technical data - leadpipes


The leadpipe is not only the narrowest tapered (and therefore most delicate) component of a brass instrument, it also connects the mouthpiece (or rather the backbore) to the rest of the instrument. As a basic principle scaling of our leadpipes follows theoretical calculations. After much trial and error, and using the experience we have gained over the past years, we are now in a position to offer a range of different leadpipes which enable us to adjust our models of trumpet to suit all individual requirements. The taper of our standard Ricco Kühn leadpipes (leadpipes) is developed for mouthpieces with standard backbore still used today. In the case of mouthpieces with wider backbores, you should also use the leadpipes recommended for them.

 

The following hints are intended to help with the compilation of your optimal trumpet:

 

Leadpipes for Bb-Trumpets


B                     Recommended for “Professional” Bb trumpets, made until 2010. This leadpipe allows easy and response and has a little bit less resistance than "B2", could sound slightly less centered, dependent on the mouthpiece.

 

B1             Recommended for “Custom” Bb trumpets. It offers an easier response and it feels more directly than "B2", pleasant resistance, combines really well with large cup - mouthpieces.

 

B2                   Recommended for all „Professional“ Bb trumpets. Offers pleasant resistance, exact articulation and produces a big and and carrying sound. This leadpipe works great with nearly all current mouthpieces with normal backbore.

 

B3                   Recommended for “Exclusive” and “Large” models. Can be used with all other models too, especially in combination with mouthpieces with large backbore. It sounds  more open in the middle range, is very focused in the high, however less flexible in sound, compared with leadpipe B2

 

B4                   Alternative leadpipe for “Custom” Bb- trumpets. It offers easy response with a bit more resistance than B1, safe focused high register, and more “weight” in sound. It is also possible with “Exclusive” models.

 

B5                   New leadpipe, recommended alternative with “Exclusive” Bb trumpets. It offers easier response than B3, sounds more free and open, nevertheless safe and focused in high range.

 

Leadpipes for C-Trumpets


C                     Recommended for “Professional” C trumpets, made until 2011. This leadpipe allows easy and response and has a little bit less resistance than C2, could sound slightly less centered, dependent on the mouthpiece.

 

C1           Recommended for “Custom” C trumpets. It offers an easier response and it feels more directly than C2, pleasant resistance, combines really well with large cup - mouthpieces.

 

C2                   Recommended for all „Professional“ C trumpets. Offers pleasant resistance, exact articulation and produces a big and and carrying sound. This leadpipe works great with nearly all current mouthpieces with normal backbore.

 

C3                   Recommended for “Exclusive” and “Large” C trumpets. Can be used with all other models too, especially in combination with mouthpieces with large backbore. It sounds  more open in the middle range, is very focused in the high, however less flexible in sound, compared with leadpipe C2

 

C4                   Alternative leadpipe for “Custom” C- trumpets. It offers easy response with a bit more resistance than C1, safe focused high register, and more “weight” in sound. It is also possible with “Exclusive” models.

 

C5                   New leadpipe, recommended alternative with “Exclusive” C trumpets. It offers easier response with a bit more resistance than C3, more flexible sound, nevertheless safe and focused in high range.

 

 

Intermediate leadpipe sizes are available for fine tuning purposes.

 

Mouthpieces should stick into leadpipe 2,5-2,8cm (0.98-1.1 in.). A tighter mouthpiece receiver is available as "S" extension (B2 S), as well as a larger receiver with “L” extension (B1L)

 

D/eB - Trumpet


Models T 053/DX and T 053/EsX are available with leadpipes named D ... D3.

The characteristics are nearly identical with C type leadpipes. According to recent experiences "D1" and "D2" are used most frequently but due to its low resistance "D" is very interesting, too.

 

Piccolo trumpets


Models T 304 and T 306 are available with just one leadpipe for B flat / A and G respectively. Nevertheless our manufacturing process allows to realize special wishes.