Bell ~
90% of the final sound comes from the
design of the bell. I started my newest design with a time
tested contour. I've built more than 3000 top trumpets around this 4 7/8" bell and I know
it works! However, I refined it even more with a new metallurgy and gauge. I want a bell that is rich in overtones, remains vibrant at all sound
levels and in all registers, and projects a focused core without overblowing.
Most of all, I want outstanding intonation. Listen to most bells used today and
you'll hear distinct changes in timbre and center as range changes. And, you'll
hear the pitch center moving as pitches and volume change. That won't happen
with a SIMA bell, not ever!
Leadpipe ~
A superior leadpipe is essential to the
control, sound, and balance of a fine horn. Over the past 30 years, I've made
nearly 5,000 custom leadpipes. When I finished my new design I discovered that
the specs were identical to the leadpipe of a cherished pre-war French Besson.
Some final machining balanced it perfectly to the SIMA bell.
Valves ~
Of course, valves need to be very smooth
yet extremely tight. These valves are so tight they require a little
break-in period to match your finger movement. In short order, they will fit you
like a fine glove. Of equal importance, valve ports must match the blow of the
leadpipe and bell exactly! Once again, I've selected a time-tested design. The
SIMA valve section is adopted from a vintage Martin Committee. It will give you
unequalled control over your most personal musical expression.
Bore ~
The bore of the valve ports needs to be
carefully balanced with the receiver, tuning crooks, and bell taper so the
efficiency of the blow is maximized. If the bore is too small the power and
density of the core will be sacrificed. If the bore is too large then the sound
will spread and lose focus, a very common malady in today's horns. I control the bore throughout the horn so your air is
used more efficiently than ever before. You'll be amazed at how little air is
needed to produce a huge and centered sound on the SIMA. Play with greatly
reduced effort and the SIMA will reward you with ease and endurance you never
thought possible!
Third Valve Design ~
You will notice that the 3rd valve
tuning slide is "upside down" just like the vintage French Bessons and Conn 2Bs.
I first used this design on the later production of my Jazz model. Players of
every level noticed the improved ease of playing along with increased focus,
improved slotting, and even better intonation. The experiment proved so
successful that we started doing 3rd valve conversions on older horns. The
results were so impressive that I added it to my SIMA design without hesitation.
Yes, it's more expensive to build a horn this way, but it works to every
player's advantage. Take a few days to get used to the new hand positioning and
you too will be rewarded with a better sound. It is my suggestion that you
use the slide only to gain a low F on the horn. I strongly agree with Renold
Schilke, Harry Glantz, and the many others who taught that all pitch adjustments
should be done solely with the lips. This is particularly easy on the SIMA as
adjustments are barely needed.
First Valve Adjuster ~
It's not there! The fact is the more
metal mounted to the tubing the less rewarding the sound. A few players, at
first, will miss a throw ring on the 1st slide. But this will only be temporary
as the intonation on the SIMA is so good it is not needed. The end result is a
horn that plays and sounds better. In order to make a better horn, we leave it
off!
Braces ~
The quandary: braces are needed to
provide the durability required of a pro horn. However, braces deaden the sound.
I spent several years fine tuning the bracing on the finest trumpets I could
find. With careful placement and shape, I was able to noticeably improve the
sound on every one of these horns. I've used that hard-earned knowledge to
carefully craft and place each brace on the SIMA with one goal in mind - better
sound. I used a special bell brace to increase the vibrancy of the bell. Even
the nibs on the slides have been tested and optimized for improved performance. The SIMA proves that even the smallest details make a big difference when
perfection is the goal.
Intonation ~
Nothing in current equipment design and
playing technique frustrates me more than intonation! I find many of today's
recordings unlistenable due to bad attacks and faulty intonation. Embouchures
that pinch the lips create much of the problem. But poorly designed and badly
balanced equipment are equally to blame. My SIMA design stresses three points:
balance, balance, and balance! By meticulously balancing every detail of the
SIMA, from mouthpiece to bell rim, I've created a trumpet that naturally plays
in tune in the center of every pitch regardless of register or volume. Players
no longer have to fight their equipment and strangle their endurance by fine
tuning every pitch by ear and lip adjustment!
Balance in your hands ~
The feel of a fine trumpet contributes
to the ease and relaxation of a fine performance. There is nothing more
strenuous and self-defeating that hours of practicing and performing with a
heavy and awkward horn. On the SIMA, I've kept weight to a minimum while not
sacrificing sound. And, I've fine-tuned the position of the valve section so
it's significantly better balanced front to rear than other trumpets. You'll
notice this careful balancing when you first pick up a SIMA. But, you'll notice
it a lot more in the last set! I've put all of my 50 years of experience into
the design of the SIMA. A finely tuned balance in the hands is just one of the
details that makes a the SIMA so easy to love.
Balance in the sound ~
Balance, balance, balance! I'm confident
your ears will note a significant improvement in the richness, power,
brilliance, and intonation of your sound on the SIMA. Plus, you'll find a
significant improvement in endurance as the SIMA is so much easier to play than
other trumpets. Most importantly, the listeners out front will truly hear the
big difference - in the first set and the last.
Finish ~
A fine trumpet should be a joy to
behold. The form of the SIMA is
classic.
The final finish, in lustrous silver finish or rich gold
lacquer, is applied with care so the physical beauty of the SIMA trumpet is
second only to its rich and luscious sound.
Thank you for
listening! - Jerome Callet
Callet Trumpets
