Bb or C

gtownlead · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 11:37 am Post subject: Bb or C

Which do you prefer to play and why?

brad333 · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 11:48 am Post subject:

Now that really depends, doesn't it?

I'll usually play C in church or orchestra(but I play in an orchestra about as often as I see Haley's comet). That's really only because most of the time the music is in C but if I had the choice I'd probably play C anyway since it has a bit of a clearer sound in the middle register than my Bb(my C trumpet, not THE C trumpet). I couldn't think of any reason to play C while playing jazz. Bb is definatly the way to go.

Did you have a more specific instance in mind?

trumpetmike · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 3:03 pm Post subject:

Bb

It is what I have played as my main weapon for the past 22 years. It is the instrument that most people use over here for most sorts of playing (orchestral, ensemble and big band) and I find it is the perfect instrument for me.
Transposition isn't a problem.

disabled account · Veteran Member Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 439

I play almost all the time on a Bach 229/25H C trumpet. I've been searching for a good C trumpet for years. First owned a 239/25R, then a 229/25H (a bad one), then a Malone Bach MC1, now finally a great Bach C. All of the Bach C's that I've played over the s/n 600,000. Try it out!

cujazztrpt · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 3:58 pm Post subject:

It depends on what the job requires, C trumpets have a different sound. A sound required (mostly by orchestra players, pls correct me if im wrong). Personnaly I never had any use for an Eb/D C or any other key trumpet. (thank God, I probably can never afford it) Thats why I stick to the Bb trumpet.
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thatleadguy · Veteran Member Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 293

By nature of what I do, my primary horn is Bb. I actually prefer the C trumept for it's beautiful sound.

trumpetchops · Heavyweight Member Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 2644

This is post # 500 for me!

I recently switched to C trumpet. I have herd that C trumpet is easier. Nothing changed except I can transpose better now.

I don't think it makes a difference other than putting something in a better key.

bandman322 · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 8:07 pm Post subject:

I prefer the sound I get on my C, but that is because it is a better instrument than my Bb. I must say that in real life uses I would probably use my Bb more because on a Jazz gig it is more not often I can use the C. Of course in church I make it a point to use my C or Pic, and sometimes the flugelhorn. So I guess the answer is -- IT DEPENDS ON WHERE I AM USING IT.
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_Ford850 · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 8:25 pm Post subject:

Bb....but why choose... Get both!
If only one is an option I would get a Bb. I don't usually need a C but they are nice at times and easier to transpose with if needed.
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tpetplyr · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 8:37 pm Post subject:

I prefer my C. Its got a brilliance and shimmer that my Bb lacks. Not to say my Bb doesn't sound great too, but I just like the C sound better. Its a lovely horn. I've almost gotten to the point where the Bb looks abnormally long

but they both get plenty of time.

Stuart
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_Don Herman · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:33 pm Post subject:

I play both about equally. Probably use the C more in orchestra, both to match sound and because it makes it easier to transpose. At church I use the Bb far more, 'cept Christmas and Easter when the brighter C sound seems better to me for much of the music. Although, on one piece I wanted a "dark" sound and was struggling with the tranposition (Bb to A just ain't a favorite of mine). My teacher listened without looking, and said he couldn't tell my WT from my NTC when I was thinking 'sound" and not "horn".

YMMV - Don
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cjdjazztpt · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 10:34 pm Post subject:

Bb

90% of my work is on Bb. 7% on Flugel.....The other 3% is on piano/organ/electric piano!