SPENCER UK TRUMPETS

The dawn of 2008 saw the release of Spencer Trumpets U.K which within a month of completion, competed with 16 other manufacturers and eventually won the contract to supply the Royal Air Force bands.

The instruments are constructed around a German built ML (11.568 mm) block, made to a similar weight to the Bach Stradivarius. This gives a good core to the sound, with excellent transference of vibrations across the instrument via the solid modular fittings. The modular design is becoming popular, with custom-built examples in many of our top professional orchestras. While originally designed for the purpose of interchangeability, the bracing configuration has in many cases, been thought to actually improve the performance of the instrument. 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. The mouthpipes and slides are currently available in Yellow Brass, Bronze and Sterling Sliver. The bell is currently offered in two weights. You can however fit a bell or leadpipe of your own choice from any other manufacturer. The instrument also comes with adjustable bracing which affects the response and projection.

Like many modular styles, the combination of different components is daunting and therefore clients need to be guided through the various combinations depending on their needs. This occurs when originally purchasing an instrument. The player can then take the instrument into the various ensembles in which the instrument is to be used and tested "in the battle zone", sometimes with a few alternative slide/leadpipe combinations for fine tuning.

Below, is a description of some of the most popular leadpipes.

Red 5
The most common pipe I sell, is based on a Bach 25 and made of bronze. It has a very clear and distinctive attack and gives a characteristically warm and colourful tone, even when played extremely quietly. However, when pushed, can sound bright, without getting harsh. It is generally praised for its versatility.

Yellow 5
Is basically a Bach 25 and gives a classic tone colour. If you can't get on with the red 5, try this one.

Red 7
If you find the 5s too open, the 7 is an exact copy of the classic Mt Vernon Bach leadpipe. It has similar qualities to the red 5, but is more focussed and slightly brighter, allowing it to work well in small ensembles. It can still pack a punch in a big band or symphony orchestra.

Sterling 5
This pipe offers a very large range of overtones and is very responsive, though slightly less focussed than the other pipes due to its thin walled construction. This is probably the easiest pipe to play. A heavier version will be available soon.

Sterling 7
This pipe is very lively and works particularly well in a commercial setting. It still makes a big open sound in the lower register, but the high register is where it really comes into its own.

PRICE
An introductory price of £1,400 includes consultations, a standard bell, and one leadpipe, & tuning slide. The slides and leadpipes can be exchanged at any time within a two month period.

Extra slides and pipes are £100.00 each.

All the instruments are 12 micron silver plated with a gold plate option. Current gold prices are now at an all-time high and a price for this option is not currently available.