What are pocket trumpets used for?

[rhatheway]

Starting a new thread here because I've seen and heard of these, but have never actually played one.

Pocket trumpets. Why?

As I understand it (and I'll be the first to admit that I've only recently learned about them, so don't know anything about them), they're a Bb trumpet, but a much smaller scale. They're not a piccolo trumpet or a C trumpet though, so what's the reason for their existence? To take with you when traveling so you can practice? To have a backup horn just in case? Or something else?

Just curious, because I really don't know. As always, any insights/information is greatly appreciated.
_________________
Richard H
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Working on getting my chops back...

“Without music, life would be a mistake” ― Friedrich Nietzsche

1968 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1958 Conn Director 14A

[kehaulani]

Portability. Used to carry one around in case I came upon a jam session or another band to sit in with. Also to take on vacation with me to save room when packing.

In rare cases, someone uses it as their primary instrument. Don Cherry comes to mind, but characteristically, he's in his own world.
_________________
"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn

[cgaiii]

I have one that I use when I travel. It is compact and fits in my carry-on luggage (backpack) with whatever else I need in there (computer, etc.)
A pocket trumpet has the same length of tubing as a full sized Bb trumpet, just with a tighter wrap.
There are tons of cheap unplayable pocket trumpets, but recently, a number of very playable ones have appeared at reasonable prices. I have a Manchester Brass one, which is made in Taiwan by the Carol Brass people, as I understand it. Trent Austin of Austin Custom Brass had input on the design. It is fun to play, and has a bit of a cornet-like feel to it, possibly related to the wrap. I have found it very useful for keeping the old lip alive while traveling. I use a practice mute (EZ Bucket Silencer) and can practice just about anywhere. Great fun to have a horn with you if you meet musicians in your travels too. Recently, I have taken to practicing on it using a natural trumpet mouthpiece to get double benefits from short practices during travel.
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Bb: Schilke X3L AS, Yamaha YTR-6335S
C: Schilke CXL, Kanstul 1510-2
Bb Cornet: Getzen 800 DLXS
Pic: Kanstul 920
Bb Bugle: Kanstul
Bb Pocket: Manchester Brass
Flugel: Taylor Std
Bass Tr: BAC Custom
Nat. Tr: Nikolai Mänttäri Morales Haas replica

[Quadstriker]

Vacation horn.

Because you never know when a fun opportunity to play will come up... such as a Caribbean baseball tournament.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PO1UMfTOe_8

[Halflip]

In a live setting, they are wonderful conversation starters.

Plus, in a pinch, my girlfriend can use a couple as earrings.
_________________
"He that plays the King shall be welcome . . . " (Hamlet Act II, Scene 2, Line 1416)

"He had no concept of the instrument. He was blowing into it." -- Virgil Starkwell's cello teacher in "Take the Money and Run"

[kehaulani]

"Recently, I have taken to practicing on it using a natural trumpet mouthpiece to get double benefits from short practices during travel."

Intrigued. What does that mean, please?
_________________
"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn

[huntman10]

I was an engineer in a corporate office before retiring about 15 years ago. I had a funky school bus yellow pocket trumpet in my personal file drawer, and would play happy birthday when we had birthdays in the office. I even had a request from a boss to play "charge" to grab attention for a few gatherings.

I currently keep a "salvaged" Jupiter pocket trumpet at our lake trailer now for similar purposes (it is a gathering spot for the extended family, and a few of them are offended if I forget), and occasionally taps for Memorial Day or other occasions for the neighborhood.

I had hand surgery on my left hand last Fall and couldn't hold a full size trumpet, so I used my CarolBrass mini Bb for a couple of rehearsals, and it sounded fine.

I played "Amazing Grace" last August for a family gathering at a lodge at a remote New Mexico location at the rim of a 1,000 foot canyon. That was with a CarolBrass big bell C pocket trumpet with a really rich tone. Everyone liked that.

https://canyonmadnessranch.com/
_________________
huntman10
Collector/Player of Fine (and not so fine) Brass Instruments including
Various Strads, Yammies, Al Hirt Courtois, Schilkes,
Selmer 25, Getzen Eternas, Kanstuls (920 Pic, CG)
Martin Custom Large Bore, Lots Olds!, Conns, etc.

[onlyson]

I have played one for the last 30 years as my principal stage trumpet. Yes it is a great conversation starter. I play a black lacquered Carol horn with the full size bell. I wore out the last one. I started using it because I'm primarily the lead singer and guitar player/band leader who hauls all the P.A. gear. It fit's inside my gig bag, so it's one less thing to carry independently. I'll sometimes bring a nicer full size horn or two for a high profile private gig.
_________________
Del Quadro Grizzly
Yamaha 9335CH
1951 Martin Committee Deluxe #3 Bore
ACB Coppernicus
Couesnon Flugel
Carol Pocket Trumpet

[Halflip]

[cgaiii]

[kehaulani]

Understand. Thanks for taking the time to answer. Cheers, K-
_________________
"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn

[rhatheway]

OK, that makes a lot of sense. Small, light weight, easy to pack/carry...

But..., now several of you mentioned a "natural trumpet." What the heck is that?

I tell ya, I really enjoy this forum because it seems that every day I'm learning something new! So don't be surprised when I keep asking questions...
_________________
Richard H
------------------------------------------
Working on getting my chops back...

“Without music, life would be a mistake” ― Friedrich Nietzsche

1968 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1958 Conn Director 14A

[kehaulani]

[shofarguy]

"Is that a trumpet in your pocket, or..."

I don't know about nowadays, but about 10 years ago the Kanstul 905 or the related vintage Benge pocket trumpets were considered the best playing, sounding pocket trumpets. I tried a 905 at the showroom, back in the day, and it did play well. The problem I had was that it was too darn close to my ears! After 20+ years of carpentry and another ten or so of marching band, I had to pass.
_________________
Brian A. Douglas

Flip Oakes Wild Thing Bb Trumpet in copper
Flip Oakes Wild Thing Flugelhorn in copper


There is one reason that I practice: to be ready at the downbeat when the final trumpet sounds.

[Jon Peck]

I have a Mendini by Cecilio pocket trumpet, got it for portable practice and as an occasional spare.

It's great for fingering practice like drilling Clarke's or long tones, and it can just sit on my desk when I'm not using it.

The back pressure and precision are awful, but that's the compromise.

It's not a serious tool, but it has its uses. To quote Marge Simpson, "I just think they're neat!"

[rhatheway]