I played a Conn 28B Constellation between 1953 up until I stopped playing in 1965. I loved that horn and kicked myself in the ass for selling it. I am now three years into my comeback and finally playing a Conn again. This time it is a 1999 Conn Vintage One 1BR-46 Trumpet that I got from Trent Austin and it is a honey.

I like that TrumpetBoards saw fit to have a place for come back players. I came back to playing in the spring of 2016 at the ripe old age of 80 after a 51 year hiatus. Those 3 years up to now have had plenty of ups and downs, including 3 lip injuries last year, but things are really starting to work out for me. This year I have changed bands because the one I belonged to since the fall of 2016 was no longer challenging enough. The one I recently joined offers plenty of challenge, including being able to play beside a 30 year pro trumpet player who goes out of his way to help me learn the band's extensive play list. Right now I am in Trumpet heaven.

I hope other come back players here will join me in sharing our trials, tribulations and, most importantly, our successes and joy from playing the devil's instrument we all love so dearly.

I am pleased to report that rehabilitation is going well. Starting to regain lost endurance an inch at a time. My range still a little weak B to high C above staff, but that will work itself out as my playing improves. I played about 45 minutes of our 90 minute band practice last night, dropping an octave when needed and this morning practice went well.
The band will be playing at a special Battle Of Britain memorial service this Sunday, consisting of Canada's National Anthem, God Save The Queen and 7 selected Hymns . Nothing difficult here so I will play the entire service.

I want the good doctors here to know that I am truly thankful for, and following, their advice.

George

Next Wednesday our band is booked to play a reception for A Volunteer Award night. The event runs from 6:30 to 9:00 pm and we play as people arrive and at various times throughout the evening. Below is our play list :
Cabaret
Alley Cat
Disney Film Favorites Medley
Snowbird
King Of The Road
Over The Rainbow
Rock Around The Clock
Pennsylvania Polka
Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
Mambo No. 5
Looney Tunes Overture
What A Wonderful World
Colonel Bogey March
The Way We Were
Hawaii Five O theme
Sweet Caroline

Lots of lip burners here. I hope I survive...

My longest layoff was 51 years. I had played between 1953 and 1965 and by the latter the good gigs were disappearing . It was also a time when work and family needed full time attention so I just sold my Conn 28B and concentrated on my career in printing and publishing and it was a move that paid off. After my wife of 57 years passed away in 2012 my world turned upside down. After three years of existing in a dark hole I finally started to see light again and in March 2016 I felt it was time to get back at playing the trumpet. Playing again became my salvation.

I love the 1952 silver plate Selmer Paris medium bore Bb I purchased from

ACB in 2016 and now I have added a companion in this gorgeous 1959

Selmer Paris 24B K-Mod medium large bore Bb in lacquer.

This is a honey with a rich warm tone and will serve as a backup to my Manchester Brass band horn. It is in beautiful condition. Of course it came from ACB.

Well my Olds Recording arrived on Tuesday and I have been playing it mornings and afternoons ever since. I think my other horns are getting jealous.

Fortunately it arrived in perfect condition. And I do mean perfect. This baby looks like it just out of the showroom. It is 3 years younger than me ( 86 in July ) and in much better shape. I had a hard time finding any wear, but there was one tiny area at the bottom of the 3rd valve casing. The previous owner must have had a sweaty left hand pinkie. The rest of the horn is immaculate. This was a well cared for horn.

Because it was recommended to use a thicker grade of valve lubricant, I am using Berp #3. It may have helped, but there was plenty of compression and I am sure a #2 grade would have been just as good.

It is a balanced horn, the only one I have ever owned. Maybe that is what makes the Recording so versatile. I played classic, jazz ballads, swing and even some country music and it was fantastic.

It may not be the best playing trumpet in the world, but IMHO it is certainly one of the best.

All the good things I have heard and read about the Olds Recording are absolutely true. I am one huge happy camper.

And musn't forget Josh and Nate at Austin Custom Brass who go out of their way to make your purchase a pleasure.
George

It's the 1960s King Super 20 Silversonic Symphony Bb Trumpet with a sterling silver and gold washed bell, silver lead pipe and gold trimmings, and is a dual bore from .464 to .468.

This is the King model that Harry James played from the mid 50s up until his death.
I can't wait to hold it in my hands,
George

The subject of buzzing, for or against, is not one worth arguing IMHO.
I know players who say it works for them and those who say it doesn't. No harm in hearing the discussion of why in both cases, but really, it isn't life or death were discussing here, folks.
Also, If everybody here, or elsewhere, always agreed on subjects, it would be a pretty dull place to visit.
George

This was posted at that other site by Jens Lindermann :
A salute to the Covid 19 health care workers by 32 trumpet stars :

@rowuk

Those are two good reasons for any problems you may be having, sir.
Right now I am trying to play on only 2 front teeth when my embouchure was used to much more than that, so I am now dealing with a cranky embouchure. Once I have the dental work done at least I will be playing with a new partial that hooks on to exixting teeth to keep it in place, and I am already used to that. But another change for the embouchure. Oh, well it will all work out.
George

Well after a visit with my dentist I discovered that I will not be reduced to playing with a full lower denture. She can save the two existing teeth, replace the crown I lost and I'll end up with a new partial to give me a full set of teeth to play with.\ in my lower jaw. Hip, Hip, Hooray !!!

Turns out my dentist is also a musician and she understood my problems immediately.
George

@kehaulani

Thanks, lots to think about there. As for pressure, my second time back, playing with as little pressure as possible was my main goal and I feel I pretty well achieved that. A good example is how I hold the trumpet with my left hand. I don't grip the valve casing but rather just let the horn rest over my forefinger and thumb and my right hand floats above the valve tops, including pinkie.

Anyway, to answer your question, I play some pretty tough material at the band and want to continue that if I can.

I am also familiar with Chet Baker's plight and what he did.

The concern I have is will the lower plate move while I am playing. I'm hoping someone who is in this position will post something useful here.

Thanks, kehaulani,
George

I have no trouble playing with a full upper denture, and a partial lower, but I am starting to have problems with what's left of my own lower teeth and may be looking at a full lower denture.

The question is, could I continue to play trumpet with the addition of a full lower ? Anyone here have experience in this category ?

George

@kehaulani

I wonder what would happen if the stripper is dancing too close to the trumpet player? YIKES

George

The 28b is rare indeed. I owned a 1952 gold plate 28B and played it between 1953 and 1965, sold it when I quit playing in late 1965 and have been kicking my ass ever since.
I have seen a few in poor condition and the expense of re-furbishing was more than the horn was worth. But about 3 years ago Trent Austin at ACB had a 1952 re-furbished one that was in showroom condition but it was sold before I could even make an offer.
Good luck in your search, Dave,. I might add that I have a 1999 Conn Vintage 1 in my collection and I love it almost as much as I loved the 28B. The Vintage 1 may have been modeled after the 28B. If you can't find a 28B you may want to try a Vintage one, if, and that is a mighty big IF, you can find one. It too is rare.
George

@ssmith1226

Thanks, Steve. That was quite interesting.
George

@bigdub
I get what you are saying, Wayne. I am one of those players who don't look like they are playing. I use only the tension necessary to get the job done. And if I can't hit a high note easily, I drop an octave.
George

@dr-go

I Only Have Eyes For You ...
Good one, Doc. It will likely be 4 weeks by the time I am able to play the way I usually do.
George

@rowuk

As usual, Robin, all good advice and I will definitely keep your words in mind.

George