Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanism for attaching a tuning bell of a musical instrument to the musical instrument. The mechanism includes a rail attached to the tuning bell and a hollow channel attached to a part of the musical instrument such as, for example, to a valve cluster. The channel has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The mechanism includes an adjustable clamp engaging the exterior surface of the channel. Also disclosed is method of using the mechanism which comprises the steps of positioning the rail within the channel and adjusting the clamp to compressibly engage the interior surface of the channel against the exterior surface of the rail until the rail is secured against the interior surface to prevent movement of the rail within the channel.

Abstract: The trombone guide of the present invention provides a novel guide for positioning the first and second finger and thumb of the trombonist to ensure proper slide technique.

Abstract: The disclosure involves a valve for a brass instrument, e.g., a trombone, having an outer casing and a rotatable piston with first and second outer passages and a central passage between the outer passages. Two pairs of tubes are connected to the casing with each tube of a pair being coextensive with the other tube of that pair. At least one and preferably each outer passage is coextensive with a pair of tubes when the piston is in the switched position. The valve thereby affords "straight through" air flow during that valve position at which the trombone air column is longer or longest. Air flow resistance is thus reduced and the musician experiences a better "feel" when playing lower register notes, particularly when doing so at increased volume. A method for making the new valve, which is substantially hollow and lightweight, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A folder comprises a plurality of joined panels having a first surface and a second surface. An aperture is disposed through each of the joined panels, communicating from the first surface to the second surface. The aperture is of sufficient size to accept a human finger, so that a person can easily carry and manipulate the folder by utilization of the aperture. The aperture has reinforcement, and a pocket for retaining material.

Abstract: A musical wind instrument has a hollow, generally tubular body made up of a first body section and a second body section which may be telescopically interfitted to define the assembled wind instrument. Alignment and locating structures are located respectively on the first and second body sections for defining a predetermined orientation therebetween when interfitted into assembled condition. The alignment and locating structures include an axially projecting button-like member mounted on a peripheral surface of one of the body sections, and an axially inwardly extending recess in the other of the body sections of complementary form for receiving at least a portion of the projecting member when the first and second body sections are telescopically interfitted and brought into a desired radial alignment and fully axially and telescopically engaged.

Abstract: A detachable mouthpipe assembly for releasably attaching a mouthpipe having a reduced end portion to a musical instrument having a receiving aperture for receiving the reduced end portion. The detachable mouthpipe assembly includes a substantially U-shaped saddle member attached to the musical instrument and a swivel screw pivotally attached to the saddle member. A slotted arm member is attached to the mouthpipe end engagable with the swivel screw and saddle member.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a reed for a clarinet, or the like, said device having a reed guide base and an adjusting spatula having a curved end portion with a file bonded thereto for adjusting the thickness of the reed.

Abstract: A reed holder comprises a base member and a cover member. The base member includes at least one elongate, rigid member defining a planar, reed-receiving surface and at least one reed retaining member for removably securing a reed against the reed-receiving surface. The cover member defines an open-ended enclosure co-extensive with a predetermined portion of the planar reed-receiving surface for enclosing a tip portion of a read. Coacting assembly structures on the base member and on the cover member are provided for effecting non-removable assembly of the base member with the cover member.

Abstract: A Bb brass horn is provided with a bell which is threaded on to the remainder of the instrument. This provides a thickening of the metal at the position of attachment and hence a relatively rigid ring circumferentially about the bell, enhancing the tonality of the instrument. The bell is detachable for storage and carrying in a relatively flat case resembling an attache case, the axis of the bell being perpendicular to the plane of the body of the instrument. The piston valves are positioned centrally of the circle or ring of the instrument for improved balance.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to a novel tenor trombone construction. The tenor trombone is capable of performing as a standard slide trombone and/or as a piston valve trombone. The trombone can be operated in these two modes simultaneously or individually. The piston valves can be manipulated by the left hand of the user while the slide member can be manipulated by the right hand, without requiring the player to remove either hand from its normal playing position, or from interrupting his hold on the instrument while playing. The piston valves are so positioned as to enable the user to operate the piston valves with the right hand. Holder means is provided for the slide member assembly to hold it in place when the piston valves are being manipulated by the right hand.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to a wind instrument made of tubular metal and having an initial straight portion beginning at a mouthpiece receiving end and terminating in a sound-emanating bell portion. The wind instrument is provided with a plurality of piston valves to be manipulated to produce a multitude of different musical notes. A pair of spaced apart tubes is held in a fixed relation relative to one another and to the wind instrument. These tubes have terminating ends extending in a direction opposite that of the mouthpiece receiving end portion. A slide member has a U-shaped end portion which leads into a pair of straight parallel spaced apart portions having open ends fitted over the terminating ends of the tubes and is movable therealong to enable a player to obtain a multitude of different musical notes without manipulation of the piston valves.