Trumpet

DCS Code: 3D32.40 Last Updated: March 27, 2026
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Purpose

Demonstrates the dependence of pitch on air column length. The B-flat trumpet's 148 cm tube supports a harmonic series; pressing valves adds tubing to lower the pitch by specific intervals. A 138 cm homemade straight trumpet (no valves) is also available, limited to bugle calls.

B-flat trumpet standing on its bell, showing brass body, three piston valves, and silver-plated mouthpiece
Figure 1: B-flat trumpet (148 cm tube length). Three piston valves add different lengths of tubing to produce the full chromatic scale. Donated by John Price.