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| STEP 1 Some students already noticed that the brace between the bell crook and the first valve slide seem to be at different positions on different horns. I believe this may be a source of problem. So, our first step is to remove it from Richard's horn. Observations: after the brace being removed, we noted two things. Firstly, the horn plays with much less restriction, as a result it produces a bigger, more brilliant sound with easier high notes. However, we also noted the lower slide tube of the first valve is bending outward after the flange holding it in place was removed. As a remedy, I have to solder it off and back on with correct alignment with the valve slide. It is most amazing that after this operation, every note played with the first valve is very much louder than the other valve combinations! It is quite funny but also indicates that the horn has a lot of unreleased potential held back elsewhere! |
 Note the relative positions of the braces on these two instruments. On the left, the brace is nearly at the edge of the first valve slide tube while quite a bit lower on the right. |
| STEP 2 Richard then noticed the mouthpiece receiver was not in a perfect straight line with the leadpipe. We of course have to put it right. In doing so we have to remove the first bell brace too. Observations: when the bell brace was removed, the horn speak very much easier. However, the price of a quick respond is a dull sound, especially in the upper range. We were determined to retain the ease of respond! Some proper bracing is found to be needed. |
 Taking off the mouthpiece receiver. |
| When the mouthpiece receiver was
off, I was not very happy with what I saw. Firstly, the fitting is
on the loose side, that is, it was only the solder lead that filled
the gap. Then the pipe looked a bit rough so I have to do some clean
up. |
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| I also discovered that the horn is more in tune
in itself if the mouthpiece receiver is out from the
original position by a few mm. This will make the total length of the
leadpipe a bit longer, the sound is less brilliant but with a much
better
intonation, I decided to give it a try. Richard said he was never happy with the relationship of the open C and G. He never felt them being in tune at all no matter how hard he tried. But after I repositioned the mouthpiece receiver, he is happy. Supposedly, no more torture on his sensitive ears. |
 Position of the mouthpiece receiver has to be determined carefully for good intonation and the right response. |
| STEP 3 Next would be putting the bracing back. But for the purpose of experiment, I decided to remove all the bell braces to find out where they should go, so the bell was taken off first. Observations: my first impression is that the position of bracing at the leadpipe is affecting the response (ease of production) while the position of braces on the bell crook will affect the sound more, and to some extent the response of the higher notes. |
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| STEP 4 After deciding the positions for the braces, we have no choice but to make a new part! We made a new brace from brass rod so as to support the leadpipe from the valve casing instead of the bell. We also moved the brace between the 2nd valve and the bell to the first valve. |
 Richard shaping the new brace rod for his own trumpet. |
| STEP 5 After many hours of work, spread over several weeks, we were finally putting the horn back together. We are very pleased because the horn can now be played much louder and softer than before. At the same time, it speaks very easily, with good intonation and very solid above high C! Observations: when the horn is in proper order, the brace between the first valve slide and the bell is actually quite necessary to enhance the sound and security of the notes above high C! When the horn was stuffy, it was better taken off but now, it is better to be there. Amazing! We still have to determine the exact position of this brace on Richard's horn. The sound and response of the horn is quite different with the brace at different positions. |
 Richard give his "new" old horn a blow. |
A close new look of Richard's horn: |
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| We knew many players have their horns customized
and improved but we never expected such a huge difference after some
touch up. We now understand why the Bach has been the choice of so many
top professionals, just that we may not have the luck to pick up the
great ones from a store! |
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| This project ran from July to September, 2002. |
Other projects follow..... |
Project
#2  |
| Kenneth's Homepage |
