A. Selmer K-MODIFIED 23 B♭ Trumpet

“European elegance, brought to the American stage.”
The American Selmer K-Modified, which Harry “Sweets” Edison loved throughout his life.

[Overview]
American Selmer B♭ trumpet, K-Modified. 118-mm yellow brass bell.11.64 mm (.458") valve bore. Equipped with an A-stop rod. Lacquer finish. Instrument weight: 1,098 grams. Accessories: Genuine hard case (shows signs of wear and tear). Manufactured
in 1959*The A-stop rod (the rod portion) can be removed.[Condition]
Retains over 90% of the original lacquer, which has aged to an amber hue.There are signs of repair from a dent on the curved section behind the bell and on the second slide, with some lacquer loss visible around those areas. There are also scattered small areas of lacquer loss and scuffs; however, considering it was manufactured in 1959, the instrument is in very good overall condition. Clearance in each slide and piston sealing are both good. The instrument has been cleaned inside and out, the soft parts have been replaced, and all parts have been serviced and adjusted.

[Features]
The “K-Modified,” a vintage American Selmer trumpet introduced in 1954. Based on the flagship model from French Selmer, this model features a mouthpiece receiver redesigned by brass instrument design consultant Keith Ecker to accommodate the shank shape of mouthpieces widely used in the United States at the time.

The “K” in “K-Modified” stands for Keith Ecker, and “Modified” literally means “modified” or “improved.” While the changes may seem minor at first glance, the fit between the mouthpiece shank and the receiver—as well as the positional relationship between the tip of the shank and the entrance to the leadpipe—are critical factors that determine response and resistance. The essence of this model lies in the fact that, as early as the 1950s, its designers focused on these aspects to adapt it to the American market.

This instrument is a “23” type manufactured in 1959. The model number indicates a combination of bore size and leadpipe shape; this instrument features an 11.64 mm (.458") bore.

Its sound is characterized by a lustrous, resonant core that retains a certain mellow, “wet” quality. Although it was redesigned with the American market in mind, it still strongly evokes the elegance and European character of its French Selmer origins.

Additionally, the instrument’s elaborate design—typical of Selmer instruments of that era—is a major attraction. This includes a slightly smaller 118-millimeter bell; a rim shape reminiscent of a kranz reinforcing the bell’s edge; old-fashioned finger hooks designed to lift the instrument off its stand; a water key featuring Selmer’s “S” motif; a long, intricately shaped valve casing; and an internally threaded bottom cap.

The K-Modified is also known for having been cherished as a lifelong companion by Harry “Sweets” Edison—who made his name with the Count Basie Orchestra—ever since he acquired it in the mid-1950s, shortly after its release. While it was not a model that dominated the mainstream of its era, it remains an exceptionally fascinating piece in Selmer’s history, representing a unique blend of European elegance and the practicality of American jazz.