Flugelhorn Or Muted Trumpet - Which Is Best?

Here's a question for any trumpeters or jazz composers: I've noticed that a bucket-muted trumpet nicely approximates the sound of a Flugelhorn (as long as the part doesn't require the bucket-muted Trumpeter to bend and weave around pitches like only a Flugelhornist can). I've also noticed that the union rates for Trumpeters who double on Flugelhorn could add up - making me wonder why on earth anyone would ever write a Trumpet/Flug double instead of just writing "to bucket mute." So I ask you: What can the Flugelhorn do for me that the bucket-muted Trumpet can't? Does the Flug really handle so much better in the lower register? (I'm often using it between F3 and C4 to mimic a French Horn.) Can it really play so much louder than the bucket-muted trumpet?

And if I DO go with the Flug, should I delegate it to my second Trumpeter or my first? (Delegating it to the second would preserve the standard ranges, but it would leave my first chair silent for seriously long stretches - even for jazz.)

While a bucket may "approximate" a "flugelhorn-type" sound, it is not a flugelhorn. Generally, if a part calls for flugel, a bucket is considered a cheap emergency alternative.

I may not be able to address the specifics of why; however, while the sounds are similar, they are not the same. There's a reason Maria Schneider chooses one or the other. Reasons I expect you'll come to understand as your experience grows.

Also, yes, a flugelhorn would handle better in the lower register.

Many thanks.

As a trumpeter, I can say a bucket is similar, but not what you want ideally. With mutes that block the bell, projection is not as good, so by using a flugelhorn not only will it be a more authentic sound, but it will project and fill the room much better. But this would only really apply it was playing the melodic line I suppose? Tuning will also be better on a flugelhorn, mutes generally put off a trumpets tuning.

Depending on the question of who should play the flugel, it depends on the difficulty/flashiness of the music. If it is just relatively simple harmonic developments or a background motif or something like that, the 2nd trumpet is fine. But if it is front of house solo, then it should definetly be taken by 1st trumpet.

You question has allready been answered, but I think the point about projected sound may help :)

Ahhh. Journey Home is amazing!

Ahhh. Journey Home is amazing!

I know, right!