Double Bell Trumpet Redesigned
If you have read my earlier page on double bell trumpets, you
know that the last one that I put together was in about 1992. This
is certainly no surprise because of the expense involved in this sort
of custom work. The main purpose for the second bell is for
quick mute changes in jazz solos, although it doesn't take much
imagination to think of other similar uses. These projects have all
been an enjoyable bit of engineering challenge, not the basic work
of adding the valve and bell, but to make it as comfortable and
enjoyable to use as possible. This last example is definitely the
best of the three. Not only is the thumb lever for changing bells
right under the left thumb, but the over all balance of the trumpet
makes the extra weight easy to hold in playing position even with a
mute in one or both bells. It is also possible to work the change
valve with the right thumb, leaving the left hand to work a plunger
or "wa-wa" a Harmon or similar mute. I must admit that this latter
manoeuvre is not as ergonomic as the former. A weakness in both
of the earlier double bell trumpets is the tuning slide for the second
bell extends out at an angle that is both unsightly and easily
damaged. For this trumpet, I put a short curve between the valve
and tuning slide, directing that slide parallel to the bell and other
slide tubing. This is much more compact and pleasing to the eye.
I put the rotary valve stop arm on the opposite side from the
linkage arm to allow for more room for the cork plate. In
retrospect, I could have put them on the same side and saved
myself that extra work but it works very well this way. I'm very
happy with this design and would be happy to put together similar
instruments for customers in the future.
know that the last one that I put together was in about 1992. This
is certainly no surprise because of the expense involved in this sort
of custom work. The main purpose for the second bell is for
quick mute changes in jazz solos, although it doesn't take much
imagination to think of other similar uses. These projects have all
been an enjoyable bit of engineering challenge, not the basic work
of adding the valve and bell, but to make it as comfortable and
enjoyable to use as possible. This last example is definitely the
best of the three. Not only is the thumb lever for changing bells
right under the left thumb, but the over all balance of the trumpet
makes the extra weight easy to hold in playing position even with a
mute in one or both bells. It is also possible to work the change
valve with the right thumb, leaving the left hand to work a plunger
or "wa-wa" a Harmon or similar mute. I must admit that this latter
manoeuvre is not as ergonomic as the former. A weakness in both
of the earlier double bell trumpets is the tuning slide for the second
bell extends out at an angle that is both unsightly and easily
damaged. For this trumpet, I put a short curve between the valve
and tuning slide, directing that slide parallel to the bell and other
slide tubing. This is much more compact and pleasing to the eye.
I put the rotary valve stop arm on the opposite side from the
linkage arm to allow for more room for the cork plate. In
retrospect, I could have put them on the same side and saved
myself that extra work but it works very well this way. I'm very
happy with this design and would be happy to put together similar
instruments for customers in the future.
Click on images for larger views.