If you could have only one trumpet...

oxleyk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 12 Apr 2006 Posts: 4180

would you have a C or Bb?

After 15 years of not playing I'm interested in playing again. I sold my Benge Bb years ago and wish I hadn't. I'd like to get a C trumpet for playing in church but I know Bb trumpets are more common and, maybe, more versatile. Right now my budget will allow only one. Which would you recommend?

I guess the only reason to have a C is so I can play out of the hymnal without transposing however, I know how to transpose so it really isn't an issue.

Thanks,

Kent

Irving · Heavyweight Member Joined: 11 Feb 2003 Posts: 1888

Get a Bb. No reason for you to buy a C, since you know how to transpose. Bbs are more versatile, play better in tune, and can be used in virtually any situation with any type of group.

Chameleon · Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 1:20 pm Post subject:

Bb. I have a friend who does a good bit of orchestral playing and he uses his Bb for everything. Of course he's developing some mad transposing skills. Apparently the principal in the local symphony was skeptical at first, but has grown to accept the use of the Bb since my friend does so well on it.
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aceswildtru · Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 1:49 pm Post subject:

I agree that Bb is more versatile. The only real reason I could see owning a C would be if I were a pro in a symphony orchestra, and that probably isn't going to happen!

-Travis
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-Travis

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Dale Proctor · Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 1:55 pm Post subject:

I'd take the Bb. I tried to exist for a couple of my symphony years with a good C as my main horn (although I did own a crappy Bb), and finally broke down and bought a good Bb when the C to Bb slides I bought were less than satisfactory. I've ended up using the Bb FAR more than the C in my chosen performance genres.
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oxleyk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 12 Apr 2006 Posts: 4180

I've only played Bb trumpets. Can someone briefly explain why there seem to be so many complaints about how C trumpets play? What makes them play out of tune? Is it because of the longer Bb tubing that notes are better in tune?

Kent

stradfreak101 · Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 3:24 pm Post subject:

ya i'd get a Bb cuz thats wat i use and i play at church every weekend and just transpose it in my head, it'll get really easy after a few times...trust me...
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shastastan · Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 3:55 pm Post subject:

I'm an old rookie and had thoughts similar to yours. I'd been playing a Bb for everything and decided to get a C. I got one on trial and just didn't like it at all. For me, it was stuffy and no where near as easy to blow. I'm still learning to transpose but also still have thoughts of a C for church someday. The option I'm using now is to find out which hymns are in advance and use PrintMusic (software pgm to transpose) them (if they are too fast for my old brain).

Stan

oxleyk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 12 Apr 2006 Posts: 4180

Funny thing about transposing--

In college I played the third trumpet part in John Rutter's Gloria which is written for trumpet in C. I learned it in Bb. Later when a friend let me try it on a C trumpet, I could not play it at all.

Kent

Chameleon · Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 5:09 pm Post subject:

I don't do much orchestral playing and in a few years may not do any at all, but I still have a C. For church gigs I can transpose most stuff on the spot since it's generally just from C. I just prefer the sound and feel of C trumpet for some solo material like Rustiques and Honegger's Intrada.
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Olds Ambassador Bb - soon to be modified
Reynolds Contempora Cornet
Olds Ambassador Cornet

_dcstep · Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 5:59 pm Post subject:

Many (most) church orchestra arrangements are in Bb.

However, I recently did a Haydn oratorio on my Bb. The other guy had a C and we were both transposing most of the time, since the trumpet parts were in Bb, C and D. Anyway, if you transpose, then a Bb will be easiest to use. Later on you might add a C or a flugel, depending on what type of playing you do the most.

Dave
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aceswildtru · Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 6:05 pm Post subject:

I wouldn't go so far as to generalize that a C trumpet plays easier/better than a Bb. I own a good Bb Bach Strad model 37 (good newer Strads are tough to find, I hear), and I started playing C trumpet this year for school. The C trumpet the school owns is an F Besson that used to belong to our current trumpet prof. This horn has the Najoom leadpipe, and it is a GREAT horn. It feels much more open than my Strad, and if I could find a Bb that plays like that C, I'd buy it in a heartbeat! By the way, my trumpet prof upgraded from the F Besson to a Kanstul, and he said if I like the F Besson so much, he couldn't imagine what would happen if I were to play his Kanstul!

-Travis
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-Travis

Nothing special: Bach 3C + Bach Strad

Hardyt · Heavyweight Member Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Posts: 668

Buy a Bb now, but later on for some reason you'll have to have a C. I'm glad to say that I have finally lost the urge to buy an Eb.
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hotorangetrumpet · Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 3:08 am Post subject:

Maarten van Weverwijk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 3377

wvtrumpet · Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 4:16 am Post subject:

Without a doubt a Bb trumpet, more useful....
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oxleyk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 12 Apr 2006 Posts: 4180

OK, a Bb it shall be. If you'll excuse me, I have to go rob a bank.

Kent

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Note to Feds: I was only joking about the bank thing.

Maarten van Weverwijk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 3377

oxleyk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 12 Apr 2006 Posts: 4180

Yes, that's another confusing question; balancing quality, sound, price, and all the other factors.

I'll let you know what I find. Thanks for all the help.

Of course, I'll gladly accept donations of used horns.

Kent

WxJeff · Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 6:44 am Post subject:

Welcome, Kent. Remember, the fun is in the shopping! Take your time and enjoy the ride...

Pay no attention to the sublimal message below

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