Spring is in the air and we're ushering in the new season with incredible savings on items throughout the store. Through March 31st we're taking up to 75% off over 600 select items for the Spring Clearance Sale.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Spring Price Drop at WWBW
Save Up to 75% During the Spring Price Drop at WWBW.com (exp: 3/31)
Spring is in the air and we're ushering in the new season with incredible savings on items throughout the store. Through March 31st we're taking up to 75% off over 600 select items for the Spring Clearance Sale.
Spring is in the air and we're ushering in the new season with incredible savings on items throughout the store. Through March 31st we're taking up to 75% off over 600 select items for the Spring Clearance Sale.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Save Up to $60 Instantly with the WANT coupon at Musician's Friend!
Save Up to $60 Instantly with the WANT coupon at Musician's Friend!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
How to buy a French Horn
The French Horn or “Horn” as it is sometimes referred to, is one of the most unique members of the Brass Family. First developed in France about 1650, the French horn has a wonderful warm round tone that makes it stand out in the Brass family.
The instrument comes in 2 basic versions: Single and Double. Single Horns are physically easier to handle and are available in smaller sizes for younger players. Students find the Single easier to start on and usually play it for a couple of years before switching to a Double Horn. Almost all intermediate and professional Horns are Double Horns.
These names sound a bit odd for a horn, but the differences are very basic.
There are 2 basic versions of the French Horn:
Single Horn:
The instrument comes in 2 basic versions: Single and Double. Single Horns are physically easier to handle and are available in smaller sizes for younger players. Students find the Single easier to start on and usually play it for a couple of years before switching to a Double Horn. Almost all intermediate and professional Horns are Double Horns.
These names sound a bit odd for a horn, but the differences are very basic.
There are 2 basic versions of the French Horn:
Single Horn:
This comes in the key of “F” or “Bb”. The majority of single French Horns that students begin with are in the key of “F”. The Single Horn has three rotary valves that are used to change notes.
Double Horn:
The Double Horn gets its name from the fact that it has a double set of tubing, which is engaged with a fourth valve pressed by the thumb. This allows the Double Horn to switch between the key of “F” and “Bb”. The player uses the “Bb” side of the instrument to hit higher notes more easily and more in tune than the “F” side of the instrument.
The Bell
There are 3 different types of material used in making a brass instruments bell. Each material has a distinct characteristic on how the instrument will sound.
* Yellow Brass – This is the most common brass used in making brass instruments. It produces a rich, full sound. Most student horns are made of Yellow Brass
* Rose Brass – Also referred to as Red Brass or Gold Brass, this produces a darker, warmer tone in comparison to Yellow Brass. Most intermediate horns are made of Rose Brass.
* Silver/Nickel or Sterling Silver – Used primarily for professional instruments and some intermediate. This produces a very rich sound.
The Taper
There are different tapers to the bell of a French Horn. The taper is the way the horn flares from a small diameter to the full opening of the bell. This is referred to as the Throat Size. Single Horns, especially for younger players, have a smaller throat, which produces a weaker, but more controlled sound. Double Horns usually feature a larger throat, which is harder to control, but produces a larger, fuller sound.
Linkage
Linkage refers to how the finger levers, pressed by the player, are attached to the valves. The two types of linkage are:
* String Linkage – This type uses a strong string, which is wrapped around a connecting post from the valve to the lever. When the lever is pushed down, the string rotates the rotary valve to change the note. String linkages require periodic adjustment and eventual replacement of the string. The biggest advantage of string linkage is its silent operation.
* Mechanical Linkage – This type uses metal arms that connect the levers and valves with ball and socket joints. Mechanical linkage can produce a slight “clicking” sound when the instrument is played. The advantage of mechanical linkage is that it lasts much longer than string linkage and requires less maintenance.
Our site has a complete and varied selection of French Horns for any playing level, all backed by our 45/45/100 Guarantee.
How to Buy a Trumpet
The Trumpet is the highest voice in the Brass family. Within the Trumpet family there’s the Cornet, Flugelhorn and several specialty instruments such as “C” trumpets and Piccolo trumpets (Mainly used in symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles.) For students, the most common is the Bb (B-flat) Trumpet. This is the horn that is most commonly used for jazz, concert and marching bands. In our Buyers Guide we will show you the differences between the different levels and how they affect price and performance.
Student
These trumpets are machine made and built for economy and durability. They play well, but don’t have all the high-end features and craftsmanship found on intermediate and professional models. Most student horns are made with a two-piece bell as opposed to a one-piece. While this affects sound and projection, it also makes for a more affordable instrument. A student horn should fit the bill for most players for the first 2 to 3 years.
Intermediate
After 2 to 3 years, a player should consider moving up to an intermediate level trumpet. There are 2 different types of intermediate horns:
* Student horns with added features such as 1 st valve slide/thumb hook, deluxe cases, silver plating and adjustable 3 rd valve slide stops. These features improve durability and tuning.
* Intermediate trumpets based on comparable Professional horns built with less expensive manufacturing techniques that affect resonance, looks and intonation.
Professional
These are high-end instruments made with the finest materials and craftsmanship. Features such as one-piece bell, stainless steel pistons and heavy or lightweight versions are features usually found on pro horns. A professional trumpet is worth the investment for a long-term player of any age.
More Info
Valves
The player pushes down on the Valves or “valve pistons” to sound different notes. They are the main moving parts of a trumpet. The ease and accuracy with which the valves operate, plays a major role in the quality of the horn.
The valves on a student instrument are usually Nickel-plated. They are hard, durable and tolerant of infrequent cleaning. They are made with slightly looser tolerances so they should always move freely as long as they are regularly cleaned and oiled.
Many intermediate horns feature valves made from Monel®. Monel is an alloy that is softer than nickel plate. It’s very resistant to corrosion and it “wears in” for a very comfortable feel. Professional horns are usually made with either Monel valves or Stainless Steel.
The goal is to have valves play quickly and smoothly. This is the result of valves having been properly “lapped” (Polished and honed for a smooth, close fit). Intermediate horns often have hand-lapped valves, which means an expert has performed this finish work by hand to assure perfect function.
Finish
All trumpets are made of brass, but most are commonly available with a lacquer or silver plated finish. There are three main types of finish for brass instruments:
* Lacquer – A lacquer finish is sprayed on and then baked in an oven to cure it. A coat of lacquer slightly darkens the sound. All levels of trumpets are available in lacquer finish.
* Silver-plating – This finish is applied by dipping the instrument into a tank of silver. It’s more durable than lacquer and slightly brightens the sound.
* Gold Plating – This finish slightly darkens the sound and is found on professional instruments only.
Get Trumpets from Woodwind & Brasswind!
Student
These trumpets are machine made and built for economy and durability. They play well, but don’t have all the high-end features and craftsmanship found on intermediate and professional models. Most student horns are made with a two-piece bell as opposed to a one-piece. While this affects sound and projection, it also makes for a more affordable instrument. A student horn should fit the bill for most players for the first 2 to 3 years.
Intermediate
After 2 to 3 years, a player should consider moving up to an intermediate level trumpet. There are 2 different types of intermediate horns:
* Student horns with added features such as 1 st valve slide/thumb hook, deluxe cases, silver plating and adjustable 3 rd valve slide stops. These features improve durability and tuning.
* Intermediate trumpets based on comparable Professional horns built with less expensive manufacturing techniques that affect resonance, looks and intonation.
Professional
These are high-end instruments made with the finest materials and craftsmanship. Features such as one-piece bell, stainless steel pistons and heavy or lightweight versions are features usually found on pro horns. A professional trumpet is worth the investment for a long-term player of any age.
More Info
Valves
The player pushes down on the Valves or “valve pistons” to sound different notes. They are the main moving parts of a trumpet. The ease and accuracy with which the valves operate, plays a major role in the quality of the horn.
The valves on a student instrument are usually Nickel-plated. They are hard, durable and tolerant of infrequent cleaning. They are made with slightly looser tolerances so they should always move freely as long as they are regularly cleaned and oiled.
Many intermediate horns feature valves made from Monel®. Monel is an alloy that is softer than nickel plate. It’s very resistant to corrosion and it “wears in” for a very comfortable feel. Professional horns are usually made with either Monel valves or Stainless Steel.
The goal is to have valves play quickly and smoothly. This is the result of valves having been properly “lapped” (Polished and honed for a smooth, close fit). Intermediate horns often have hand-lapped valves, which means an expert has performed this finish work by hand to assure perfect function.
Finish
All trumpets are made of brass, but most are commonly available with a lacquer or silver plated finish. There are three main types of finish for brass instruments:
* Lacquer – A lacquer finish is sprayed on and then baked in an oven to cure it. A coat of lacquer slightly darkens the sound. All levels of trumpets are available in lacquer finish.
* Silver-plating – This finish is applied by dipping the instrument into a tank of silver. It’s more durable than lacquer and slightly brightens the sound.
* Gold Plating – This finish slightly darkens the sound and is found on professional instruments only.
Get Trumpets from Woodwind & Brasswind!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Shop at Woodwind and Brasswind
Dynasty M503 Series Marching Bb Trumpet
The Dynasty USA design team headed by Wayne Downey with assistance from Jeff Kievet has crafted clear, ...[more]
List Price: $1,400.00
Our Price: $779.99
Miraphone 281 Firebird Series 6 Valve 4/4 F Tuba
The Miraphone 281 Firebird 6 Valve F Tuba has the best intonation of any F tuba available. The Miraphone ... [more]
List Price: $12,779.00
Our Price: $9,699.00
Miraphone 12915VC Series 5 Valve 4/4 CC Tuba
The Miraphone 1291 5 Valve CC Tuba is a horn that does it all with a great sound and a great feel. The ... [more]
List Price: $15,769.00
Our Price: $9,399.00
chilke ST20 Custom Series Open Wrap F Attachment Trombone
The Schilke ST20 Custom Series Tenor Trombone was designed to answer the needs of the professional level ... [more]
List Price: $3,875.00
Our Price: $3,199.00
Friday, January 02, 2009
The Woodwind & Brasswind Great 2008 Year End Clearance Event
The Woodwind & Brasswind Great 2008 Year End Clearance Event
Friday, November 28, 2008
Reminder: 20% off one item - Tomorrow only!
Woodwind & Brasswind
Reminder: 20% off one item - Tomorrow only!
* Bach 42B Trombone - FREE $250 Gift Card!
* Conn 8D Double Horn - FREE $300 Gift Card!
* Yamaha YBB-621 BBb Tuba - FREE $1000 Gift Card!
Reminder: 20% off one item - Tomorrow only!
* Bach 42B Trombone - FREE $250 Gift Card!
* Conn 8D Double Horn - FREE $300 Gift Card!
* Yamaha YBB-621 BBb Tuba - FREE $1000 Gift Card!
Friday, November 21, 2008
$49 Free Shipping with No Weight Restrictions at Woodwind & Brasswind!
Free Shipping On Orders Over $49 with No Weight Restrictions at WWBW.com (exp: 11/24)
$49 Free Shipping with No Weight Restrictions at Woodwind & Brasswind!
We're celebrating the holidays early by offering your customers Free Shipping on Orders Over $49 with No Weight Restrictions through November 24th.
$49 Free Shipping with No Weight Restrictions at Woodwind & Brasswind!
We're celebrating the holidays early by offering your customers Free Shipping on Orders Over $49 with No Weight Restrictions through November 24th.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Woodwind & Brasswind is Slashing Prices for the Halloween Sale
Woodwind & Brasswind is Slashing Prices for the Halloween Sale
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Woodwind Brasswind Coupon
Get the Musical Gear you Need from Woodwind & Brasswind!
Woodwind Brasswind Coupon
Use promotional code "SAVE10" at checkout to receive 10% off featured student instrument brands. Standard shipping rules apply.
*The following brands are eligible: Barrington, Kohlert, Bundy, Etude, Giardinelli, and Woodwind. Bundy accessories are excluded. This sale is active from August 10th, 2008 - August 16th, 2008. Cannot be applied to past or future purchases. Cannot be combined with any other promotions or discounts.
Woodwind Brasswind Coupon
Use promotional code "SAVE10" at checkout to receive 10% off featured student instrument brands. Standard shipping rules apply.
*The following brands are eligible: Barrington, Kohlert, Bundy, Etude, Giardinelli, and Woodwind. Bundy accessories are excluded. This sale is active from August 10th, 2008 - August 16th, 2008. Cannot be applied to past or future purchases. Cannot be combined with any other promotions or discounts.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
10% off select Student Instruments at Woodwind & Brasswind
45-day Best Price + Satisfaction Guarantee!
10% off select Student Instruments at Woodwind & Brasswind
coupon code "LESS10"
10% off select Student Instruments at Woodwind & Brasswind
coupon code "LESS10"
Music123: Time's Running Out To Save 15%
Music123: Time's Running Out To Save 15%
Music123.com
• Offer good for online purchases made through August 14, 2008, on qualifying brands shown below
• Instant rebate based on highest priced qualifying item in cart
• Offer may not be combined with other offers and does not apply to purchase of gift certificates or extended warranties
Music123.com
• Offer good for online purchases made through August 14, 2008, on qualifying brands shown below
• Instant rebate based on highest priced qualifying item in cart
• Offer may not be combined with other offers and does not apply to purchase of gift certificates or extended warranties
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Brass Mouthpiece Buying Guide
A good mouthpiece will offer the player good tone, flexibility, projection and comfort, while helping to develop a better embouchure and more precise technique. Since players vary in lip shape or tooth/bite construction, there are an abundance of variations to choose from. For students, medium-sized mouthpieces offer the most benefit. As embouchure and abilities develop, players may switch to a larger or smaller mouthpiece to meet their playing needs, or stay on the medium-size mouthpiece they started on.
Parts of the Mouthpiece
Knowing the components of a mouthpiece will help you know how to get the level of comfort, ease of play, and solid tone that you want. A mouthpiece consists of the rim, cup, throat, and backbore.
The rim and cup are the most vital components of the mouthpiece, forming a bridge between the player and the instrument. The rim is the main point of contact and must be comfortable and seal against the lips while still allowing them to move inside the cup to affect pitch and tone. While important to sound, feel, and performance, the throat and backbore are matched to the cup and rim by the manufacturer and are of less concern. Most players will find that a mouthpiece with a medium cup and rim will suit them quite well.
The rim is the round edge of the mouthpiece that you place your lips against to play your horn, and therefore is one of the most crucial parts to consider. A rim with a fairly flat contour allows nice, even lip pressure for a good air seal and feels very comfortable, but doesn’t give much flexibility. Rounded rim mouthpieces give a lot of flexibility, allowing the lips to move back and forth in the cup, but also require more lip pressure and muscular lips. A player without the air volume and embouchure needed will end up pressing too hard against their lips, cutting off circulation and limiting the flexibility gained from using a rounded rim. In this case, a medium-wide rim with a semi-rounded contour and a slightly sharp inner edge is preferred. This rim will provide sufficient surface for easy lip pressure and also give the player the lip movement needed to cover a wide range.
The cup is the cup-shaped area the player blows into inside the rim. Generally, the larger and deeper the cup the darker the tone and more volume it produces. Large cups also require more control, which can quickly tire the player. As the cup gets smaller and shallower the tone brightens, control and response is improved, and less effort is required. Going too shallow can kill volume and flexibility. In choosing cup depth, keep two things in mind: the pitch of the instrument and the individualities of the player, such as embouchure, lung power, and the lip/teeth formation. When selecting cup diameter, go for the largest diameter you can comfortably use without tiring yourself too quickly. The benefits are a more uniform response across all registers and easier lip control resulting in more flexibility.
The throat is the opening leading out of the cup. Do not expect to see wide variations in throat size or length. The throat’s job is to let you push air from the cup and concentrate it into a stream without too much, or too little, back pressure. A bigger throat will allow you to blow harder and produce more volume but it will also require more air pressure from your lungs and make playing soft passages very difficult. A too-small throat will choke your tone and produce more back pressure than is comfortable. Most manufacturers design the throat to complement the cup and backbore design in order to achieve the best tone and projection.
The backbore is the chamber that transfers your breath to the horn. The backbore must match the overall design of the other components of the mouthpiece with slight alterations possible in order to blow comfortably and provide good intonation. Changes in shape and size can produce a brighter or darker tone, raise or lower volume/projection, and raise or lower pitch. The backbore that has emerged as the preferred choice in all-around performance and tone is not very large or small with a smooth, slightly curved taper from throat to well-rounded, even backbore.
Parts of the Mouthpiece
Knowing the components of a mouthpiece will help you know how to get the level of comfort, ease of play, and solid tone that you want. A mouthpiece consists of the rim, cup, throat, and backbore.
The rim and cup are the most vital components of the mouthpiece, forming a bridge between the player and the instrument. The rim is the main point of contact and must be comfortable and seal against the lips while still allowing them to move inside the cup to affect pitch and tone. While important to sound, feel, and performance, the throat and backbore are matched to the cup and rim by the manufacturer and are of less concern. Most players will find that a mouthpiece with a medium cup and rim will suit them quite well.
The rim is the round edge of the mouthpiece that you place your lips against to play your horn, and therefore is one of the most crucial parts to consider. A rim with a fairly flat contour allows nice, even lip pressure for a good air seal and feels very comfortable, but doesn’t give much flexibility. Rounded rim mouthpieces give a lot of flexibility, allowing the lips to move back and forth in the cup, but also require more lip pressure and muscular lips. A player without the air volume and embouchure needed will end up pressing too hard against their lips, cutting off circulation and limiting the flexibility gained from using a rounded rim. In this case, a medium-wide rim with a semi-rounded contour and a slightly sharp inner edge is preferred. This rim will provide sufficient surface for easy lip pressure and also give the player the lip movement needed to cover a wide range.
The cup is the cup-shaped area the player blows into inside the rim. Generally, the larger and deeper the cup the darker the tone and more volume it produces. Large cups also require more control, which can quickly tire the player. As the cup gets smaller and shallower the tone brightens, control and response is improved, and less effort is required. Going too shallow can kill volume and flexibility. In choosing cup depth, keep two things in mind: the pitch of the instrument and the individualities of the player, such as embouchure, lung power, and the lip/teeth formation. When selecting cup diameter, go for the largest diameter you can comfortably use without tiring yourself too quickly. The benefits are a more uniform response across all registers and easier lip control resulting in more flexibility.
The throat is the opening leading out of the cup. Do not expect to see wide variations in throat size or length. The throat’s job is to let you push air from the cup and concentrate it into a stream without too much, or too little, back pressure. A bigger throat will allow you to blow harder and produce more volume but it will also require more air pressure from your lungs and make playing soft passages very difficult. A too-small throat will choke your tone and produce more back pressure than is comfortable. Most manufacturers design the throat to complement the cup and backbore design in order to achieve the best tone and projection.
The backbore is the chamber that transfers your breath to the horn. The backbore must match the overall design of the other components of the mouthpiece with slight alterations possible in order to blow comfortably and provide good intonation. Changes in shape and size can produce a brighter or darker tone, raise or lower volume/projection, and raise or lower pitch. The backbore that has emerged as the preferred choice in all-around performance and tone is not very large or small with a smooth, slightly curved taper from throat to well-rounded, even backbore.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
MusiciansFriend.com
Save up to 66% OFF purchases at MusiciansFriend.com!
* Yamaha YEP-321S Euphonium - $2599.00
* King 2103 3B Legend Trombone - $1599.00
* Stomvi USA Salsa Silver Bb Trumpet - $1999.00
* Yamaha YEP-321S Euphonium - $2599.00
* King 2103 3B Legend Trombone - $1599.00
* Stomvi USA Salsa Silver Bb Trumpet - $1999.00
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Musician's Friend: May Rebates End Soon + Best Scratch 'N' Dent Deals Ever!
Free Shipping on orders over $99 at MusiciansFriend.com
Musician's Friend: May Rebates End Soon + Best Scratch 'N' Dent Deals Ever!
Musician's Friend: May Rebates End Soon + Best Scratch 'N' Dent Deals Ever!
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