Band Instrument FAQs
These are the most frequently asked band instrument questions
at our Web site:
Brass Instruments
Q. What do the letters on brass mouthpieces mean?
A. The letters designate the cup depth. As a general rule,
shallow cups help in
playing high notes and deep cups result in a fuller tone quality.
The numbers
designate the diameter of the cup. Other letters at the end usually
refer to the
rim size, i.e. "W" = wide.
Q. What's the difference between gold and silver instruments?
A. The main difference is in tone quality. A silver horn
has much more
projection (loudness) with a more brilliant and vibrant tone quality.
A silver
instrument is also more "free blowing" instrument, which
means that the
horn is easier to play and responds much quicker.
Trumpets / Cornets
Q. What are "monel" valves?
A. Monel is a solid metal alloy that resists corrosion
and pitting. It also
provides quicker response due to a tighter fit in the valve cluster.
You
will also never have to worry about having your valves re-plated.
Q. What's the "thumb hook or saddle" for?
A. This allows you to easily make minute adjustments in
pitch on certain
fingerings. This enables you play more in tune. It's also easier
to
make adjustments with your thumb than with your third finger,
like on
most beginner model horns.
Trombones
Q. What's a "trigger or F-attachment"?
A. A trombone with a trigger or F-attachment has an additional
set of
tubing. The advantage is that notes you would normally play at
the end
of the slide can be played closer to the front of the slide, making
difficult passages easier to execute.
French Horns
Q. What's the difference between a single and double
french horn?
A. A double french horn has an additional set of tubing
(like a trombone
with a trigger or F-attachment). The advantage is that the fingerings
are made easier with the use of the trigger on the french horn.
Woodwind Instruments
Q. Why do I need a "step-up" mouthpiece?
A. Beginner mouthpieces are made of plastic and mass produced
using
molds. "Step-up" mouthpieces are made of hard rubber
and made one at a
time to exacting specifications. The result is a better tone,
playing more in
tune, easier to play, and more durability.
Flutes
Q. What's the difference between an open hole and closed
hole flute?
A. A closed hole flute is preferred for rank beginners
because of hand
size and ease of playing. However, because of the 5 open hole
keys
on a open hole flute, the tone quality is far superior and the
player is
forced to learn the correct playing position. This results in
eventually
being able to play fast phrases much easier.
Q. What's so great about a solid or sterling silver flute?
A. The more silver, the better the tone and projection.
Beginner model
flutes are nickel silver. Intermediate flutes usually have a solid
or
sterling silver headjoint. Pro model flutes are all solid or sterling
silver.
Clarinets
Q. What makes a wood clarinet better than a plastic one?
A. The tone of a wood clarinet is much deeper and richer
than the "thin"
sound of a plastic clarinet. The characteristics of wood also
allow your
notes to be played more "in control", reducing the chance
of playing
out of tune. Durability is also a factor. Believe it or not, if
you drop a
plastic clarinet, you are more likely to come away with a crack
than
with a wood clarinet.
We hope this helps you make an informed and cost effective decision
when
purchasing a band instrument for yourself or your children.
Since Alamo Music Center is a full line instrument dealer, we
invite you to visit any of
our 2 locations to try out these instruments and hear the difference
for yourself.
|
