Tromba Marina
The Baroque trumpet marine is a marvelous instrument. Its single string is nearly two meters long, and is played entirely with harmonics. A vibrating bridge amplifies the sound and creates a brassy buzz. This instrument is a copy of an extant instrument by Johann Ulrich Fischer in 1720.
- Maple body, seven-stave back, carved head
- Sitka spruce soundboard
- Blacksmith-made ratchet and pawl
- Removable neck, optional
- Internal sympathetic strings (21), optional
Gallery
Playing the Tromba Marina
Perspective
Playing the Tromba Marina
Showing resting position on shoulder
Three tromba marinas
Three tromba marinas (back)
Internal sympathetic strings
Detail of back of instrument
Detail of decorative dragon
Detail of decorative lion
Videos
In the spring of 2001 I was able to work with the 7th grade orchestra at Chippewa Middle School, and perform a few movements of "Suite d' Air" by Prin. Here is an audio clip.
Here is another audio clip of the solo trumpet marine.
