Description
The Legends Heim 1 is based on a vintage Holton Heim 1. Although it was originally used for symphony playing, it is also well suited for jazz. The rim is medium wide and extremely comfortable for extended jazz performances. The inside diameter is .624″, which is well suited for upper register notes. The cup is medium deep to deep (similar to Bach A/B) with a slightly convex V shape (somewhere between bowl and straight V). The throat is an open #25, and the backbore is a Legends Chicago which has a broad sound. The Legends Heim 1 is available in multiple blanks, but a popular choice is the Big Daddy blank. The added mass of this blank enhances core and darkens the sound. The Legends Heim 1 mouthpiece has a unique combination of characteristics which support comfort and efficiency, while enhancing tone and allowing the flexibility desired by jazz and symphonic professionals alike.
The Holton Heim 1 that inspired this mouthpiece was originally made by Frank Holton & Co. for the legendary Gustav Heim (1879-1933). Heim was once described as “the embodiment of the true spirit of symphony trumpeting.” He was principal trumpet with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (1904-1905), The Philadelphia Orchestra (1905-1906), Boston Symphony Orchestra (1906-1920), Detroit Symphony Orchestra (1920-1921), Philharmonic Society of New York (1921-1923), The Cleveland Orchestra (1923-1924), and New York Symphony Society (1925-1928). In addition, he had a studio in Manhattan where he taught, and of course recommended Holton Heim mouthpieces to his students. Notable students included William Vacchiano and Harry Glantz, among others.
There are two original variations of this mouthpiece, the Heim 1 and Heim 2. The Heim 1 cup is deeper, but otherwise the two mouthpieces are very similar. (See the Legends Brass Heim 2 here). These mouthpieces are sometimes confused with the similar mouthpieces created by Joseph Gustat (1888-1951). Gustat recommended his Gustat #2 mouthpiece, which is reminiscent of the Heim 2, to his student, Miles Davis. Some sources say Miles Davis played the Heim 2 for most of his career, although he certainly played a Gustat #2, and also a Giardinelli mouthpiece in his later years. Other great jazz trumpeters, such as Enrico Rava, Wallace Roney, and Roy Hargrove have used Holton Heim 1 and 2 mouthpieces. Although first used for symphonic and orchestral music, over the years these mouthpieces have been sought after by professional jazz trumpeters. The flexibility in volume and range, beautiful rich tone, and enhanced endurance they provide allows maximum creativity in a jazz setting.
References:
- O.J.’s Trumpet Page. Gustav Heim. http://ojtrumpet.net/heim/
- MeeuwsenMouthpieces.com. Trumpet “Jazz” cup concepts. https://www.meeuwsenmouthpieces.com/jazz-cups.html
- “A trip through the Holton Factory.” (Elkhorn, Wis.: Frank Holton and Co., 1920); Online facsimile at: http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/search.asp?id=1211; Visited on: 2/22/2019
- Feldman, Mitchell. On the Road with JazzPar Prize Winner Enrico Rava. Jazz Journalists Association Library 2002. http://www.jazzhouse.org/library/?read=feldman3
Legends Brass is in no way affiliated with Miles Davis or the estate of Miles Davis, the Holton Company, or any other entity mentioned here. All web links, videos, and text found on this site are for educational and entertainment purposes only. No relationship between the parties is implied. Legends Brass uses this information solely to honor the accomplishments, legacy and history of the great performing artists and companies mentioned.
