[Dixielandjazz] Bix

[David Richoux]

Rotary valve horns - especially trumpet/cornets - were/are rare in US  
jazz, but are more often played in "classical/symphonic" groups. I do  
see rotary valve tubas in some current bands, but piston valve tubas  
are predominant. Rotary valve horns are more commonly used in Europe,  
especially in Balkan Brass bands, and also in Civil War era re- 
creation bands.

  I have a few rotor valve cornets, baritones and tubas of various  
ages - It is much harder to half-open or slur the rotor valve horns  
(not impossible, but tricky) and the levers, joints and strings that  
move the rotors are much more complicated (and harder to align and  
repair.)

The really tricky horn to master is the "Keyed Bugle" - imagine a  
thin folded soprano sax with a trumpet mouthpiece - that was used  
from the early 1800s  - I have a few amazing recordings of this  
beast! (but not jazz.)  The larger Ophicleide is equally difficult to  
play well - I have been trying to learn to play mine for 10 years!

Dave Richoux

http://tinyurl.com/yvyrga
http://tinyurl.com/2bvfp2

> Mike wrote:
>> I've read that Bix played on the old Conn Victor rotary cornets  
>> with a mouthpiece with a deep cup. I think a sound a player  
>> produces comes from how their mouth is constructed and less to do  
>> with equipment. I've seen people spend thousands on new horns and  
>> mouthpieces to sound like Bix, Miles or Lee Morgan.
>>
>> Mike
>>