This busine, with hand-hammered bell in 0.3mm brass, has a bright and clear sound, with a solid core and just the right level of brashness, and is well-suited to performance with shawms or for outdoor signaling. The partials are well in tune and response is good, and with a large, sharp-throated mouthpiece, the pedal tones also speak well.
The original was undecorated except for two knobs, one on the bell and one on the third yard.
Tuning: original approximately in G; interchangeable yards for a variety of pitches are possible, and depend on the customer's requirements.
Specifications: bore: 10.3mm, bell 78mm.
In 1984, the remains of a fourteenth-century trumpet were discovered during archaeological monitoring of building works at Billingsgate (City of London), and documented in articles in the Galpin Society Journal by Graeme Lawson and John Webb. In 2014, I was kindly permitted to measure, photograph, and document these remains by the staff of the Museum of London, where they are now on display. The original, though anonymous, shows the mark of fine craftsmanship, particularly in the thinness and clean finishing of the bell. The upper two sections are fourteenth-century replacements, and do appear to have corresponded to the lower sections.
Further pictures of the original trumpet can be seen at the Museum of London's photo site:
First yard - Mouthpiece
Second, straight yard
Third, straight yard with ball
Bell section.
Coming soon!
Busine after anon. "Billingsgate," 14th century. Fully historical construction in 0.3mm brass. All prices in Euro.
As alternatives to the integrated mouthpiece-leadpipe of the original, both "Guitbert"- and "Schnitzer"-type mouthpieces provide good results. I have found that both have their advantages and their respective uses in performance. My recommendation for tuning is for a complete chromatic set, such that a tonality for any situation is available.
Considering the limited use of the busine, I am willing to make the compromise of using modern seamless tubing on request.
Please contact me directly for pricing information.
