Best posts made by Comeback

Thank you!

Horn ergonomics doesn’t receive the attention it deserves, in my opinion. Also, what works for one of us is no guarantee it will work for another. Louis Armstrong was just 5’-6” tall, yet he played his Selmer Balanced Model matchlessly. Given my messed up right shoulder and upper arm, I can’t imagine playing that horn comfortably, even though I am 6’ tall. My version of “the one” fits me very well physically and fits my sound concept too. The 6 ounces or so difference in weight between my Severinsen and, say, a regular weight Strad seems to make a positive difference for me as well.

Jim

George, I’m a Bobby Hackett fan too!

This morning I thought I’d mess around a little with Amazon Music, which comes with our Prime membership. The content available is nearly overwhelming! Am listening to the Swing Jazz Station right now. More good stuff!

Jim

Mrs. and I are with our youngest grandchildren this weekend, which makes meaningful trumpet time a challenge. Our 4 year old granddaughter wanted to play with soap bubbles, but I had to make them by blowing through the little plastic doodad that comes with the soap solution. I am counting this as breathing exercise.

On an related note, the town we are visiting has an active arts scene. Busking is common. I have a question: If I play on a street corner and am paid to stop and go away, am I a pro trumpeter?

When I started this thread back in November, our world was certainly a different place. So much has happened that was unimaginable back then. Writing about our horns might seem trivial to some, but for us I think it may help us sort of keep our grip.

Mrs. and I, and our progeny, have fared well so far in the age of COVID-19, and we are truly thankful. While we do not get to see our sons and their families in person and hug our grandchildren, we do get to see them and interact with them via FaceTime. And we have maintained a more or less exclusive three person social group with my elderly mother. Sure hope my fellow TB members are doing alright too.

I identified my 1970s Getzen Severinsen as "The One" for me back in November, and it remains so. My Sev has no aid for first valve tuning, which I don't seem to need. It is simple and fits me like a glove, and its great sound and response is exactly what I expect from a good Sev, based upon the others I have owned.

I have been playing my restored lacquered LeBlanc 707 Sonic the last couple days. Why not? It is not like I am preparing for an imminent performance of any sort! The lacquer on the LeBlanc has a noticeably different "feel" in my hands compared to the silver plated Sev, which is quite pleasing. Its first valve slide trigger does not affect my left hand grip and is easy to operate with either my left or right thumbs, not that I have ever had to do much of that. It seems that I can go back and forth between the Sev and LeBlanc with little conscious effort.

Early this year, almost by accident, I acquired a Bach 180S37 Strad, the second one of these that I have owned. Like my first Strad, it appears to have been mostly a closet queen. It has the potential to become "The One" sometime, but it needs a trip to my tech first, which may not happen for a little while. I want it chem-cleaned and the valve alignment checked, along with some attention paid to the third valve slide, which is a little too tight. I expect great sound and responsiveness from a Strad and this one delivers. I do have to adapt more to the Srad when switching from the other trumpets due to the fixed third valve slide ring and the first valve slide thumb hook, but it is not too much of a challenge..

Jim

No reliable and widely available therapeutic, no vaccine, increasing number of cases in many areas, really, what has changed is that folks are tired of being cooped up and many younger folks really need to get back to work! My state is letting groups of 25 persons or less get together now. Our band can number as many as 100. I do not even know if we will be allowed to meet by early July. And, like you George, I am just not so sure right now if I will participate.

Jim

@Dr-Mark said in How about a "Random Meaningless Image...let's see them string"?:

Hi Comeback,
Be careful when you race.
Here's a site that you may want to read.
https://www.dragzine.com/features/editorials-opinions/top-10-tips-for-your-first-time-at-the-dragstrip/
P.S. If you die drag racing, we're gonna sell your horn to a sax player!
Have fun and be safe.

Thank you, Dr-Mark! Very helpful site! And concerning selling my horn, a sax player? Please, not that!

Several of us play Getzen horns regularly. Perhaps this thread will come to serve as a repository for all things Getzen.

I think I have owned four Getzen Bb trumpets so far: three Severinsens and one 900 Eterna Classic. Presently, a mid-1970s Severinsen is my primary horn. My current silver plated Sev is in remarkably good condition. Looking at it and concluding that it is nearly new is an easy thing to do. It has the usual adjustable third valve slide finger ring and no tuning aid on the first valve slide. It is light, responsive, produces great sound, and fits me perfectly. The valves work marvelously.

There are some who criticize the plastic slide stops commonly found on the Sev's and some other Getzen trumpets. Not me. I like them. They are quiet and do not project below the third valve slide, also I have never had one break or cause a single issue. They are easy to remove and replace for maintenance purposes too. They can be a little difficult to find. I have two for backups, but wonder if I will ever need them. I have experimented with the three adjustment slots on the slide stops. The slot nearest to the center of the stop works well for my third valve tuning needs.

Jim

James Morrison playing Up A Lazy River. Pretty cool!

@Dr-GO said in How about a "Random Meaningless Image...let's see them string"?:

@Comeback said in How about a "Random Meaningless Image...let's see them string"?:

Are congratulations in order? If so, congratulations Gary!

Jim

Thanks, Jim. Yes after 27 years of working in the "Academic" world, I decided to practice in the "real world". Should have made this decision years ago. I LOVE my patients and really get a chance to see my treatments turn around individuals life on a more rapid time scale and at a higher volume. You know, I really did go into medicine to help people, and this new gig reinforces that behavior.

In addition, I am still receiving a salary from my academic institution until I turn 65, AND the salary from this practice position, so making two salaries as a physician is another congratulatory benefit! Just think of all the Haarrelson Trumpets I can now buy for myself and for gifting!

Well, then, congratulations are in order indeed! It is great that you are enjoying helping your patients. And apparently you are continuing to enjoy your Harrelson too - I remember when your Harrelson saga began!

I have a little over a year of retirement under my belt now, though I still teach one online class each primary semester. Retirement seems to suit me. More time for family, fitness pursuits, hobbies, and trumpet playing is great!

My mid-70s Severinsen is below. The case is an old Reunion Blues gig bag that still gets a lot of use.

Jim

I have been reading your thread as it develops, GeorgeB. This is a useful discussion, perhaps particularly so for those of us who are seniors. I applaud your intention to stay involved in your band while you cannot play your horn. Best wishes for a fast and complete recovery.

Bob Pixley reminded me of another peeve. I somehow managed to end up seated right in front of the glockenspiel. Now I completely understand when the percussionist bangs away at that thing when the music requires it, even though I cannot hear myself think. However, I get peeved when the percussionist is whacking away with considerable force when we are supposed to be listening to our conductor or merely warming up!

@Kehaulani said in Getzen Club:

Does Classic, in this sense, mean the Severinsen?

Since it's new, contractual obligations may prohibit the name Severinsen. So does the Classic actually hearken back to the Severinsen or are they two different horns?

The Classic has been around since the early 2000s. My understanding is that Getzen’s intent was to nearly replicate the old Severinsens.

@Dr-Mark said in Embouchure Dystonia My guess? I think you'll conquer this and you'll be playing better than before. Why? Because you know not to do what you did and that's moving towards better. For the most part, we all start out blowing too hard and using too much force and tension. Our job is to learn how to use the least amount of stress and strain t get the job done. Its kinda like meditation with an attitude.
I trust that GeorgeB will find these suggestions as helpful as I do, Dr Mark. As I return to trumpet again, overdoing, using too much pressure, and relaxation continue to challenge me. Your last sentence is kind of catchy!

Merry Christmas to you, BigDub.

Thanks for posting the Trent Austin video, Blaine. He does sound great on that Getzen!

Jim

It is great to hear about your recovery progress, GeorgeB. Best wishes for continuing improvement!

@djeffers78 said in Spin Fishing and Trumpets:

I’ve really been wanting to get into just using a hand line and gorge. I really dig a more primitive fish or hunt. Anyone can catch with modern gear

My gear may not be all that modern, but I can assure you that I can get skunked with it!

Nice pic, BP!

My practice time last night consisted mostly of working through numbers for the first time that will be featured in my community band’s spring concert. I had to reference online musical symbols charts frequently!