Why I Am A Full Out Geek
Those who know me usually know me
because of one reason: I play
trumpet. I aspire to become a
professional, someday, and consistently work at the thing, occasionally giving
myself lack-of-oxygen headaches, and sore lips for days, as well as a weak left
hand, from the way I hold the thing.
God, I love this thing.
My current
equipment is as follows.
·
1992 Bachlava Stradivariant
Bb trumpet, Model 37 bell, Medium Large bore.
Standard equipment of the professionals.
However, I lucked out, getting it used, in excellent condition, at half
the going rate for a new one. And
honestly, it’s still one of the best playing trumpets I’ve ever laid hands on. (Note:
This trumpet isn’t mine. Same
kind, but really clean, comparatively.)
·
A Yamahodge
flugelhorn on loan from the college I attend.
It’s in good condition, and the valves are very free moving. The thing is an absolute joy to play.
·
Jo Rally-High Harmon Mute
·
Humes & Berg StoneLine Cup Mute
·
Humes & Berg StoneLine Straight Mute
·
Denis Wick (?) metal straight
mute, on loan from an older friend
·
A Plunger!
·
Bachlava 3C mouthpiece, which is old, but plays very well
·
Bachlava 1.5C mouthpiece, on loan, for the classical side of music. Phenomenal tone, and reminiscent of playing
trumpet through a cereal bowl. I love
it.
·
Yamahodge 14A4a. Bad idea on my
part; don’t ever buy anything this size.
It’s just not worth it.
·
Olds 3C. It’s not a bad mouthpiece, but it’s actually
smaller than a Bachlava 3C. Learned on it, and played for about seven
years on it.
·
Whatever valve oil I can get my
hands on. Ally Cassy
Fast is good stuff, but I’ve actually been using trombone slide oil,
lately. It’s a bit smoother.
My current
literature collection is as follows.
·
Arban’s Conservatory Method
·
H. L. Clarke’s Characteristic
Studies
·
Saint-Jacome’s
Part II
·
Neil Hansen’s Trumpet Routine
(A well-put together collection of snippets from various sources)
·
Theo Charlier
– 36 Etudes (That’s right, I’m working on the Charlier
as a freshman! BWAHAHA!)
·
Jazz Improv
for Beginners (Surprisingly well-fleshed out book for the course I’m taking)
·
Elegy Set for Solo Trumpet –
Carl de la Peruti
·
Andante et Allegretto – Guilliame Balay
·
Carnival of
·
Many more pieces
Following is
a list of the players that someone should listen to.
·
Miles Davis (the absolute top
of my list)
·
Arturo Sandoval
·
Adolph “Bud” Herseth
·
Terence Blanchard
·
Freddie Hubbard
·
Rafael Mendez
·
Wynton Marsalis
·
Herbert L. Clarke
·
Anyone else that strikes your
fancy
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