Wilmington Benge

topo3man · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:14 pm Post subject: Wilmington Benge

Well you have heard of Chicago, Burbank, and LA Benges. Now there is the Wilmington Benge. I asked Zig Kanstul to make me a custom trumpet based on Chicago and Burbank Benge features. I own several Chicagos and a Burbank and wanted to combine my favorite characteristics. So I asked Zig to put a lightweight (ala CG) Benge 5 bell (ala Burbank and LA models) on his Chicago 1001(MLP) valve block (Chicago Benges were lighter horns than the Burbanks) as well as add the 3rd valve slide Besson conversion (one of my Chicagos has this and I really think it opens up the horn). The horn was constructed, sent to Flip Oakes for a total enhancement and now it is finally in my hands. I was in Anaheim in November and took some pictures of the evolution. The horn is incredibly responsive, open and dark, but can really light up when pushed. Ladies and gentlemen, the Wilmington Benge:

Me after positioning inverted third valve ring:

Technicians discussing third valve conversion:

Charles Hargett with bell-to-be:

Final version in three views:

rolling360 · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:23 pm Post subject: benge

WOW! I sure hope my 2X Burbank looks half that good after Kanstul overhauls it.

topo3man · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:30 pm Post subject:

It was a blast to work with Kanstul on this. Since it was my 50th b-day present I had it gold plated. I think my horn quest has finally ended but what a great journey!!

Trptflyer · Regular Member Joined: 26 Sep 2004 Posts: 45

VERY NICE!!! Interesting horn design components. Thanks for the pictures.
_________________
Mike

1970 Bach Strad 37
1961 Benge Burbank C
1978 Yamaha 731 Flugel
1934 Olds Super Cornet
1956 Connstellation "B"
etc., etc....

ldwoods · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:42 pm Post subject:

I like it!
_________________
Larry Woods
LDWoods

ldwoods · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:44 pm Post subject:

+++ Great looking, I like it!!!!!
_________________
Larry Woods
LDWoods

shofarguy · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 6:56 pm Post subject:

Wow, I'd like to play a 5X+ someday! Tell me, does the 3rd valve conversion enhance the resonance because of a different hand position, or is there another purpose? BTW, the gold plating is so-o-o scrumptious!

Brian
_________________
Brian A. Douglas

Flip Oakes Wild Thing Bb Trumpet in copper
Flip Oakes Wild Thing Flugelhorn in copper

There is one reason that I practice: to be ready at the downbeat when the final trumpet sounds.

topo3man · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 7:32 pm Post subject:

Brian,
I think the change in sound is due to the different placement of the braces. This changes the overall resonance of the horn. Several makers have used this configuration. Most recent would be the Callet horns like Superchops and Jazz were available with the conversion.

regularsopguy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 16 Oct 2003 Posts: 577

wow! as a lifelong Benge fan, i can really appreciate the beauty of your new horn!! congrats!!!

_________________
"Come with uncle and hear all proper. Hear angel trumpets and devil trombones...you are invited."

shofarguy · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:36 pm Post subject:

Topo3man,
I see that the brace between tubes is moved from the lower to the upper 3rd valve tube. Does the valve invert the flow of air through the tubing as well, or is it the same as before?

Is it a comfortable way to hold a trumpet? It looks awkward to me. Could it be made with a trigger in the conventional position, I wonder, without losing the advantage?

BTW, I love my 5X, but the upper register isn't as open as say a CG (I've played a local guy's Burbank CG). Your MLP looks to be a great variation. I wonder what one with a reversed leadpipe would be like? Maybe a bronze bell, too! Charles and Zig are you reading this? It IS Christmas and I DIDN'T win the 1537...

Congratulations, Topo!
Brian
_________________
Brian A. Douglas

Flip Oakes Wild Thing Bb Trumpet in copper
Flip Oakes Wild Thing Flugelhorn in copper

There is one reason that I practice: to be ready at the downbeat when the final trumpet sounds.

tom turner · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 12:34 am Post subject:

Beautiful!

Reminds me of some of the early Benge trumpets. Gorgeous finish too.

Congratulations for completing the trip too! Safaris are lots of fun . . . but getting to the end and then sitting back and enjoying the results is even better!

Happy birthday. What a great way to celebrate bein' half way to 100!

Tom

tx trpt · Regular Member Joined: 30 Nov 2004 Posts: 89

That is a beautiful trumpet, topo3man!

trumpetera · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 4:41 am Post subject:

WOW!!!

_________________
Principal trumpet Gothenburg Opera Orchestra
Bach LT 37 Bb (Mr. Findleys old)
Bach Mt Vernon 1957 Bb
Bach NY ML 1943 vintage Bb
Very old YTR-6335
Bach/Malone/Lechner C
Malone-Bach 229 C
H.Ganter Bb
Schagerl Wienna (older model) C
Parker Natural

Biber · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 5:48 am Post subject:

Sure is pretty!! But how does it play?

B

topo3man · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 6:57 am Post subject:

Biber,

The horn is open but not huge. I sold my Schilke B1 to finance this one. I wanted the blow of the B1 with better slotting and that's what I got. The sound is on the dark side with large mouthpieces and it can sizzle with a shallow piece. I use a GR67M2 for brass ensemble pieces and a GR67S for my Jazz band. The lightweight 5 bell lets me get sizzle without working too hard, has very good response characteristics and doesn't close down in the higher register. Best of all is that classic Benge sound. Not a horn that everyone might like but perfect for me.

KanstulBrass · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 7:59 am Post subject:

Great pictures, topo3man!!

It was our pleasure to make this unique variation for your 50th birthday. As well, I hope that you get at least 50 years of enjoyment out of it!

regards,
_________________
Charles G Hargett
Brass Industry Consultant

(Kanstul, Shires, BAC, Benge)

ldwoods · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 8:01 am Post subject:

topo3man · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 8:54 am Post subject:

Thank you again Charles!! Larry, if you like Schilke's you will love the B1. Other than the loose slotting (which many prefer) it would have been with me forever. It is beautifully made and sounds gorgeous.

ALaschiver · Heavyweight Member Joined: 26 Feb 2005 Posts: 639

You made a Besson

DavesTrumpet · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 9:53 am Post subject:

Wow!

Nice! Really nice!
_________________
Dave M

www.electrotheremin.com/bach.html
www.soundcloud.com/davestrumpet
www.facebook.com/DavesTrumpet
www.youtube.com/DavesTrumpet