Benge CG and Martin Committee

adieste · Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2003 8:42 am Post subject:

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the forum, and would like to pick your brains a bit.

I own a 1975 Benge Claude Gordon, 2 Olds L-12 flugelhorns, and a 1960's Martin Committee (which I just picked up yesterday. I was wondering if anybody had specs on these horns, bore sizes and such.

Speaking of the Committee, I owned one years ago as a kid, and not knowing what I had, lost it God knows where. After a good hot, much overdue bath, I played my new-old one yesterday for the first time. It plays great, but I'm not getting that legendary dark Committee tone.

I know that it's not the horn, but the player. However, I was wondering what opinions some of you may have regarding the natural tonal qualities of the horn vs. the player's chops, which in my case, tend to be a bright sound anyway. I'd kill to be able to play lead brightly, and jazz darker, without having to necessarilly go to the flugelhorn.

Any thoughts and constructive criticism is always appreciated. Thanks again!

Al
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Trumpet: 1975 Benge CG, 1964 Martin Committee
Flugelhorn: 1963 and 1973 Olds L-12
Cornet: 1895 Conn Wonder, 1915 Buescher 57C
Pocket Trumpet: Funky No-Name Thing
Alto Sax: 1965 Buescher Aristocrat
Tenor Sax: 1956 Buffet Crampon Paris

jazz_trpt · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2003 8:50 am Post subject:

Check out Mark Curry's TFL mouthpiece models for a happy medium...
_________________
Jeff Helgesen
Free jazz solo transcriptions!

jhatpro · Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 1:18 pm Post subject:

The bore on the CG is .468, choked to .464 in the bell tail (where it enters the lst valve slide). The horn may not seem that large to you because the brass is much thinner than on heavier horns. Therefore, the inner diamater can be quite a bit larger and still the horn seems small.

If your Committee has only a serial number, the bore is probably .453. If it has a #3 near the S/N, it's a .464. Not sure about the Olds flugels.

Could be you're not getting the dark sound you want because your mouthpiece is too shallow and/or you're embouchure is too tense.

Miles played a Holton Heim mouthpiece, which is funnel-shaped and helps produce a darker sound. Also, to me he frequenly sounded like he was playing with a "loose embouchure" and blowing a lot of air. Not sure if that's the best way to describe it but I can't think of another way.

I agree the Curry TFL would be a good choice if you really want to get a "flumpet" sound.
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

nieuwguyski · Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 1:29 pm Post subject:

Bore of the Olds L-12 flugel is .437.
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J. Notso Nieuwguyski