Question of the Month

What Would Claude Say?

Answers from the personal notes and lectures of Claude Gordon

Question of the Month

Subject: What is the history behind the two new "Claude Gordon 468" and the "Claude Gordon 470" bore size trumpets?

Answered by Patty Gordon:

The answer is timing. Claude wanted to preserve and duplicate what he found to be a better playing trumpet in his pre-World War 2, French made Besson. He spent hours tearing apart several horns, measuring and testing metal quality to see what made one work better than others.

By the time Claude made his speculations and modifications to produce the horn he desired, the industry was not ready to go back to an "open bore horn." The passing of time and false notions on what made a trumpet play well or why was now overshadowed by "new and unproven theories" and sales gimmicks that promoted small bore size horns that Claude called the "pea shooters."

In the late 60's early 70.s the Benge Company agreed to produce the "Claude Gordon Trumpet" but did not agree to go the full 470 bore size that Claude hoped for. He then adjusted the tapers but maintained the correct aerodynamic flow in the reduced 468 bore size trumpet. It immediately became a hit among the players as it performed very well indeed..... and is still very much in demand.

In 1984 The Selmer Company agreed to produce the "Claude Gordon Trumpet" in the full 470 bore size that Claude initially wanted. To the credit of Claude's insisting on correct aerodynamic flow, both horns played very well and are still sought after today.

Last year the Marcickiewicz Company Inc. and the Claude Gordon Music Enterprise teamed together to re-produce both the "Classic Claude Gordon 468" and the "Classic Claude Gordon 470" bore size trumpets. These horns are open, balanced and offer the free blowing quality of performance that was important to Claude Gordon and his students. Truly a gift to the trumpet player wanting this same experience that will last for a lifetime of playing.

Both trumpets are now in production in limited editions per year. The hand crafting and quality of performance that these horns offer are unsurpassed anywhere in the world.

If you wish to reserve one of these trumpets you may do so with a 50% deposit directly to the manufacturer with the balance due on delivery that would require a 6 to 8 week production time. The current price for a trumpet in silver with 24 K gold trim and a case is $3,500.

To reserve a trumpet now you must contact the Marcinkiewicz Co. Inc. Phone 503-263-2456 Fax 503-263-2484 or e-mail them your information at joe@marcinkiewicz.com

I hope this is helpful. We look forward to serving you.

Respectfully, Patty Gordon

Phone/Fax 909-866-2107

Claude Gordon's method books for brass players: Physical Approach To Elementary Brass Playing, Systematic Approach To Daily Practice For Trumpet and Brass Playing Is No Harder Than Deep Breathing (bass clef also available)*

For additional information on the application of the seven "natural" elements to brass playing see the DVD presentation by Claude Gordon entitled "The Seven Natural Elements Of Brass Playing" (PAL edition Video still available ) *

If you wish to have your personal questions about brass playing answered by a Certified Claude Gordon Teacher you may contact Jeff Purtle through his web site at www.purtle.com

*See Products and Price List Information for these and other items available through the Claude Gordon Music Enterprise on this website.

For other Carl Fischer publications www.carlfischer.com

*Last update 05/23/07