In 1976 my Father started the “Loft Violin Shop” in Columbus, Ohio USA. It was a very small shop occupying the second floor of a building in the state capitol. Downstairs there was a woodwind shop. There was a big kitchen to brew varnish, a big room for my father and his brother to do repairs, and make violins and bows, and a sitting room to try instruments. I was 5 years old, big enough to push a broom: so big enough to be in the shop.
I have grown up in a house of music. I started the violin when I was three years old, and then piano, and finally trumpet. There was always classical music, blue grass, country, and jazz music playing in the house, and in the car. Having a love affair with the trumpet I asked my father if I could study with a Brass Technician near our home. He said, “I have a violin shop for you to work in. Why would you want to work at a Brass Shop?” Thus, started an 18 year career in the police.
At 38 years old, I found myself at a crossroads yet again. Continue on in the Police and or move to a foreign land to be with my wife. I moved. I gave up on the idea of playing music, except for music in our home. I sold all of my trumpets, packed up my life and Moved to Singapore.
In Singapore I found a wealth of music. Big Bands, Jazz, Symphonic Wind Bands… and me with no trumpet. I painted, I studied music, acoustics… I had an idea to make a trumpet. Then, during a trip to Austria I visited the Schagerl Music House, and bought a trumpet. I asked Karl Schagerl to build me a four valve flugelhorn. I wanted a detatchable bell, I wanted rotary valves, I wanted everything, and I wanted it right away. Busy with new projects they could not afford to take on a new one. I had all of the time in the world: almost a year later I became the first Trumpet Maker in Singapore.
The idea was simple, to build a four valve flugelhorn in B-flat. After several months of study and design I had collected over 20 instruments . I wanted to study what others had done before me. I wanted to learn how brass worked and felt under my hands. Using many of the skills and techniques developed with my father, I was now using brass.
I have designed two Flugelhorns, and several trumpets. I have restored very old instruments, worked on new instruments, and repaired rare and wonderful pieces. I have had the great pleasure of talking to some of the great makers and repairers of the day. I have spent some time in the B&S Factory in Germany, as well as the workshop of Jergen Voigt, Bernd Sander, and Bernhard Zirnbauer. These people have greatly influenced what I have done, and will do in the future.
Hienrich Thein told me a story about growing up in the piano shop of his father. It is this story that made me want to listen to players. What they want, what they dream of. Before I say “No,” I say, “Let’s see what we can do.” When I repair, I pay homage to the maker that came before me. When I make a trumpet, I try to be true to myself, and the dream of the artist who came to me with an idea.
Whether you want to buy one of my instruments, or just stop by and chat over a cup of coffee: I look forward to every tap at the door. Behind it, is a new adventure.
Best Regards,
George Schlub Trumpet Maker and Craftsman
Shoot George an email: detschlub@yahoo.com
The Trumpet is a great instrument whether jazz trumpet or solo trumpet, but requires a very strong embouchure. What kind of trumpet notes require this type of strong embouchure? High C, Double C, and Triple C all would require a strong embouchure to play these high trumpet notes. A trumpeter must take trumpet lessons to increase skill level. Trumpeters like Maynard Ferguson playing the trumpet solo, Give It One, and Bill Chase playing the trumpet solo, Get It On, had a very strong trumpet embouchure. Trumpets are made out of brass and make a beautiful sound when used in trumpet songs. James Last Orchestra also featured many fine trumpet players. This site has trumpet tips, trumpet websites, trumpet sites, trumpet teachers, trumpet tutors, and trumpet lessons. Don't forget about TPIN, Trumpet Player's International Network, ITG, and International Trumpet Guild.
