Trumpets

Selmer Paris (Balanced Action) Trumpet

Paris, France
Western Europe

Brass
1953

Length: 19 inches

The Selmer Paris Balanced Trumpet was characterized by the placement of the valves. They were shifted toward the bell of the horn by about 1 inches. This gave the horn a more balanced look and feel, and to many a different sound. It was the horn played by Louis Armstrong, and quite possibly designed for him, from the mid-thirties until the end of his life. Harry James also played a Selmer Balanced model during the big band era until he later became a "King Artist" (endorsing King trumpets). When James went to King, he had them design a trumpet with a similar balanced design that was only made for him. No one else could buy one unless he sold it to them or gave them his instrument.

Owner:
Catalog#: HWMC

© Hartenberger World Music Collection