2 years ago
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Posted on November 8, 2017 by Clint McLauglin
Posted on November 8, 2017 by Clint McLauglin
One of my fanfare trumpets. This is a real musical instrument.
I make these Baroque Trumpets, Natural Trumpets and Fanfare Trumpets for use in Renaissance Festivals.
They are played at the jousts, knighting and crowning ceremonies. These instruments are 51 – 54 inches long depending on the flare of the bell that is used. They use trumpet mouthpieces (the mouthpiece is not included). For purposes of strength the instrument is double walled. This outside wall not only makes it sturdy (I have used mine in combat as a staff) but it also smooths out the line as it goes from the mouthpiece to the bell. The inner tubing is all copper and is what makes the trumpet play. The outside tubing is for appearance only.
This valve-less Natural Trumpet will play any and all bugle calls. The sound is very good due to the double wall construction.
Horns are made using used bell sections from other instruments. ALL have small dents and a patina. Great for that Real Ren Faire flavor. They are all raw copper and raw brass. NO finish.
In the picture above you see 2 Bb Trumpets to show the scale. Next there are 2 Fanfare Trumpets. Finally a wall hanger toy (that I bought on ebay). This shows the difference between a real playing instrument and a new years noise maker.
You can make your own for about $ 100
I’ve made them in Bass Bb, Bass D, Bass Eb, Bass F, Bb, B, C, F and piccolo Bb.
To be period instruments they would be pressure fitted and sealed in wax NOT soldered.
If you plan to have several played in a group together they NEED tuning bits like a Flugelhorn or piccolo trumpet uses. They should be tuned slightly sharp and have a lot of play in the tuning bits.
Trumpet bells work well for Bb, B, C. But a smaller bell like a cornet bell is needed for the Eb. And a really small bell for the piccolo.
I’ve made scores of them for race tracks and Ren Faires. It is VERY easy to make one that sounds fine but a little tricky to make it play all the harmonics in tune. (Sorry I can’t be much more specific but I still have to take them apart and lengthen the 1/2 section or the lead-pipe after making one; to get it in tune. I’ve spent literally days tuning them before.)
I made these for use at Renaissance Fairs. That is the reason these use a Trombone bell. I needed more volume for outside. They are played at parades, jousts and weddings. These are long enough to be more chromatic in the upper register. So besides normal bugle calls some real music can be played in the upper register. I’ve played real wedding music on these (Prince of Denmark).
Horns are made using used bell sections from other instruments. (These are usually old and have some small dents. Perfect for that REAL Ren Faire look.)
There are 2 models one using a Trombone mouthpiece and one using a trumpet mouthpiece. The trumpet model has extra internal tubing to made the bore size compatible with the mouthpiece.
They are UNfinished or sometimes very old lacquer.
To make Baroque Trumpets or Natural Trumpets you would use a bell from one of those fake Civil War Bugles. (The taper is better for a more authentic instrument.)