position of valve cluster

xenogs · Regular Member Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 11

hey guys, got this question that has been bugging me...
as a physics student, i don't understand why the valve cluster is where it is on most trumpets... surely it would make more sense to position it towards the front so the the centre of gravity of the trumpet is at the 2nd valve slide.. anyone care to comment?

Xenogs

Washington BC · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 7:56 am Post subject:

Put a Monette next to any other brand trumpet and you will see that difference.

BC

crzytptman · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 8:00 am Post subject:

Or a Schilke. Or a Callet Jazz. Or a Olds Recording . . . . top of my head.
_________________
Crazy Nate - Fine Yet Mellow Fellow
"so full of it I don't know where to start"
Horn: "just mismatched Kanstul spare parts"
- TH member and advertiser (name withheld)

_dcstep · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 8:27 am Post subject:

Don't forget to do your balance test with the mouthpiece in the horn.

Dave
_________________
Schilke '60 B1 -- 229 Bach-C/19-350 Blackburn -- Lawler TL Cornet -- Conn V1 Flugel -- Stomvi Master Bb/A/G picc -- GR mpcs
[url=http://www.pitpops.com] The PitPops[/url]
Rocky Mountain Trumpet Fest

NMex · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 8:43 am Post subject:

I'm just guessing here but - doesn't it have more to do with relative comfort than anything else. I think that the manufacturer's are trying to make the horn feel most comfortable to the player and that has to take into account many things. The horn should feel balanced in the hands, when in playing position. That being said, you have to take into consideration the size of the bell, the wrap of the horn, the overall length (length of tubing is the same, right?), the materials used, etc., etc. With all we know about ergonomics and repetitive stress disorders, I think that it may make sense to rethink the "layout" of the trumpet - hense the use of various trigger mechanisms and the design of more compact horns (the Eclipse Equinox comes to mind). Then, consider whether the horn may more likely be played by young persons, etc., etc., etc. None of this accounts for the differences in sound that might take place by the location of the valve cluster. I would assume that the length of tubing before the valve cluster and after would be the same on any trumpet. No answers, I guess - just more things to ponder.
NMex
_________________
Brasspire 923 LT
ACB TA-2

wardsd · Heavyweight Member Joined: 12 Mar 2003 Posts: 504

Or a Selmer Balanced action, which started doing it in the 30's.

Steve