to play the trumpet with one hand
submission for the 2014 edition of the OHMI-Ars
Electronica One-handed Musical Instrument
Competition, concept Category
by Maarten Visser
introduction
It is a common misconception that the trumpet would be an easy instrument to master for
one-handed musicians. (Or the cornet, as pictures in this document). Unfortunately,
matters are not quite as simple as they appear.
holding
First problem is holding the instrument. Simply
holding the trumpet is not as light as it looks. A
trumpet may be relatively light at 1 kg (2 pounds),
but an arm is not: average around 7 kg (15 pound).
On top of that, the instrument must be pressed
against the lips as the embouchure requires some
pressure. The muscles in the arm are not used to
uninterrupted use, so all this is rather fatigueing.
tuning slides
The second problem is tuning. The combinations of
tubing made by the valves and their series of harmonic
overtones do not always coincide with the tempered
scale we hope to produce. To sort out the tuning
problems, the 1st and 3rd valves are equipped with tuning
slides. If we hold the trumpet with the thumb and index
fingers, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th fingers are free to operate the
valves. This leaves us nothing to operate the valve
slides with.
solution part 1: holding
The solution I offer comes in two parts: one I already
made, and one that is new, hence the concept status of
this submission. To start off with the existing part: it
consists of a single leg, that clicks onto the bottom of
the trumpet. I affixed it to the valve caps using pierced
screws (a necessity for free moving valves). The leg is
pointing forward at an angle, so leaning
into the trumpet creates as much
pressure at the embouchure as needed.
The system has its fulcrum at the point
where the leg meets the floor, leaving
ample room for movement for the
musician, who can even walk around.
solution part 2: tuning
But the connection between the leg and
trumpet needs not be stiff, it can also be
hinged. To that we add a strong spring so
the leg seeks a forward slanting position.
Now the musician is free to hinge the
instrument higher or lower. This will
enable two levers to activate either the 1st
or 3rd valve slide. I trust the image will
elucidate the idea.
It is also possible to construct the system so that the trumpet/ cornet must be tilted
sideways to activate the valve slides. I believe this would be less practical, both in playing
as in construction, but this ought te be tested emperically.
information
Maarten Visser
business address:
Neveritaweg 15N
atelier N13
1033WB Amsterdam
the Netherlands
phone +31 20 682 3929
email [email protected]
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