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My Schill bass trumpet just got here, and it is a BLAST to play! In tune, fun, easy to play, solid build,.... But the side rotary thing is killing me already! I have seen "top action" rotary trumpets online. How hard would it be to get my instrument modified to have top paddles? It is extremely comfortable holding it like that. I would also want to get a kicker or ring installed, maybe on 1 and 2. The slides are just like a baritone's, long outers and inners.

Thanks!

Something like this? (taken by somebody that went to the Gronitz shop)

Kinda... It'd be nice if it was pretty open where the bridge is now so I can wrap my fingers around without worrying about stopping one of the valves. Also my valves would be at the top of the horn, not the bottom

Sure you're holding it as intended? I am not in a position to offer any advice, but according to my vague recollection from pictures, rotaries are held more or less horizontal, with the left hand holding the bell, and I assume the right hand thumb also bears some weight.

That is how I would like to hold it. Holding it as a regular rotary trumpet is uncomfortable in several ways, but holding it like that feels absolutely right.

This won't work?

It is SO uncomfortable, and I'm getting the feeling that I'll want to play this horn a lot!
Even with a 12C (which, surprisingly, feels too big!) this thing has a great pedal register. Fun!

LJV wrote:Your neighbors must hate you!

Maybe I should get a bass sacbut next....

Donn wrote:Sure you're holding it as intended? I am not in a position to offer any advice, but according to my vague recollection from pictures, rotaries are held more or less horizontal, with the left hand holding the bell, and I assume the right hand thumb also bears some weight.

I'm pretty sure Donn is right. Everyone I've seen holding a rotary valve trumpet holds it more on the bell flare -- not with the valve block.

rotary trumpet

I KNOW that guys, and that's how I'm holding it now. I am just curious about the possibility of having a different linkage on it to ease the incredible discomfort and lack of coolness inherent in the current setup....

If it's intolerable and there appears to be no cure for it, let me know. I have a valve trombone I don't use much that's probably a better instrument, we might be able to make a deal.

Like this? http://orgs.usd.edu/nmm/UtleyPages/OTSC ... alveLG.jpg" target="_blank

Your bell extends too far over the rotors to do this sort of thing AND you have the mechanical style rotors with the 3rd flipped the other way. I suppose it could be done, but it would be tough and probably very expensive.

I suspect that perhaps what you're looking for is what's known as a Top Action Rotary Valve, an early American design.

Yes, that's it! Oh well... Thanks guys!

except that Bob's horn has the leadpipe at the edge of the wrap, rather than in the center of it. That's the diff, I think.