Alan Rubin's Trumpet
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I found this image of Alan Rubin (R.I.P.). What do you think of his trumpet? Notice anything unusual about it? Does anyone know more about this one than we see in the picture?
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I can see two finger rings around the third valve side. It may just be the photo angle, but the valve bloc looks positioned more to the back than usual.
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The lower ring is clearly not an OEM part with its nickel finish. The half-reversed slide is clear, and has a Bach stop rod assembly on it, which precludes an aftermarket adjustable ring. It does not appear to be a trigger because it is back against the valves with the slide in. Unfortunately, in the pictures of him playing, he does not appear to use it. I am not even sure how it is attached to the horn.
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It looks like a standard Bach to me. It has the finger ring, stop rod and double tuning slide brace.
I don't really think about what trumpet any artist plays, I only think about what they accomplished and with Alan, the list is long!
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Aside from appearing to be a Bach Stradivarius, what caught my eye was the reversed front bell brace, the finger ring under the third slide, and the red upper valve cap felts. Upon further examination, there is only one third valve slide brace, and there is no third valve slide stop rod, just the piece that the rod would go through on the moveable part of the slide, and I'd say that the tuning slide water key is an Amado.
Alan Rubin lived up to his name, "Mr. Fabulous". Whenever I think of "Peter Gunn Theme", I think of The Blues Brothers' version, and vice versa. Hearing the way he handles it continues to be an inspiration. I've posted it before, and here it is again for those who share my enthusiasm for it:
