Bass instruments have the ability to produce rich, brilliant sounds. As for trumpets, they are lauded for their versatility. Trumpets are used during many occasions, including jazz compositions, marching band songs, larger orchestrated pieces, etc.
If we take a closer look, we can see that trumpets have been part of the musical history. Or in other words, trumpets have been part of human history as well, and we have been using them for centuries.
Where did we first use trumpets?
It was first introduced as military equipment in the ancient times. Many civilizations have used it to send signals and instructions to the military troops.
Back in the day there was no wireless technology to communicate with the troops and trumpets played a major role in the effective communication with the troops.
You would be surprised to know that trumpeting tradition is still a part of military in some parts of the world.
An introduction to pocket trumpets
In this article, we are going to learn more about pocket trumpets. As a buyer, you will learn how pocket trumpets manage to produce the same sound as regular trumpet.
We’ll also take a look at the history of trumpets. Moreover, we will see why people prefer purchasing pocket trumpets.
When it comes to professional musicians, they usually have full-sized trumpet. As for pocket trumpet, there are several advantages attached to them. You can buy the pocket trumpets and other accessories from a music store or you can directly order it from a manufacturer.
If you don’t want the hassle of going to the store, you can order it on eBay which has so many sellers and you will certainly find the exact model you have been looking for.
Trumpet parts
If you want to learn how pocket trumpet works, you need to find out more about the parts. Let’s take a closer look into the main parts of a trumpet.
- Bell
We are talking about the large horn which is attached to the trumpet. It is in the front. As you can see, the sound comes from the bell.
- Pistons
Pistons have 3 valves. It simply re-directs air inside the trumpet.
- Turning to slide
It is used for adjusting the tune of the trumpet.
- Lead-pipe
It joints the mouthpiece with the turning slide.
- The valve slides
Valve slides are able to produce different pitches and notes.
- Mouthpiece
You blow air into the trumpet via the mouthpiece to create the sound you want to create.
When it comes to the parts, there are difference between regular trumpets and pocket trumpets. Both have the same parts, but there is a difference in the configuration in the case of pocket trumpets. Adjustments have been made to make it more compact.
What are those adjustments? We will see that in the next segment.
Description of a pocket trumpet
As the name suggests, a pocket trumpet is small in size. It is referred to as B-flat trumpet as well. Though there are so many small parts in it, the bell and mouthpiece remain the same size compared to full-size trumpets.
And that explains why pocket trumpet is able to produce the same sound as the regular full-size trumpet. The big difference comes into the play when it comes to the tubing.
Pocket trumpets have more tightly wound tubing. And that attribute to the small size. Otherwise, everything remains the same when it comes to pocket trumpet.
Since the size is same, the mouthpiece used in pocket trumpet can be used in regular size trumpet as well. As we have seen, there are not too many differences between pocket trumpet and regular except for the size.
Both produce almost similar kind of sound. It is just that pocket trumpet is easy to carry and that is a big advantage in itself.
However, professional trumpet players would prefer full-size trumpets. As far as the generated sound is concerned, both are pretty much the same.