C was the smallest I personally encountered.
_________________
J. Notso Nieuwguyski

mheffernen5 · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2004 3:07 pm Post subject:

Hi there! I would recomend since you say you are switching instruments that you get an elementary beginners book like Yamaha Advantage, Standard Of Excellence etc...and buy a good trumpet like King, Yamaha, Getzen, Holton, or even Bach to learn on. Hope you enjoy the trumpet.

dalewjohnson · Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 2:42 pm Post subject:

i have been playing trombone for over 20 years. My Nationalguard unit has been called up and I am going to iraq. the trombone is too big so my frien has loaned me his student yamaha to take. I have played around a bit on a euph, and i know the fingerings, any tips to develop speed? range? I played it some before i put it into the box for overseas and i coulf play a two octave F concert maj scale.

I think it is going to be hard to read the transposed scores. I have a few beginner books. should i get a trumpet arbans? I want to be able to play straight out of the church hymnal when i get back. so i am thinking i should learn to play reading C (Like tenor trombone)

it is hard to write what i mean. i play by ear on trombone really well.
_________________
two blondes walk into a bar... you'd think one would have seen it!

_Japle · Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 4:14 pm Post subject:

I majored in bass trombone in college. I switched after playing trumpet for 10 years or so. Then the draft came along and my music career died.
Thirty years later I started back on trumpet. I thought a big mouthpiece was the way to go; I was wrong. Having played 'bone should have no influence on your choice of mouthpiece. None. Pick a mouthpiece that fits your face and the type of music you play. A too-big mouthpiece will hurt your range and endurance.
_________________
John
Cape Canaveral