Transfiguration Temper

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The term "transfiguration temper" refers to a phenomenon in brass instruments where the bell flare and thickness at the shoulder are modified to produce a different timbre, or tone color, than what would be expected from the instrument's designation (e.g., a traditional B♭ trumpet).The term "transfiguration" came into use in the early 1990s to describe a series of customized Vincent Bach trumpets produced byMenuItem Musical Services, a Michigan-based company known for its innovative brass instrument design work.The transfiguration modification involves bending and redistributing the metal around the shoulder and flare of the bell, creating a distinct sound more akin to a hybrid flugelhorn/trombone tone. The name "transfiguration" is a combination of the words "transform" and "figuration," "figuration" being a musical term meaning the arrangement or layout of notated music.Instrument makers have used variations of the transfiguration modification to produce customized trumpets and flugelhorns in sizes ranging from C to G tuba. Manufacturers using this technique include Menuet, Getzen, Besson, and King. The transfiguration modification has become widely known and recognized by brass musicians, collectors, and the general public.