ARTICLE IN 'SONIC' MAGAZINE

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Royal Trumpets From England

At this year's Frankfurt Musikmesse, I unexpectedly I found some trumpets on Denis Wick's stand. This had been a great surprise, because usually Denis Wick presents mouthpieces, oil, mutes and other accessories. The solution to this puzzle was found when Will Spencer, the "father" of these trumpets, appeared. Will works as a consultant for Denis Wick and his trumpets were on Denis’s stand to allow players to test mutes and mouthpieces. I found the flexible design of these instruments very interesting, and got even more excited after a detailed discussion with Will Spencer. This is why I decided to introduce the trumpets to Sonic - readers. I can already reveal that we are in for a real treat.

The conversation with Will Spencer revealed the deep specialist knowledge that has gone into the design and building of these trumpets. I found out that he has studied music in London, majoring in trumpet, and has worked for many years as a trumpeter and trumpet teacher. As he was always interested in how trumpets worked, about 17 years ago he started to repair the trumpets. For the last seven years has also specialized in building new trumpets in his workshop. In 2007 William started working with Denis Wick and was closely involved in developing the valve oil and tone collars. The Tone Collars were originally meant for his own range of trumpets, however, because of their popularity on other trumpets, Denis Wick included these into his product range. At the moment Will Spencer is working on developing a new “ Ultra” trumpet mouthpiece range for Denis Wick.

The Birth of Spencer Trumpets

Will Spencer's trumpets are based on a modular system that he originally developed for the second trumpet in the English National Opera. Just a few weeks after this modular system was produced, he received calls from many top English trumpeters, who wanted similar changes made on their trumpets. Four years ago an old friend from the Royal Air Force Central Band asked Will to implement the modular system on his Vincent Bach. This friend also suggested that Will should build his own trumpets, fundamentally based around the design of the Vincent Bach. These instruments were built, and compared by the Royal Air Force's trumpet purchasing team with 16 other manufacturers. Will Spencer purchased six so-called "Student Instruments" and rebuilt them, replacing the leadpipes and the tuning slides with products from M/K Drawing (www.mkdrawing.com). M/K Drawing is a manufacturer of custom tuning slides and leadpipes, with whom Will Spencer has worked for the last six years. As a result of these modifications, Will won the Royal Air Force contract and received an order for 24 trumpets and many other sales afterwards.

The Spencer Modular System

The Spencer Modular System is based on the construction of a trumpet, based on three interchangeable components. These are an interchangeable leadpipe, a bell, and the use of different tuning crooks. Both the leadpipe and bell are held in place by two connections each, that allow to the player to change both these parts with help of a 2mm hex key on the first and the third valve casing. The bell is not constructed as a tuning bell, and it can be attached very solidly on the valve block by means of a knurled nut.

Spencer trumpets are offered in several standard versions. However, there are around 200 possible combinations of leadpipes and tuning slides. These options give the instruments the versatility to make them suitable for various musical genres and the individual preferences of most trumpeters. So that trumpeters can find an instrument ideally suitable for them from the variety of possible combinations, Will Spencer offers consultations. As every player is an individualist in terms of style and sound perception, Will prefers to find a customized instrument for every trumpeter.

Trumpets from a craft point of view

Both exhibited test instruments, are standard models that Will has already used as trial instruments. These trumpets have already gone through many hands and have experienced the difficulty of a trumpeter’s life. All trumpets with changeable bells and leadpipes need to be handled with care because there are no “S” braces. Both sample instruments, a Bb as well as a C-trumpet, have so far gone through life without injuries. This speaks for the fundamental robustness of the trumpet’s structure and architecture as both trumpets are structurally identical.

The Bb trumpet

The Bb trumpet is fitted with a No 5 Bronze leadpipe from M/K Drawing. Optically it is the same as the leadpipe from Vincent Bach, as it uses the same (Mt Vernon-style) mouthpiece receiver and finger hooks. The leadpipe is actually based on the 25 Bach leadpipe, however, the Spencer leadpipe is made of bronze, so one can forecast a truly endless lifetime. The solid brass tuning slide, offset and stabilized with a brace, has a clear Bach design. This is also produced by M/K Drawing, which is clear from a small engraving of the company’s logo. The valve block, with a bore of 11.568mm, comes from B&S and one collar, developed by Will Spencer, is added to the third valve sleeve, and fits perfectly the diameter of the B&S valve casing. The valves work with the usual B&S quality. The use of gilded parts such as the tone collars, finger buttons and the top- and bottom valve covers leads through the precious metals combination to an obvious upgrading of the trumpets. These innovations, work both visually and from the craft point of view, and the same goes for the finishing and valve alignment. The moving solid brass valve slides with a thumb hook on the third slide work lightly and without interception.

Bump rubber on the first and the third valve slide prevent any slide noises, and both the tuning slide and the valve slide have a water key and rubber protection of the lever ends. The bell with the diameter of 122mm is the same as a standard German product, and the rim round border allows for stability in sound. The medium-large bell also clearly comes from Vincent Bach. Polishing and silvering are cleanly done, so that from the craft point of view the trumpet also gets the green light.

The C-Trumpet

This instrument’s construction does not differ from the B-Trumpet. However, here a No7 leadpipe from M/K Drawing is used. This is an exact copy of the famous Mt. Vernon 7 from Vincent Bach. This leadpipe tapers slightly later than that on the Bb Trumpet, and because of this design, it adds to the brilliant sound properties of a C-trumpet. This corresponds with a slightly more slender cone gradient of the bell, that has a diameter of 122mm, and is designed for clear sound. The tuning slide from M/K is also similar to Bach, and is fitted with a detachable brace. All the other findings about the design and finishing of the B-trumpet, without exception pass to the C-trumpet.

The sound properties

The first sounds of the Bb trumpet filled me with inspiration. This trumpet is clearly a “Super Instrument” and both these words express the overall result of the test. It is indeed a remarkable trumpet. Clearly, the perception of this instrument is influenced by subjective impression, but this trumpet will definitely satisfy the demands of the broadest circles of trumpeters. Although it doesn’t have a fixed leadpipe, the air resistance is just a bit stronger than in a reversed leadpipe trumpet and can be characterized as a healthy wind resistance. The sound is wonderfully centered, which is particularly noticeable in in pianissimo in octave intervals, and the tone is soft and pleasant. Totally surprising is the sound core that the trumpet develops. With little effort, it reaches a full sound that even at a limited sound volume does not fail on substance. Also at maximum sound volume, the trumpet does not show any weaknesses and doesn’t become tinny or blaring. With rising volume the sound becomes a bit less brilliant, and changes its symphonic, full and substantial characteristics only slightly. The compact sound for the size of the trumpet can be characterized as mid-range and best compared with the 37 Bach. From an intonation point of view, there are no problems, and because of the B&S valves there are no surprises and the trumpet can function comfortably. Used in symphonic orchestras, the Spencer trumpet can demonstrate its strengths and contribute a good depth of sound. It fits extraordinarily well in orchestras and has all the properties of a good symphonic orchestra trumpet.

The C Trumpet is fundamentally similar to the Bb trumpet. Because of its No 7 Leadpipe it sounds somewhat more brilliant and centered. Otherwise it is identical to the Bb trumpet, from a good sound register to intonation. Because of the 229 style bell, the components are matched to create a lighter and more typical C trumpet tone. The C Trumpet is suitable for orchestras, and also, because of its slender sound, for chamber music. For the both instruments it is recommended to always leave the tone collars on the instrument. In my experience it allows the instruments to focus the sound, and gives the sound more core and stability.

Final assessment

Spencer trumpets have inspired me greatly. Because of their 200 combinations, these instruments can be customized for individuality and an instrument can be built to suit every player. Final development of an instrument can be done in Will Spencer’s workshop near London. The great flexibility to find the right combination for various music styles through changes of the leadpipe and tuning slide is one of the biggest strengths of this instrument. Great craft and finishing, with a very good sound quality, add to the advantages of these trumpets, and at a price of £1,600 -1,800 Eur, these trumpets find themselves in a completely acceptable price segment for professional instruments. Unfortunately, customs clearance and import taxes need to be paid. Will’s trumpets are used by principal players in the English National Opera, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Hague Philharmonic and Orquestra Sinfonica de Estado de Sao Paulo – OSESP (Sao Palo State Symphony). For myself, the discovery of Will Spencer’s trumpets at this year’s music fair was one of my biggest highlights and a recommendation for all the trumpeters.