How to Tune a Schilke P5-4 Piccolo Trumpet
The ability to tune an instrument is vital to playing with other musicians. While the Schilke P5-4 piccolo trumpet is considered a top-of-the-line instrument, by their very nature, piccolo trumpets can be a challenge to get in tune. Due to the variations in piccolo-trumpet design that exist between different models and manufacturers, you will need to be familiar with some design characteristics of your instrument. After that, there are various ways to go about tuning your Schilke P5-4.
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Instructions
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Familiarize yourself with the tuning mechanisms on the Schilke P5-4. While larger trumpets and piccolo trumpet designs by other manufacturers utilize tuning slides, the Schilke P5-4 has an adjustable tuning bit that the mouthpiece goes into.
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Check the intonation of the instrument against a fixed note. If playing with piano or organ, tune to that instrument. Trumpet players often tune to a concert A or Bb. If this is not available, check the tuning with a tuning fork or an electronic tuner.
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Adjust the tuning bit accordingly. If sharp, you will need to pull the tuning bit out the lengthen the instrument. If flat, push the tuning bit in.
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Aurally adjust your pitch as needed while playing. The initial tuning will put you in the correct general area, but certain notes, both on your instrument and with those you are playing with, will have tendencies to go flat or sharp. Be sure to be always listening to those around you and to the sound of the ensemble.
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References
- Photo Credit trumpet's buttons image by aliengel from Fotolia.com
