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Matt, I got a refinished Olds & Son Bf Trumpet this Christmas. Since I've had it, it seems like D (above middle C fingered with valve #1), plays flat. In other words, seems like I've got to constantly lip-up as you say. Everything else seems to sound 'normal'. Do you think I might have a valve problem here?


Russell, what you have is perfectly normal for an older trumpet, where middle D is flat. Many newer trumpets shorten the first valve slide to correct the D, and put a ring or U hook on the slide so you can use the slide to adjust other notes played with the first finger. Trumpet design is one large series of compromises.

If you can't stand the D on your horn, try fingering it with 1 & 3 (which might even be a bit sharp). Or, you could even have a repair shop make the modification I described, although it would lessen the value of a vintage horn.

Keep in mind, I've never played an Olds. TrumpetHerald.com is the place for this kind of question, where there are bound to be plenty of people with direct experience on your specific horn.



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