March 29, 2010 Update and new info including some PDF downloads.
My Bach 43 set up is great for lead work - Using my #1 top and a KT or a Jet Tone backbore is sizzilin'
Now I have a Back 37 combo I love as well for general playing where you want that charateristic "trumpet sound" I use a Malone MB2 lead pipe with a gRawlin #2 top with a 25 throat going in to a Warburton #5 bored out to #22 and the entrance to the backbore opened to a #20 with a reamer so it is a bit conical. This entrance is only about 1/60th of an inch, but really lets the air flow smoothly in congunction with the rest of the set up.
Here are some nice PDF's from Bach telling all about their instruments, leadpipes etc. Enjoy
I am going through a long process of building the gRawlin trumpet and have been buying and trading for several years for study purposes. I have gone through :
Conn constellation Benge CG Selmer Radial Besson Meha and Brevette - vintage Martin committee - 40's Yamaha Z horn Schilke B1 Schilke B3 Schilke X3 with 5 different bells! Schilke B4 Schilke B6 Bach 43, 37, with three lead pipes
Now I'm looking to trade for a older Benge 5X - If you see any let me know:)
Feb. 6, 2010 - Bach trials continue I own 23 Warburton Backbores. So it takes a great deal of time to match these with 3 different tops, 3 different leadpipes and 2 different bells . Wow - a lot of time! So This is where I stand now with the combinations:
1. The Pilczuk B45 leadpipe is the largest of the three. The best sounding combination is with the #3 top, a b7 Backbore and the 43 bell. This sound is clear but lacking a solid core, and takes a LOT of air!
2. The Malone MB2 leadpipe is in the middle as far as size goes. It is a warmer sound, and the best sounding combination is the #2 top with a KT backbore and the 43 bell. It tends to be smaller and warmer sounding and does not project as much as I like.
3. The original Bach 25 leadpipe is the smallest of the three, it has a very clear round sound, it is the best leadpipe with the 43 bell, but works well with the 37 bell as well. With the 43 bell, the #1 top and a KT backbore it produces a very nice commercial sound.
I have decided that for Air-Play and the way we like to sit on the air column, the longer length backbore is best . The gap of 3/16ths " is best. In order to accomplish this with the Warburtons we have to order the DL combination. The * backbores do not lend themselves to the Air-Play system, and while the #5 and #10 sound great, they take too much air and cause us to tighten our chops instead of letting them float on the resistance.They also sound more transparent.
So here is the combination I like best as of this date:) The 43 Bell, with the Bach 25 leadpipe, and the KT backbore - I do not own a KTDL yet but I will soon. I am also ordering and #2DL backbore.
Now for those of you who like one piece mouthpieces, the NY Bach with the., combination 10.5CW is a tremendous mouthpiece for Air-Play on a Bach 43 w25 LP.
Keep watching for updates, and remember these are what I like, you may be and probably are different. gR
January 1, 2010 second/third day of trials
I have solved the mystery of why the Pilczuk leadpipe was sounding tinny. It was not sealing well in the receiver attached to the first valve slide. The inserted edge had been cut sloppily and I leveled it off allowing the end to butt up against the receiver evenly.
This changed things dramatically. The pipe is open, clear, and sounds very fat and musical. I also needed to use another Backbore on my #1 Top to get the sound I wanted. The KT filled the bill, and gives me what I'm looking for.
Not only does the pipe play well, but the sound of the 43 bell itself is much more musical, and the resistance to my lips is really nice and smooth up and down the range. Because I don't have to lip notes up or down the horn plays very easily. Octave jumps lock in on their own. This reminds me of my Monette... gR
Dec. 30, 2009 first day
Well after 5 hours of testing I have come up with the preliminary choices of Warburton Backbores for each of my gRawlin Tops - #1-2-3 on the 43 Bell
#3 is using the Parke Henly #2 is using the 11* #1 is using the #4
I have decided on the MB2 Bob Malone Leadpipe, finding the Pilczuk the easiest and most open to play but with a tinny sound lacking a core. The other leadpipe is the original Bach 25 pipe. It has the characteristic Bach sound but backs up in the upper range.
The Bach is so much more responsive than the Schilke was. It speaks right up close to my chops whereas the blow on the smaller bore Schilke B6 was farther down. Of course this is all subjective and due to my grawlin tops power and center.
After 5 hours my chops feel great. A slight tingle is all the wear, and this re-confirms my Air-Play system and the great grawlin Top rim.
My goal is to achieve a full flexible sound with a characteristic Bach sound,but with more carry and an easier smoother response.
The Malone leadpipe has a very gentle resistance that adds a warmer, cleaner center to the sound. I am impressed. The pitch is good but not as good as the Pilczuk is. I plan on using the Pilczuk more tomorrow as it blows very big and free plus being very in tune. It is a B45.
Dec. 30, 2009 first day
