Frankie Trumbauer's Mouthpiece?

[Roger Aldridge]

Does anyone know what kind of c-melody mouthpiece Frankie Trumbauer used? I'm wondering if it might have been a Goldbeck. In a Trumbauer photo contained in the linear notes of a CD I have it appears that he's using a metal mouthpiece on his c-melody (a Holton, I believe). Whereas, in another photo where he's holding an alto it's clearly a hard rubber mouthpiece. The only 1920's c-melody metal mouthpiece I've ever heard about is a Goldbeck. ?????

In comparing Trumbauer's sound to some of the modern guys like Scott Robinson there are some noticable differences in their tonal qualities. Scott tries to approximate Trumbauer's sound and style on several tracks of his c-melody recording. But, his sound is different from Trumbauer's. To my ears, it's a brighter and more alto-like sound. Trumbauer had a fairly light sound. But, I hear it as being a touch darker and reedier than Scott's sound. Scott Robinson uses an alto mouthpiece (modified Selmer metal). This leads me to think that Trumbauer didn't use an alto mouthpiece.

Does anyone know for sure what Tram used? Thanks!!!

[paulwl]

I've got an Otto Link ad dating from 1931 showing the Paul Whiteman sax section, including Tram, all endorsing Link Master metal mpcs. This was the only piece Otto made at the time, and was available for C melody as well as SATB. I'll gladly scan it for you (if I can find it :? ).

Beats me what pieces he might have played before or after that, but there's one that he at least used at that particular moment in time.

Tram's 1931 recordings, along with a lot of others, are downloadable at:
http://redhotjazz.com/fto.html
Check out the Whiteman page too:
http://redhotjazz.com/pwo.html

[Roger Aldridge]

Paul,

You never cease to amaze me. Thanks so much! Now, I'll have to go back and listen to his 1927-30 recordings to see if it's possible to discern differences in his sound from the ones around 1931+. In the Tram recordings I have his sound seems to be pretty consistant over the years. However, there's one recording from 1927 I recall where his sound is a touch darker and thicker than the later recordings.

It would be a real kick to try out a Link c-melody piece! Have you had an opportunity to play one? If so, please tell me about it.

[soreliprick]

The Goldbeck does have that Tram sound, don't you think? I have one I keep on my C Chu model, would that I could play like him.