That 45-degree angle that made history in the world of jazz
Unconventional yet iconic: The Committee “Dizzy” Model
[Overview]
Martin Trumpet, Committee "Dizzy" Gillespie Model. 120mm double-walled yellow brass detachable bell. 445" small valve bore (No. 1). Outer and inner tubes of each slide, upper valve casing, upper and lower valve caps, and mouthpiece receiver: nickel silver.Instrument weight: 1049 grams. Manufactured circa 1960. Accessories: Original genuine hard case (spring on one side of the latch is bent, but it closes. There are traces of name removal on the lid).
[Condition]
The instrument has been repainted. There is a crack repair made with a patch on the lower part of the mouthpipe and on the second slide. Additionally, there are small scratches and areas where the lacquer has worn off. The interior has been cleaned, the rubber parts replaced, and the instrument has been fully adjusted and serviced. The clearances on each slide and the piston seals are in good condition.
[Features & Appeal]
This is Martin Committee’s “Dizzy” Model with an up-bell design, a name passed down alongside that of the giant of modern jazz, Dizzy Gillespie.
Its distinctive 45-degree upward tilt is so striking even among trumpets that it possesses a powerful symbolism that cannot be dismissed as merely a modified model. Before it is an instrument for producing sound, this silhouette itself evokes a scene from jazz history. It is truly a special model.
The appeal of this model cannot be measured by practicality or versatility alone.
The up-bell design itself exists somewhat outside the realm of conventional wisdom, yet possesses a power to captivate the moment you see it, transcending logic. Its appearance seems to embody the flamboyance, humor, and aesthetic sensibility of Dizzy Gillespie.
That said, this instrument is not defined solely by its visual impact.
The Committee model itself—designated Bass—is a trumpet that offers a high degree of freedom and strongly reflects the player’s individuality. By combining this with the .445-inch small bore (#1) featured in this instrument (Recruit), a balance is achieved between the open, expansive sound characteristic of the up-bell and the instrument’s controllability. Furthermore, the detachable bell structure, unique to the Martin version, is a major feature.Unlike the one-piece up-bells on the King and Silky models that Gillespie used in his later years, this design suggests that the up-bell—a special component—was still being approached with a certain degree of rationality.
This Committe possesses a charm that cannot be fully captured by specifications or rationality alone.
The playing feel, the design, the background—all of it connects to the very essence of Dizzy. It is an extremely impressive model, deeply imbued with that atmosphere.
That 45-degree angle—an impact etched into jazz history.
This special Committee conveys that romance to the present day.
