They believe the aging process and how it changes over time is part of the history of your instrument which continues to grow and change just as your own musical journey does. Seal the trumpet in a bag filled with airĪnd others, of course, scoff at these methods of advancing the aging process of the horn. Mash up hard boiled eggs and put the trumpet in an airtight box with the eggs Leave the trumpet in a sealed bag with a cup filled with vinegar sitting inside Tear up oak leaves and use the leaves and sap with a bucket of water to soak the instrument in While I can't recommend any of these methods personally (and you should do your own research before attempting any of these), here are some ways other trumpet players have "aged" their horns:ĭon't wipe down the outside of your trumpet, and definitely don't give it a bath In fact, some trumpet players are so obsessed with developing the patina of their trumpet that they try various means to speed up the process, as normally this can take years to develop. Now for many, it is this patina is a desired quality on a brass instrument.
![unlacquered brass patina unlacquered brass patina](https://i.etsystatic.com/23491439/r/il/702502/3193476998/il_1588xN.3193476998_5iu9.jpg)
Lacquer is meant to protect the brass, and without it, the raw brass is subject to tarnish more quickly.
![unlacquered brass patina unlacquered brass patina](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/b8/63/4c/b8634ceaa25d771c35b86bde2dbfd511.jpg)
In fact it's almost turned into a joke, "What is the best way to take care of my raw brass trumpet?" The phenomena of stripping the lacquer away in order to display the raw brass is a relatively recent development. In fact, all modern trumpets started off as raw brass, and then lacquer was applied to specifically help maintain the metal. One thing to bear in mind is that raw brass is harder to maintain than say a lacquer trumpet.
![unlacquered brass patina unlacquered brass patina](https://i.etsystatic.com/23491439/r/il/7f984d/3181361212/il_1140xN.3181361212_rjpt.jpg)
So you will see many custom trumpets like Harrelsons and Monettes that incorporate the added material with raw brass alongside engravings on their custom trumpet models. The raw brass look is often accompanied by added metal to the crook and slides, which does have an impact on the tone color. And naturally, as a raw brass trumpet takes more work to maintain and has an "iconic" look to it, it attracts the attention of professionals and advanced musicians. That transition into later middle school or high school usually seems to be accompanied by the excitement of their first silver trumpet (Bach Strads are popular choices). Beginner trumpets are almost always lacquered as it helps protect the metal of the trumpet. Just like with any high end possession, people naturally want to personalize their instrument and make it a topic of conversation. So if it doesn't affect the color, why should I?
#UNLACQUERED BRASS PATINA PROFESSIONAL#
The reality is that if you hold all other elements equal, including the mouthpiece and taper of the bell, you won't notice any audible difference between different trumpet finishes.īut unfortunately this is one of those rumors that continues to propagate by less-informed brass players or probably band teachers who associate the cosmetics of professional horns with the tone that professionals exhibit, assuming it must be accounted for by the finish of the trumpet. But that wouldn't be a safe choice for your trumpet. Now, it's possible that if you stripped down a lacquered horn so far that you actually were shaving off the metal itself and making it more brittle, that may end up having an effect on the color of the instrument. Replicate it for yourself! The truth behind raw brassīrighter tone with a silver trumpet? Darker tone with raw? Here's a secret. Unfinished instruments, appreciated their dark tone, and wanted to Trumpet? Perhaps you've seen some famous jazz musicians with their Have you heard that a raw brass trumpet is darker than a lacquered