Trumpet
- Origin
- Central Africa
About
University College London object LDUEC-K.0009
Famous Examples
2These are specific, historically notable physical instruments — each with its own story, provenance, and place in musical history.
Trumpet in B-flat; Boosey & Hawkes, London; 1930 or later
1930 or laterMaker
Boosey & Hawkes
Location
London
Miles Davis's Martin Committee Trumpet
c. 1954–1959Maker
Martin Band Instrument Company · American
Current Owner
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Location
Washington D.C., USA
Estimated Value
Priceless
Notable Players
Why It Matters
Miles Davis recorded Kind of Blue (1959) — the best-selling jazz album in history — on a Martin Committee trumpet. His muted, introspective tone on this instrument defined the sound of cool jazz and modal jazz. Davis's use of the Harmon mute (stem removed) became one of the most recognizable timbres in 20th-century music.
Description
The Martin Committee was preferred by many bebop and cool jazz trumpeters for its warm, dark tone. Davis played with his lips pressed against the mouthpiece in an unconventional way, producing his signature sound.