Based on a matched pair of mid-eighteenth-century natural trumpets in high F (A=392 or A=415) by Ernst Johann Conrad Haas, this model was developed in a further collaboration with Basel natural trumpet specialist Julian Zimmermann. Mr. Zimmermann selected this model as a suitable instrument for virtuosic high Baroque repertoire such as Bach's second Brandenburg concerto.
Only handmade tubing is available on my natural trumpets. Not only is seamless commercial tubing too heavy, but the perfectly smooth inner wall all but eliminates the flexibility required to bring F, F# and A into tune, and robs the instrument of character and finesse.
Yards are available in 0.4mm brass, as on the original; other thicknesses can be offered upon request. The bell is also in 0.4mm brass; 0.3 is available on request if an especially light instrument is desired.
The trumpet is built in typical Nuremberg form, with a wooden block wrapped in cord, and the bell rim wired to the bottom bow. The ball is a cast replica of the original, and the garnishes are also replicated from the original according to historical techniques. A version with simplified decoration, with a simple spun ball, tubular garnishes, and lacking the cast angels' heads on the garland, can be built upon request.
Specifications: bore: 9.8mm, bell 105mm. Built to original proportions, the instrument is in F at a pitch significantly above A=415; I suspect it was shortened at some point, and its original pitch (based on proportional analysis) was slightly lower, near A=415. Of course, a version in A=392 can be built, and additional crooks can be provided for any pitches desired.
We are immensely grateful to the curatorial staff of the BNM, with special thanks to curator Dr. Sybe Wartena and restoration expert Joachim Kreutner, who not only kindly provided access to the original instruments, but also shared a great deal of their time and expertise with us.
Please contact me directly for pricing and variants available.
