Trumpeter: Did you hear my last recital?
Friend: I hope so.
Best posts made by TrumpetLearner
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RE: Recommendations
@dr-go THis is exactly the kind of thing that would be nice to see in a 'recommended' section, to let other users know where the reliable technicians can be found!
I don't know if the forum has the capability, but it would be even better if the recommendations could be pinned to a map, to easily allow forum members to find someone in their area.
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RE: Jackie Gleason Plays Cornet
The Great One! Thanks for keeping his memory alive.
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King Silver Flair - Buying Advice
I'm just starting out learning the trumpet, but an instrument caught my eye - the King Silver Flair 1055T. I have done a bit of research, and apparently it was the top pro model for King from 1964 to 1979. So, I've seen one for sale, but have no experience in buying a used trumpet, so I thought I had better get some advice.
Two things spring to mind - There is no 1st valve slide hook. Is it supposed to have one? If not, how does one operate the slide during playing?
The other thing is, one of the buttons is not original. I was wondering why this could be. Is it common for them to be damaged? If the button has had a knock, could the valve be damaged too? Also, it appears to be the middle button - so I would expect that one to be less likely to be knocked. I thought I'd ask here before I put this question to the seller.
Here's a link to the listing: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-king-silver-flair-trumpet-Pre-UMI/154306356346
I look forward to hearing from more experienced eyes. Thank you for looking!
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RE: My own topics are invisible
I finally figured this out (embarrasingly) - my topics were sorted, by default, from oldest to newest. That's why I could never see new topics I was posting!
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RE: Complete Beginner
Thank you all for the suggestions and advice. I will definitely check out the Standards of Excellence.
I agree that it's difficult, or perhaps impossible, for a beginner to determine which YouTube posters are posting the best learning methods. A similar problem arises when trying to select a teacher for proper lessons. Everyone will have varying opinions, and therefore a different approach to teaching.
For example, from what I've seen on YouTube, there seem to be some who don't believe that the lips need to produce a buzzing, and that simply blowing air through the horn will work. Of course, I have never even touched a trumpet, so I have no idea what works best, but isn't buzzing the commonly accepted method?
None of my equipment has turned up yet - can't wait to get going!
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RE: King Silver Flair - Buying Advice
Thanks a lot for all the replies! So, it looks like a solution will definitely be required. I think the cable ties solution is probably a good one, with the ability to rotate one for removal, although it's damn ugly. Sounds like Olds had a good manufactured solution too.
@richard-iii said in King Silver Flair - Buying Advice:
Don't ever leave it on the stand when you are not there. Bad things happen. The least of which is the slide moving. Other bad things like it falling over and the second valve slide gets jammed into the valve casing and Mr. Trumpet is not all wonky and unplayable.
I actually have a solution for ths problem! I made my own stand, which I prefer to the basic K&M that I was using. My one uses a smaller footprint, and also weighs about 10lbs, which removes any chance of it falling over. The next step would be to follow up with an acrylic box, to stop dust getting on the instrument. This came about from getting sick of putting the trumpet in and out of its case every 5mins.
The original K&M stand is bolted through the metal, so there is no movement of any kind. I've covered one in a nice soft velvet, even though the trumpet doesn't actually touch the surface when it is on the stand. I might go with different colours for the other stands.
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RE: appearances vs practice
I'm using this video to learn with at the moment:
I decided it was worth getting a visualiser, and working closely on embouchure right from the start. I am sure there are many different approaches, but this one seems good so far.
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RE: Chemical Cleaning
Flugel Girl advised me to do chemical, rather than ultrasonic for a vintage trumpet, in case there is red rot. Ultrasonic is probably good if there is no risk of red rot.
So, I have managed to find a guy in Birmingham that can do the chemical clean for me. He seems like a nice guy, and he came recommended, so I'll let you all know how it goes.
After much searching, I was only able to find two places in the UK that mentioned chemical cleaning for brass instruments!
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RE: King Silver Flair - Buying Advice
@richard-iii said in King Silver Flair - Buying Advice:
Quote: The next step would be to follow up with an acrylic box, to stop dust getting on the instrument.
And to keep the critters in the house from licking the mouthpiece right after they clean their butts.
I don't know what goes on in your house, but that wouldn't be an issue here
That's the kind of thing I had in mind. Nothing would get in there!
So, what do you do? Return your trumpet to its case at the end of every session?
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RE: Chemical Cleaning
So, I had my 1966 Silver Flair chemically cleaned, and the results are amazing! Big thank you to Flugelgirl for recommending that I seek out a professional, to have my trumpet chemically cleaned - I'm glad I followed your advice!
The technician that I used was Andrew Clennell, and I couldn't have been happier with the service I received. He's a great guy, and an extremely experienced musician and repairer. I highly recommend his services, if you need any brass instrument cleaned, repaired, or serviced.