Top action rotary valves on a bass trumpet?

[Bob Kolada]

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!

[tubatom91]

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

[Bob Kolada]

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

[Donn]

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.

[Bob Kolada]

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.

[tbn.al]

This won't work?

jouko_harjanne_kl.jpg

[Bob Kolada]

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!

[Bob Kolada]

Your neighbors must hate you!

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

[Rick F]

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

[Bob Kolada]

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....

[Donn]

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.

[Mike-ICR]

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.

[windshieldbug]

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

[Bob Kolada]

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

[eupher61]

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.