Shaping Trumpet Tone: 2 Strad 43 Bells; Bronze & Brass

[@blainekelley816]

The bronze bell does indeed have a darker personality and I imagine would be super smokey with a deep-cupped mouthpiece. Perfect for ballads and combo work. Yes, I think the lightweight has more zing and a more trumpet sounding and would blend better in a section of trumpets. What is the body on the bronze belled horn? Since it has a changeable bell and different bracing, that could certainly add to the 'different' sound characteristics. Both are nice sounding axes. Thx for posting.

[@JonathanMilam1]

Hey, Blaine; I've got a new mic and I'm not happy with the sound yet, but both of these are nice. The 43B(ronze) is really a super bell; thin and it puts out a superb sound... But I've always liked a thin yellow brass like this 43*. As always - thanks for listening and commenting! :)

[@Clunie999]

Jon. Both sound excellent. You seem to be at home with your Strads. Glad you have found something that fits you. Still can’t believe you sold that Benge. 🥲

[@JonathanMilam1]

Gotta say, I AM loving my Strads. :) And yes; selling the Benge was a big, big mistake. Color me bummed. :)

[@robertg7538]

Hi Jon, Have you ever found a horn mouthpiece combination to give a Billy Butterfield mellow sound or a Bobby Hackett sound that he used on the Jackie Gleason albums? Butterfield used his own Giardinelli G1 mouthpiece. Having thin lips, I changed from a Bach 10&1/2 C to a 12 C recently. My Carol Brass 4000 yellow brass trumpet seems to work well with those options.

[@IndianOutlaw1870]

The Giardinelli BB-1 is the Butterfield signature model. Jim New might know its dimensions.

[@robertg7538]

Yes, I realized that Butterfield played his own BB1 mouthpiece. I looked at Jim New's website, and I plan to contact his company soon. Thanks for the reference.

[@JonathanMilam1]

Robert, I'm out of my depth and have little knowledge of Butterfield or Hackett (where's the blush icon when it's really needed, you know?). I'll have to get on KZbin and do some listening. If you can post some good songs here that show the sound you like - I'll sure take a listen. And thanks for commenting!

[@robertg7538]

​@@JonathanMilam1Hi Jonathan, Oh my, youth is wasted on the young. Just kidding! My dad played mellow Butterfield and Hackett albums. Please search KZbin, Billy Butterfield. In the Mood is an example. For Bobby Hackett, Til Dawn works well. Thanks