This brass Trumpet measures 4¾ inches long and hangs from a gold cord. The Horn comes in a black leather gift case that measures 5½ inches long, 2 inches deep and 1¾ inches high. The Horn rests inside the case, on a bed of dark red velour. This is the perfect gift for anyone who plays the Trumpet. Select this link to view our Miscellaneous Ornaments.
The Trumpet
The trumpet is constructed of brass tubing bent into a rough spiral. Although the bore is roughly cylindrical, it is more precisely a complex series of tapers, smaller at the mouthpiece receiver and larger just before the flare of the bell begins. Careful design of these tapers is critical to the intonation of the instrument. Sound is produced by blowing air through closed lips, producing a buzzing sound into the mouthpiece and starting a standing wave vibration in the air column inside the trumpet. The player can select the pitch from a range of overtones or harmonics by changing the lip aperture. Modern trumpets have three piston valves, each of which increases the length of tuning when engaged, thereby lowering the pitch. The first valve lowers the instruments pitch by a whole step, the second valve by a half step and the third valve by one and a half steps. When a fourth valve is present, as with some piccolo trumpets, the pitch is lowered a perfect fourth. Used alone and in combination these valves make the instrument fully chromatic or able to play all twelve pitches of Western music. The sound is projected outward by the bell. Select this link to view our Gold and Cream Ornaments.
The mouthpiece has a circular rim which provides a comfortable environment for the lips vibration. Directly behind the rim is the cup, which channels the air into a much smaller opening, the back bore or shank, which tapers out slightly to match the diameter of the trumpet’s lead pipe. The dimensions of these parts of the mouthpiece affect the timbre or quality of sound, the ease of playability and player comfort. Generally the wider and deeper the cup the darker the sound and timbre. Select this link to view our Gold and Red Ornaments.