SPENCER TRUMPETS

** Price rise from £1.600 to £1,800 at the end of Dec 2011 **

The dawn of 2008 saw the production of the first of Spencer Trumpets, which within a month of release, competed against 16 other major manufacturers and eventually won the contract to supply the four bands of the Royal Air Force. The instruments are aimed at players who are looking for a professional instrument that can be tailored to suit their individual needs, utilizing the unique modular leadpipe and bell fittings invented by Will.

A range of standard and bespoke instruments are available. 

Bb TRUMPETS

The Spencer Bb trumpet is designed around a heavy Medium-Large (.460) Bach-style valve and slide cluster. A huge range of main slide and leadpipe options, gives players the ability to tailor an instrument that will accommodate most playing styles and genres. The three most popular bell options are available from stock, and form a range that reflects their use within the UK Royal Air Force.

C TRUMPETS

The Spencer C trumpet is based on a large bore (.462) Bach-style valve cluster but due to its restricted uses, there are fewer configurations to choose from, and most, are based around the 7220 leadpipe.

The 7220 leadpipe, designed with M/K Drawing in the US is by far the most popular and is used by many prominent players on their Bach and Yamaha instruments. Players are urged to use this excellent leadpipe and change the bell and tuning slide to suit their needs. Two bells are available from stock:

• The Classic, is similar to a Bach 229 and gives a focused, warm, dense sound, typical of a classic C trumpet. Some players may initially find it uncomfortable and thin, but with a little work, the player will be rewarded with a sound that will feel comfortable in solo, chamber and symphonic environments. This instrument was exhibited at the 2011 ITG conference in Minneapolis and was thought by many revered artists, to be one of the best C trumpets.

• The Standard, gives a more diffuse sound with slightly harsher overtones. This bell is generally more popular with players who want a C trumpet that sounds and plays like a Bb.

MODULAR TRUMPETS

The Spencer modular design is becoming popular, with examples in many of our top professional orchestras. While originally designed for the purpose of interchangeability, the bracing configuration has for many players, been thought to actually improve the performance of the instrument. Some players may require additional bracing, and adjustable removable braces are available on request.

A collaboration with M/K drawing in Wisconsin, has produced an extremely versatile instrument using leadpipe tapers from some of the great classic instruments of our time, combined with state of the art tuning slide technology. Leadpipes and slides are currently available in three weights of Yellow Brass, Bronze and Sterling Sliver.

BUYER'S GUIDE

Before purchase, a customer is encouraged to visit the workshop where a personal consultation can help find a configuration to suit specific playing styles. There are literally hundreds of different configurations that can cater for most playing styles, and players are urged to try their chosen selection within their preferred playing environment before the instrument is finished. Of course, Will is on hand to offer customers advice and guidance based on his considerable experience.

PRICES

• An introductory price of £1,600 includes a consultation (usually about an hour) and one complete trumpet with brass or bronze leadpipe and tuning slide.

• Slides and leadpipes can be exchanged at any time within a two-month period and extra slides and pipes are £120.00 each.

• Sterling silver slides and pipes are an addition £40.00 each All instruments are 12 micron silver plated with gold accents.