Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Protec C239 Deluxe Tenor Trombone Gig Bag

Product info and Specs
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"The Deluxe Series Bags feature a rugged nylon exterior and soft lining, shoulder straps and/or back pack straps, carrying handles, top quality nickel hardware, accessory pockets and padding up to 30 mm thick."

Schilke Tuning Slide Grease



"Schilke has developed their tuning slide grease to meet the requirements for easy to use slides but it does not break down as the horn warms up. This keeps the tuning slides from shifting while the horn is being played. This is a very popular product."

Leon Merian The Real Thing CD


"Trumpeter Leon Merian's career is both legendary and fascinating. The list of people with whom he has performed is a Who's Who of the jazz entertainment."

Konig and Meyer Multi Purpose Instrument Stand



"A very unique instrument stand designed for a variety of instruments. Easy to set up. Compact, folding design makes it easy to transport and store. Exclusive non-marring material to protect your instrument is molded onto stand during manufacturing process. This stand will work for a guitar, French Horn, 3/4 size cello, violin and Viola. It has 5 different settings to change the width of the base to fit your instrument."

Konig and Meyer 5 Leg Trumpet Stand



"The 5-leg base provides maximum stability for the instrument. The detachable metal leg base screws into peg so that the entire unit may be stored in the bell of the instrument for easy transport. Black plastic peg with felt pads to protect the instrument."

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Buying Guides » Trombone

Trombones are relatively simple brass instruments. Still, many parents and beginning adults need help in selecting an instrument suitable for their needs and budget. The Giardinelli staff has provided this short course in trombone basics to assist you in choosing the right horn.

Types of trombones
There are three major types: straight tenor, trigger-type tenor (also referred to as F-rotor or F-attachment), and bass trombones. Valve trombones and alto trombones are specialty horns we won't discuss here.

How To Select Your Trombone A: The straight trombone is the simplest, with no tubing inside the main section. The F-rotor trombone has extra tubing within the main loop. It's a straight trombone until this tubing is activated with a trigger. This makes the horn longer, changing its tuning from Bb to F. More about the advantages of this later. The bass trombone is a larger bore version of the F-rotor trombone that adds a second rotor to extend its low-end even further.

Typically, students start with a straight tenor trombone and later graduate to a horn with the F-rotor, but this isn't a hard and fast rule. If you don't use the trigger, the F-rotor horn plays exactly the same as a straight trombone. You can wait to learn the F-rotor when you're ready. On the other hand, for many applications, even advanced players stay with a straight trombone.

Student, intermediate, and professional
These are standard classifications from manufacturers that frequently appear in our catalog as part of the name. While they do refer to the overall quality and feature sets of the instruments, they are not precise classifications that reference specific features and will vary from brand to brand. Use them for general guidance.

Large bore, small bore
The bore of a trombone is the inner diameter of the inner slide and is expressed in thousandths of an inch. The range is from about .481" (for students) to .547" (for symphonic use), on up to .562" (for bass trombone). Smaller bore horns have a brighter, more focused sound; while larger bores tend toward a darker or warmer and bigger sound. Bore size also effects a horn's resistance or back pressure. A smaller bore creates more resistance, a larger bore less. More resistance is usually better for student players because it makes it easier to support a tone. Amount of resistance is also a matter of taste. Some players prefer more resistance, some less.

Another variation is the dual-bore trombone. This simply means that the slide is smaller on one side and expands to a larger diameter on the other. It gives the player more initial resistance from the narrower bore, but then opens up for a bigger sound. Student level trombones will seldom if ever have a double bore. It is a step-up feature.

For the beginning player-especially young players-it is best to choose a smaller bore horn, somewhere in the range from .481" to .525" because it takes less air to support a usable tone. Intermediate players may want a medium or larger bore instrument for a fuller and potentially more forceful sound, but this isn't a hard and fast rule. Symphonic trombonists tend to use the larger bore trombones, typically around .547". Bass trombones usually have a bore up around .562".

How To Select Your Trombone The F-rotor factor
An F-rotor adds complexity and extends the trombone's capabilities. Most importantly it adds notes to the horn's low range. It also provides alternative ways of playing certain passages, making them easier.

How To Select Your Trombone B, C: There are two basic types of F-rotor. A traditional or standard wrap has more bends in it which makes it more compact but also increases resistance. The open wrap type has fewer bends for a freer-blowing trombone.

Bells
Trombone bells can be be made of yellow brass, red brass, or silver. Yellow brass is most common. The other metals color the sound in subtle ways. Rose brass is warmer and silver warmer yet.

Cosmetic considerations
Lacquer finishes are the most common. Plated finishes are regarded as higher-quality finishes because they have less dampening effect on vibration. Most consider silverplated horns to be flashier, but they require more maintenance because they tarnish. And though a snazzier looking horn may not sound significantly better than another, what good looks can do is engender pride in the instrument, inspiring more devotion to practice and care for the instrument.

Summing it up
The biggest factor in which trombone you choose is, of course, the amount you can appropriately spend. Beyond that, your needs and level of musicianship should determine your choice. Choose a smaller bore horn for the beginning student. One that is designated as a student model will likely be a more durable instrument. Consider a medium bore horn for the intermediate player, as well as such step-up features as an F-rotor, dual bore, rose brass or sterling bells, and plated finishes. We hope the information provided here help you choose a trombone that is perfect for your needs.

Selecting Your Next Trumpet

Selecting Your Next Trumpet

Often parents unfamiliar with brass instruments are faced with the task of selecting an instrument for their son or daughter. To help you sort through all the possibilities, our Giardinelli staff has put together this brief guide to choosing an appropriate trumpet.
Types of trumpets
This is easy. Basically, trumpets are all of a kind. You can think of cornets and flugelhorns as kinds of trumpets: same fingering, same key, same range, same basic design. They only differ in shape, length, and bore size. They all have the same kind of tone, just in different colorings. Trumpets have a sharp, brilliant sound. Cornets sound a little thicker and richer, and just slightly mellower. The flugelhorn's sound is very full and soft, even fluffy. Cornets have become more rare over the years but are considered the same as trumpets in school bands. Ask the director. Flugelhorns often serve as second instruments for intermediate or advanced players. There are also several specialty trumpets, such as C trumpets and piccolo trumpets that are mainly used in symphonic settings.

Trumpets are usually ranked as student, intermediate, and professional models. These are not precise categories but rather refer to overall quality and certain features. Use them for general guidance. In most cases, student trumpets are appropriate for beginning players, and intermediate instruments are appropriate for serious students of advancing abilities. Professional trumpets are for advanced players.

Bore
Bore is the inside diameter of the horn's tubing measured at the second valve slide. Most players use a bore from around .458" to .460". Horns with larger bores can be played with more power, but require more effort. They are usually used by advanced or professional musicians. For new and especially young players, a horn with a small bore is more appropriate because the small bore makes it easier to support a good tone.

Step-up features

A: Lead pipes
A lead pipe (also called a mouthpipe) is the pipe that goes from the mouthpiece to the main tuning slide. It can be made of yellow brass, red brass, or sterling silver. Red brass is often preferred for student horns because it is less susceptible to corrosion. Yellow brass requires more frequent cleaning. A silver lead pipe is a step-up feature found on intermediate and pro-level trumpets. There is also a reversed lead pipe where the tuning slide goes over, rather than into the lead pipe. It is a step-up feature, desirable because it makes an instrument offer less resistance.

B: Valves
Valves, or rather the valve pistons, come in a variety of metals. Nickel plated pistons are often found in student horns because they are hard, durable, and tolerant of infrequent cleaning. Monel pistons are another kind. Monel is an alloy that is softer than nickel plate and requires frequent cleaning and lubrication to perform at its best. It is super-resistant to corrosion so it can last longer, and it wears in for a great feel. Many professional instruments have Monel pistons and so do some student instruments. More often it is considered a step-up feature of an intermediate horn. Stainless steel pistons are yet another type. They are quite good and occasionally are found in intermediate and professional horns.

The critical factor is that valves play quickly and smoothly. This is the result of valves having been properly "lapped," the final process of making the piston fit the cylinder. Step-up horns often have hand-lapped valves which indicates an expert has performed this finish work by hand and made sure the valves work perfectly.



How To Select Your Trumpet

C: Bells
Bell materials also vary. Yellow brass is most common and is used in horns from student models to professional instruments. Rose brass bells are also common and impart a warmer, darker quality to the tone. Silver bells are less common and usually only found in high-grade horns. Nickel plate is another finish that once was common but is now seldom seen.

More important than the bell material is how the bell is made. The best bells are one piece, hand-hammered into shape over a mold by a skilled craftsman. It is felt that these bells vibrate more uniformly. Student and intermediate horns usually have welded bells. In recent years the technique of plasma welding has made these more like one-piece bells and is sometimes used for intermediate instruments. Bells also vary in size and taper, both of which can effect the sound of the instrument in subtle ways.

Finishes
Trumpets usually have a clear lacquer finish on a buffed brass surface. Another kind of finish is silver plate which is considered better than lacquer because it dampens vibration less than lacquer does. Silver plate is a flashier-looking finish, however, and a flashier-looking instrument can engender a pride that inspires greater enthusiasm for learning and playing the trumpet.

Windy City Trumpet Plunger Mute


Windy City Trumpet Plunger Mute


The professional's choice

The Windy City Trumpet Plunger Mute is constructed of aluminum, has superb sound with an excellent growl, and is easier to hold than the traditional plunger mute. Lined with a neoprene rubber rim to prevent vibration. Gleaming brushed silver finish.

Windy City Stainless Steel-bottom Piccolo Trumpet Straight Mute

Windy City Stainless Steel-bottom Piccolo Trumpet Straight Mute
Windy City Stainless Steel-bottom Piccolo Trumpet Straight Mute

Windy City Copper Bottom Trumpet Cup Mute


Windy City Copper Bottom Trumpet Cup Mute


Windy City Copper Bottom Trumpet Cup Mute


The Windy City Copper Bottom Trumpet Cup Mute is designed to be free-blowing in all registers. Its sound is rich and fuzzy a darker sound than the all-aluminum model.

Thursday, April 13, 2006

King 2B Legend Jiggs Whigham Trombone Pack

This package features the King 2B Legend Jiggs Whigham Trombone designed especially for the needs of the lead player. Also includes a FREE Emo Wow Wow Harmon Mute, Jet Tone Urbie Green Mouthpiece and a copy of Leon Merian's book "Man Behind The Horn"!

Sunday, April 09, 2006

Jupiter 846 Lacquer Flugelhorn Package

Jupiter 846 Lacquer Flugelhorn Package

This package features the popular Jupiter 846 Lacquer Flugelhorn that offers a centered tone with a dark, rich sound. This package also includes a FREE Yamaha Silent Brass Trumpet & Flugelhorn System, Jet Tone 10FL Mouthpiece and a copy of Leon Merian's book "Man Behind The Horn"!

Yamaha YFH631G Professional Flugelhorn Pack

Yamaha YFH631G Professional Flugelhorn Pack

An amazing package featuring the Yamaha YFH631G Professional Flugelhorn with a gold brass bell for a dark rich sound. This package includes a FREE Yamaha Silent Brass Trumpet & Flugelhorn System, Jet Tone 10FL Mouthpiece and a copy of Leon Merian's book "Man Behind The Horn"!

Bach Protecto-Pads for Sousaphone

Bach Protecto-Pads for Sousaphone White Set

Constructed of high-quality, scratch-resistant vinyl that sandwiches thick foam padding and reinforcement wires. Shoulder pads provide maximum comfort and protection. Undercarriage pad protects the bottom bow from scratches, dents and finish wear. Pads use nylon straps for attachment. Available in black or white.

Monday, April 03, 2006

Sample Products Student Bb Trumpet

Sample Products Student Bb Trumpet

The Glenn Edward student Bb trumpet is designed with the beginner in mind. Featuring nickel silver valves for worry free performance, and a first valve thumb hook and third valve fixed finger ring for easy tuning adjustment. The medium-large bore enables young students to produce a good tone with minimal effort. A black ABS case and mouthpiece are included.

Selmer 1901S-80J


Selmer 1901S-80J "Chorus Bb Trumpet


Selmer 1901S-80J


Selmer (Paris) Key of Bb. .461" bore, Monel pistons, oversized bottom valve caps, shifted main tuning slide crook, silver-plated finish.

Yamaha YTR-9820C Custom Piccolo Trumpet


Yamaha YTR-9820C Custom Piccolo Trumpet


Keys of Bb/A. .445" bore, 4" one-piece bell, 4 Monel© pistons, mouthpipes for Bb or A, silver-plated finish. Includes case.

Yamaha YBL-622 Professional Bass Trombone Outfit


Yamaha YBL-622 Professional Bass Trombone Outfit


Yamaha YBL-622 Professional Bass Trombone Outfit


Key of Bb/F/D. Heavy-wall construction; .563" bore; 9-1/2" hand-hammered, one-piece gold brass bell; gold brass lead pipe; large shank mouthpiece receiver; chromeplated nickel silver inner slide, yellow brass outer slide, hand-lapped tuning slide and valves, semi-open wrap, double dependent rotors; detachable second rotor; slide lock; gold lacquer finish. Includes mouthpiece, slide cream, and wood case. All Yamaha wind instruments come with a limited 5-year warranty.

Yamaha YBL-622 Professional Bass Trombone Outfit Features:

* Key of Bb/F/D
* Heavy-wall construction
* .563" bore
* 9-1/2" hand-hammered, one-piece gold brass bell
* Gold brass lead pipe
* Large shank mouthpiece receiver
* Chromeplated nickel silver inner slide
* Yellow brass outer slide
* Hand-lapped tuning slide and valves
* Semi-open wrap
* Double dependent rotors
* Detachable second rotor
* Slide lock
* Gold lacquer finish
* Mouthpiece, slide cream, and wood case

Bach 50T3 Stradivarius Professional Bass Trombone


Bach 50T3 Stradivarius Professional Bass Trombone


Bach 50T3 Stradivarius Professional Bass Trombone


Key of Bb/F/Gb. .562" large bore, 9-1/2" one-piece bell, chromeplated nickel silver inner slide, brass outer slide, open wrap, Thayer Valve rotor mechanism, double in-line independent rotor system, lacquer finish. Includes mouthpiece and deluxe wood shell case.

Bach 50T3 Stradivarius Professional Bass Trombone Features:

* Key of Bb/F/Gb
* .562" large bore
* 9-1/2" one-piece bell
* Chromeplated nickel silver inner slide
* Brass outer slide
* Open wrap
* Thayer Valve rotor mechanism
* Double in-line independent rotor system
* Lacquer finish