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Pricing and availability

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Description

The Martin Committee Trumpet is a classic instrument that has carved its place in musical history, cherished by professionals and enthusiasts alike. Known for its rich, warm tone, this trumpet has been a staple in both jazz and orchestral settings. Built with precision and attention to detail, the Martin Committee Trumpet features a hand-hammered bell and a one-piece leadpipe, which contribute to its distinctive sound and playability.

This trumpet is designed to provide musicians with a seamless playing experience, offering excellent intonation and a responsive feel. Its craftsmanship is evident in the seamless blend of traditional design and modern innovation, making it a reliable choice for both seasoned players and those aspiring to reach new heights in their musical journey. Whether you're playing in a small ensemble or a large orchestra, the Martin Committee Trumpet delivers a commanding presence with its powerful projection and nuanced control.

Perfect for diverse musical genres, this trumpet excels in delivering the subtle dynamics and expressive quality needed for professional performances. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended playing sessions, allowing musicians to focus solely on their artistry.

Key Features:

  • Hand-hammered bell for enhanced tonal quality
  • One-piece leadpipe for consistent airflow
  • Rich, warm tone suitable for various musical styles
  • Excellent intonation with responsive feel
  • Ergonomic design for comfortable playability
  • Ideal for both professional and aspiring musicians
Randy Cole

Randy Cole

Painting Jazz - The Martin Committee Trumpet

Video thumbnail for Painting Jazz - The Martin Committee Trumpet by Randy Cole

Painting Jazz - The Martin Committee Trumpet

Randy Cole

Randy Cole

Video thumbnail for 1950 Martin Committee Trumpet for Sale at ACB by Austin Custom Brass

1950 Martin Committee Trumpet for Sale at ACB

Austin Custom Brass

Austin Custom Brass

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Committee Trumpet.

Comparisons

  • Olds Recording trumpets are highlighted as fantastic alternatives to Martin Committees with a good example available for around $1,000.

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  • Kanstul and Carolbrass are noted as contemporary clones of the Martin Committee, suggesting viable options for similar sound profiles.

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  • The inconsistency in Martin Committee sound quality is likened to Selmer Mark VI saxophones, known for their variable quality and pricing.

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Use cases and applications

  • It's suggested that Martin Committees might not suit all jazz styles, with particular note of their suitability varying based on whether playing lead in a big band or solo in a combo.

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Value and pricing

  • Price range for Martin Committees spans from $1,500 to $3,000, with higher prices likely yielding better condition instruments.

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  • Large Bore models of the Martin Committee, marked with a "3" on the valve casing, can be worth double the standard value, even in rough condition.

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  • Non-deluxe #2 bore models are valued around $2,000 if in good condition, while deluxe models can range from $2,000 to $2,500.

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Setup and maintenance

  • It's recommended to take vintage Martin Committee trumpets to a reputable music repair shop for evaluation and potential servicing to ensure optimal playability.

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  • Red rot in the leadpipes can decrease value; it progresses from inside to outside and eventually leads to lacquer loss.

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  • It's important to verify the bore size when assessing value; #3 bores command higher prices but are less common.

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Features and functionality

  • The clear plastic clamp found on some Martin Committee trumpets is designed to attach to the valves, though its exact purpose may require further investigation.

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User experience

  • Deluxe models, while rarer and more expensive, are often reported to play less well compared to regular models.

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Artist usage

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See how Miles Davis uses Martin Committee Trumpet

Miles Davis

Keyboardist, Composer

Miles Davis Sextet

...
Verified via miles davis online

Miles Davis used several custom Committees throughout his career, as documented in this Wordpress article. The article features one such trumpet, while linking to three others.

Source One (Wordpress):

Miles Davis played a variety of custom-made Martin Committee trumpets throughout his career; in the photo is a Green custom-made, engraved Martin trumpet with a Conn 5 mouthpiece with serial no. 707737. His name is engraved on the trumpet.

Source Two:

A Martin trumpet used by one of the twentieth century's most acclaimed and innovative musicians, the legenday Miles Davis. With an engraving on the front reading The Martin Committee Elkhart-Indiana Miles Davis, this extraordinary piece comes with a letter of provenance dated May 19, 1999 from Davis' son, Gregory, which states To Whom It May Concern I Gregory Davis confirm that this Martin trumpet serial #LM 713071 was used by my father Miles Davis through the late sixty's to the early seventy's. Very Truly Yours, Gregory Davis [sic] The overall condition of the horn is in excellent condition and comes with its own case as well as a black and white poster of Davis holding the trumpet.

Source Three (Deleted page. The Wordpress article provides a description):

Here’s a trumpet from former NBA star Dominique Wilkins. The Skinner Gallery in Boston started the bidding at $20,000 back in ’07 for a Miles Davis trumpet.

Source Four:

Martin Committee trumpet, serial number 203005. Dark green metallic finish, owned and played by miles Davis. This trumpet was given to the son of Davis' friend in 1966, boxing legend Sugar Ray Robinson. Davis was a boxing fan and befriended Sugar Ray and his wife, Edna. It is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Sugar Ray's son, Ray Robinson, who was personally given the trumpet. The bell of the trumpet reads, "The Martin Committee Model / Elkhart / IND / USA" with ornate floral etchings. Keys are made from mother of pearl. As was typical of Davis, the mouth piece is intentionally bent upward and just below the mouthpiece, where Davis' thumb would have rested, shows signs of wear. (est. $10,000-$20,000)

See how Chris Botti uses Martin Committee Trumpet

Chris Botti

Composer

Bruford Levin Upper Extremities

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Verified via Smoothvibes

Mentioned in this January 2, 2010 Smooth Jazz Vibes interview.

Another part of the equation that helps create the special tone is made via the instrument itself. Chris Botti plays a rare 1939/1941 Martin Committee trumpet with a slightly larger bell. The horn was popular from the late 1940s until the mid-1960s played by legends such as Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard Ferguson, Al Hirt, Kenny Dorham and Clifford Brown. Botti purchased the trumpet in 2003. Botti has said that “it was like finding a rare Jaguar or a rare Porsche. The sound is just so dark and beautiful, with a really soft and inviting tone." Botti also uses a 3C silver plated mouthpiece from Bach made in 1926, after retiring his 1920 3C Bach mouthpiece. He also uses a Leblanc Vacchiano Harmon mute from the 1950s.

The same trumpet is also featured in this December 23, 2016 Facebook post by Botti.

The Trumpet... #martin #committee #handcraft #largebore #3

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin Committee Trumpet, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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