Martin Handcraft Imperial Trumpet (Bottom Sprung) (1937)

Overview

The Martin Handcraft Imperial is a popular trumpet that is a near cousin to the famous Martin Committee. The Handcraft Imperial was a pro level instrument at the time and is a very easy playing instrument. The horn is more approachable than a Committee while still having a similar sound profile to a Committee. In my opinion, these blow more like a modern ML bore horn. They are a great way to try out a vintage trumpet without breaking the bank and get a sound that is great for small group jazz. These are now a known entity in the vintage trumpet world and for good reason! I acquired two medium bores at the same time and they are very close in serial number range. What’s interesting about this horn is that it has bottom sprung valves. It is a great playing trumpet.

Playing Characteristics

• Excellent playing Imperial– clear and consistent tone from bottom to top
• Open blowing medium bore horn
• Directional and dark sound
• Easy response, not too fast, not too slow
• Good intonation
• Good upper register
• Flexible tone

Condition Characteristics

• Parts Originality
• • All original parts
  • Missing lyre screw
  • Missing 3rd slide stop nuts
  • Missing tuning slide microadjustment rod
• Evidence of Past Repairs
• • Small dent removal in lead pipe
  • Small dent removal in bell bend
• Leadpipe and Tuning Slide
• • Leadpipe is clean
  • Tuning slide is clean, minor knick on bottom leg
  • Spit water key cork is in good condition
• Valves
• • Valves are in good condition with fast action
  • Valve Plating is good
  • Good compression
  • Pads and corks in good condition
  • Very minor pitting on the back side of valve block
  • Very clear and deep serial number engraving
• First and Third Slide
• • Easy movement of 3rd slide
  • 3rd slide ring is a little out of round
  • Water key in excellent condition with good cork
  • First slide in good shape
• Second Valve Slide
• • Dent on second valve slide
• Bell
• • Bell flare is in very good condition with no evidence of dent repair
  • Bell rim is excellent with no signs of trauma or repair
  • Engraving is clear
  • Bend is in good condition, but evidence of repair and rounding
• Lacquer
• • Original lacquer - dark and golden
  • Lacquer is about 40% or so – some loss around minor dent removal on lead pipe and various parts of the bell and valve block
  • Haziness throughout in the lacquer
  • Very light lacquer scratches throughout horn
• Cleaned using materials that are safe for humans and brass alike
• • Assembled using synthetic and non toxic valve oil and slide grease
  • Hand polished without any buffing compound or abrasives