1939 Selmer Paris Grand Prix TRUMPET SN 3083

1939 Henri Selmer Paris Grand Prix Bb trumpet    

SOLD    

 Email us about this trumpet - centexbrass@gmail.com  

This is a Selmer Grand Prix  trumpet made in 1939.  This trumpet would have been among the last Selmer trumpets made before the Nazis invaded France.  Although nothing is known of its history, one can only guess this history it has witnessed during its 80+ year lifetime.

 It has been restored in the past and is in excellent cosmetic condition.  The engraving is very sharp indicating a quality restoration, but the valves do not appear to have been replated as a part of the restoration.  While some leakage can be detected, the horn is in very good playing condition and with Hetman's Classic valve oil (included with this trumpet) the valves are within acceptable limits.

The leadpipe is stamped as follows:

• BB = Bb  trumpet
• MB = medium bore (.456")
• LP = low pitch  (A 440, as opposed to earlier high pitch instruments)
• 20 = model number

The “Grand Prix” trumpets made by Henri Selmer were the venerable top-of-the-line trumpets that they offered at the time. The model 20B has a. 456” “medium bore” and was the artist model as evidenced by the “Qualité Artistique” (Artist Quality) located at the top of the floral bell engraving. 

Comparing to the standard model 24B, the model 20B bore size was smaller by .002” and also had heavier-walled slide tubing—thus reducing the inside diameter by .002”. This changes the residence and response of the horn, providing a more dense and centered core. The 20B also has a slightly heavier bell which adds to the pure sound of the 20B—making it the choice of most professionals back in its day.   Resources say that “the 20B is truly an all purpose trumpet capable of producing superb results while playing any music style in any acoustic venue. It has the ability to cut through a section but balances well with other horns. Its tone is lush, dense, rich, centered, focused, and somewhat warm as one would expect from a top-of-the-line Paris trumpet built from high-quality French brass. When pushed, it can become quite bright with a sophisticated edge and complex overtones.”

Valves are fast and smooth; slides are smooth; and valve compression is good.   There are stop rod brackets on the tuning slide, but the rod is no longer with the trumpet.   Has a nickel silver leadpipe, nickel silver slide tubes and a 1st slide trigger: all hallmarks of Selmer trumpets.   

Does not come with a case.