The Clippertone model was designed primarily for jazz and session musicians. The narrow bore gave it a clear, penetrating tone that was ideal for jazz ensembles and big bands. Its 'quick change' mechanism (the rotor stop to the right of the three main valves on the photograph) also made it popular with theatre musicians. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, players were often expected to alternate between B-flat and A trumpets. The quick change system meant that the music for both types of trumpet could be played on the same instrument, making it useful in cramped orchestra pits. The disadvantage of the quick-change system was that the loops for the main valves were designed for a B-flat instrument and played sharp when used in conjunction with the rotor stop. However, many players considered the Clippertone to have fewer intonation problems than other quick-change trumpets. The model was a commercial success, and production continued well into the Boosey & Hawkes era.
- 0 item(s)
- £0.00 View
Trumpet in B-flat. Clippertone model. Three Périnet valves and rotary stop (without return springs) for quick change to A. Tuning slide on distal branch with water key. Each valve loop has two button grips positioned in line with the tuning slide. Bell inscription (which is surrounded by floral decoration) reads: Excelsior sonorous class A/49670; Original mouthpiece, stamped: Hawkes & Son. With original fitted case and five mutes.
- Broad category
- Musical Instruments, Aerophone
- Additional names, titles, or classifications
catalogue name: valve trumpet
object name: trumpet
classified as: trumpet
catalogue title: 423.233.1
classified as: 423.233.1
- Additional maker information
maker: Hawkes & Son
- London, England, UK, Western Europe, Europe
- Additional place information
- Date made
- Additional date information
- Materials & techniques
- metal; cork; German silver
- Additional material & technique information
material: cork (overall)
material: metal (overall)
material: German silver (overall)
- overall: 19.8031 x 5.7087 x 4.7244 in.; 503 x 145 x 120 mm
- Additional measurement information
overall: 19.8031 x 5.7087 x 4.7244 in.; 503 x 145 x 120 mm
- This narrow bore trumpet was used for jazz and session playing.
- Related objects
contains mute (M30a-1993)
contains mute (M30b-1993)
contains mute (M30c-1993)
contains mute (M30d-1993)
contains mute (M30e-1993)
- Related people
Boosey & Hawkes
- Related subjects
association: Musical Instrument Making
object name (AAT): trumpets
object name: valve trumpets
material: German silver
classified as: 423.233.1 Valve trumpets with short air column (less than 2 m)
- Record created 1999-12-26 by GWERE
- Record last updated 2017-10-23 by XGVIEWS
These objects are only a part of our collections, of which there are more than 350,000 objects. More information on the objects listed on our website.
This information comes from our collections database. Some of this is incomplete and there may be some errors. The database sometimes uses language taken from historical documents to help research, which may now appear outdated and even offensive. The database also includes information on objects that are considered secret or sacred by some communities.
If you have any further information about objects in our collections or can suggest corrections to our information, please contact us.