John Packer Cornet Review

I have been using the John Packer JP271SW for the last year and although I have had some issues, I have been pleasantly surprised with this budget instrument.

It has a medium-large bore, typical of a student/intermediate cornet, which can produce a relatively big sound with minimum effort. I would recommend trying this cornet before buying in order to establish whether it feels right for you but it does have the potential to make a very nice sound.

It features 1st and 3rd slide triggers (a feature of many professional cornets) something that makes this student cornet stand out from the rest.

Unfortunately I have had some issues with the valves, the first valve often sticks and they are very noisy. This is something that should be relatively easy to fix if you feel they're not up to scratch. 

The cornet comes with a John Packer 4B mouthpiece - comparable to the Denis Wick 4B. It is a good size mouthpiece but unfortunately it is poor quality and I found that it didn't last long before the silver plating began to wear off. I would definitely recommend investing in a better quality mouthpiece.

The case that it comes with is very lightweight and includes: a pocket for music on the front, backpack straps, a shoulder strap, space inside for mutes etc and a space for one mouthpiece. The only problem I have found so far with the case is that while the backpack straps can be tucked into the pocket on the back for storage, the big plastic clips they attach to remain on the bottom of the case. This means that the case does not lie flat and as a result I have removed them.

Clips which mean the case doesn't lie flat

For more information on this cornet, visit the John Packer website.

All About Mutes

There are many mutes on the market for the trumpet, but what do they all do? Which ones would I recommend? Keep reading to find out.

The Practice Mute
This particular type of mute is perfect for those who live in an apartment or a busy household, allowing you to practice with minimal sound. A quieter sound is produced because there is much less air escaping from the end of the trumpet. If you take a look at any practice mute you will see that although it looks very much like a straight mute, it fits much more snug into the bell and has a very small hole for the air to escape through.

There are some benefits to practicing with a practice mute. Blowing the trumpet with a practice mute in causes a lot of resistance because you're trying to force the air through a much smaller hole. This in some ways is beneficial for your lips, however it is always important to practice without a mute whenever you can in order for you to properly hear yourself play.

Yamaha produce a 'Silent Brass' system which allows you to hear yourself play through headphones while keeping the trumpet's sound to a minimal. Although expensive, its definitely something to look into if you need to practice quietly.

I own the 'Wallace Studio Practice Mute' which I highly recommend. It has adjustable resistance and is also available in an even more compact version. Another popular straight mute is the 'Denis Wick Practice Mute' a much more affordable option and loved by many trumpet players.

The Straight Mute
This is probably the most frequently used mute and a necessity for every trumpet player. The straight mute gives the trumpet a brighter, more piercing tone. There are lots of different types of straight mutes available. The best thing to do is to go to a music store and try out several different types of straight mute to find the one you like the best. There's no reason why you can only have one too!

A popular choice has to be the 'Denis Wick Straight Mute'. As well as this particular one I have a Humes and Berg fibre straight mute which has a wooden base and a Humes and Berg copper bottom symphonic straight mute.

The Cup Mute
A cup mute gives the trumpet a much more soft tone and is, my opinion, another essential mute to have. Many come with an adjustable cup to enable you to change the sound quality as required.

A popular choice is the 'Denis Wick Cup Mute'. This is a great all round cup mute and can also be used as a straight mute because the cup part can be removed. As well as this particular mute, I like to use the 'Humes and Berg Stonelined Cup Mute'.

The Harmon/Wah-Wah Mute
This mute is most commonly used in jazz music. It has a distinctive tinny 'buzz' sound. You can change the sound of the mute by removing the stem giving it a much darker tone.

I would recommend the 'Denis Wick Extending-Tube Mute'.

The Plunger Mute
This is a fun mute. With this mute you can 'make your trumpet talk' by moving the plunger over the bell and away again.

I own the 'P&H Plunger Mute' though for a budget option you can use a sink plunger from your local hardware store - just remove the handle.

Corks
When you buy a new mute it will have more cork than is needed. You want each mute to fit snuggly in your bell and to do this you will need to file them down. Do this slowly, taking a small amount off every time to ensure you don't go too far.

Read a post on replacing corks here

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A Closer Look: Fusion Urban Trumpet Gig Bag

Fusion Gig Bags are a range of British-designed instrument cases for a wide range of different instruments. Many of their cases allow for 'fuse-on' attachment bags which can be used to carry mutes, accessories and even laptops. I recently got my hands on the Urban Trumpet gig bag and it has quickly become my favourite.

The bag is very lightweight, which makes it perfect for travelling, but still offers good protection. The trumpet itself can be strapped in to stop movement and an additional 'Trumpet Sleeve' can be purchased to further its protection.

The back straps are very comfortable and can be hidden away neatly if not needed. The handles on the case are very sturdy and the case also has a reinforced base which makes the bag able to stand upright without any trouble.

There are two external pockets on that case the first of which offers a velcro pocket for 3 mouthpieces and room to store A4 sized music. The second contains lots of different sized pockets for storage of accessories and even features a clip for your keys.

The lower pocket has several internal storage pockets

Well padded mouthpiece storage in the upper pocket

A great feature of this bag is that you can easily attach a 'Fuse-on bag' that allows for storage of mutes etc. These are available in three different sizes - I have the small.  The fuse-on bag is also very well padded and has backpack straps that can be folded away. The bag attaches to the case by four velcro straps.

The small 'Fuse-On' bag

It has a large internal pocket and a smaller external pocket. I can fit 4-5 mutes in the small bag.

'Fuse-On' bag's external pocket for accessories

Overall a brilliant gig bag with great all round protection and perfect for any traveling trumpet player. Check out Fusion's website for their full range of gig bags and accessories. Their level of service is also second to none.

#trumpetproblems

1. Valve Oil Getting Everywhere.

2. Constant need for Chapstick.

4. Having to count bars and bars of rests. 

5. Having to deal with the huge egos in your section.

6. Fellow musicians moaning about how loud the trumpets are.

7. Knowing that you should wash your instrument but not wanting to find out what's lurking in the lead pipe.

8. Running out of valve oil when you need it most. (@my_dedication_ on Twitter)

9. When you're so tired that you can't even form a decent embouchure (@trump_master on Twitter) 

10. The lengthy process of taking the valves out to oil and then screwing them back in. (@my_dedication_ on Twitter)

11. The annoyance of putting a valve back in the wrong way. (@weird_trumpet on Twitter)

12. That sound when you haven't emptied the spit. (@my_dedication_ on Twitter)

13. Just anything to do with spit.

14. Having to switch between different brass instruments. (@ShyBandie on Twitter)


Have another #trumpet problem? leave a comment below, Tweet me (@trumpetplayer1) or message me on Facebook and I might add it to this post.

A Closer Look: Protec iPac Double Trumpet Case

After trawling the internet for a new trumpet case, I came across the Protec iPac range. These cases are available double and triple versions with or without wheels. They contain removable velcro blocks that allow you to create the prefect fit for your trumpets and accessories.

I chose the double case so that I was able to carry my Bb trumpet and mutes or Bb and Eb trumpets.

Space for two trumpets or trumpet and mutes

Removable velcro blocks help you create the perfect fit

The case itself is very well made with a nylon exterior, outside pocket with organiser and comfortable shoulder strap. It is also possible to attach protect backpack straps to the case (at an extra cost) however I found the case too bulky to go on my back.

Comfortable Shoulder Strap

Sturdy Handle and Strap Clip on Side of Case

Interior Storage Pockets

The outside pocket is large enough to hold a couple of mutes and contains a small inside pocket that although small, is just large enough to hold valve oil and slide grease as well as some pencils. Unfortunately this pocket is not big enough to hold any music unless you want to leave the pocket unzipped.

The case also comes with two removable velcro double mouthpiece pouches that will stick to the roof of the case.

This is a good choice if you are looking for a protective double trumpet case at a slightly lower cost than other brands. The downsides are that the case is quite heavy, even before there are any trumpets in it but it will certainly protect your trumpets from any bumps!

See the full Protec iPac range here.

Free Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Trumpet Duet Download!

A duet of Hark! the Herald Angels Sing that I have arranged for 2 trumpets in Bb. 

I have transposed to F major to make it slightly lower for less able players. 1st trumpet plays the melody, while the 2nd trumpet plays the descant which would usually be much higher. This makes it suitable for two players at different levels.

Download for free here.

Listen below:

Trumpet Case Essentials

Here is a list of some useful items to keep in your trumpet case:

• Valve Oil - I recommend "Blue Juice"
• Slide Grease
• Lip Salve - always necessary after those long rehearsals
• Laquer/silver polishing cloth
• Flannel - useful for spit emergencies!
• Pencil/Eraser - a necessity for all instrument cases
• Folding trumpet stand - I recommend the K&M stand that stores in the bell of the trumpet
• Mouthpiece case (if using a gig bag)
• Pegs/lyre
• Tuner
• Mouthpiece brush
• Spit balls - useful for maintaining the trumpet if you don't have time to wash it regularly

8 Things Every Musician Should Own

This is a small list of a few items I would recommend to all musicians:

1. Metronome
A metronome is essential tool for a musician to ensure correcting timing and tempo. I would recommend downloading 'Metrotime' from the App store for free: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/metronome/id416443133?mt=8

2. Tuner
If you want to make sure you are in tune, a tuner is an essential item. I would recommend the 'Trevor James Chromatic Clip-on tuner': http://thetrumpetplayer.blogspot.com/2013/09/trevor-james-jmt-9006c-tuner-review.html  or download 'Cleartune' for £2.49 from the App store: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/cleartune-chromatic-tuner/id286799607?mt=8  

3. Music Stand
Get a folding stand to take to rehearsals and I would recommend a more durable orchestral stand for home use - especially if you are using the Arban! Check out K&M stands: http://www.k-m.de/en

4. Practise Book
If you have lessons, then I would definitely recommend getting some sort of practise book. This means that you teacher can write down important things for you to practise. If you don't have lessons then a practise book is still useful the right down things you have practised and what you need to focus on next session.

5. Pegs
If you are a member of ensembles, or busk then pegs are a must for outdoor gigs/concerts to prevent those sheets from flying off into the audience. (They are also useful for keeping the Arban on your stand!)

6. Lots of Sheet Music
Try and have a collection of many different styles of music - useful for sight reading practise too!

7. Recordings of Your Favourite Musicians
Listening to musicians that inspire you can real help to motivate you.

8. An Instrument Stand
I like to keep my trumpet out on its stand all the time. I find that it really motivates me to practise and makes it easier just to pick up and play. Find a suitable sturdy stand that is going to keep your instrument safe. Here is a review of a couple of trumpet stands: http://www.thetrumpetplayer.blogspot.com/2013/01/trumpet-stands.html

Take a Look: Protec Deluxe Padded Triple Mouthpiece Pouch

I received a new product last month - the Protect Deluxe Triple Mouthpiece Pouch. I have been using it for just over a week and thought I would give my thoughts on it and give you some pictures.

It is a well padded case and I know that my mouthpieces are very well protected. It is however a little larger than I was expecting, about the size of a CD. It does fit nicely in the front of my gig bag but it could be more compact in my opinion.

The outer material is a fake leather which seems very durable and the inside is well padded and non-abrasive - which makes this pouch perfect for travelling.

Overall I think that this mouthpiece pouch is very good quality and will be long lasting. If the size doesn't bother you, I would highly recommend it! It is also good value for money at about £12.

Trumpet Stands

I currently own two different trumpet stands. One is the K&M folding stand and the other is the Hercules E/Z safe trumpet stand.

K&M Folding Trumpet/Cornet Stand

This is a great stand for travelling with. The stand itself is sturdy, with 5 legs for support. The only thing that I am worried about with this stand is that it could possibly cause dents to the bell. If changing between trumpets quickly in an orchestra, then maybe this stand isn't for you because although it has a rubber tip, it is possible that damage could still be caused. 

 

However, this stand is brilliant for a trumpeter travelling to and from gigs and rehearsals. It is very lightweight and the legs unscrew and store inside the top part, which can then be stored inside the bell of the trumpet.

Hercules E/Z Safe Trumpet/Cornet Stand

This is a very sturdy stand. It has 3 legs with rubber feet, meaning that the stand is very stable and keeps the trumpet safe, avoiding any falls. It has an adjustable 'peg' at the top, which can be adjusted to the right height for a trumpet or a cornet. The tip has a rubber ball, preventing any damage to the bell.

 However this stand is a lot less easier to transport as it is very heavy and doesn't really fold up - unscrews into two parts.

I feel that this stand is better suited to home use and I often use mine to store my trumpet in my room.