Experience Benchmark Trumpets

Leadpipes

All of the trumpet leadpipes regardless of key or application begin as simple tube stock. I use yellow brass, red brass, copper and nickel silver to produce the pipes for each model. Currently I have 4 separate tapers for Bb, 2 for C, one for Eb/D and one for piccolo trumpet. When combined with the different alloys they offer a great variety of playing options for the prospective musician.  

Bells

The Bb models are offered using three different bell shapes.

#1. The number one taper is designed as modified Bessel horn shape. It is very flexible depending on the player's mouthpiece selection and playing style. It can be dark when needed and quite bright when pushed.

#2. The number two bell is a simple Bessel horn shape and like most of the industry standard bells it offers very solid intonation and response characteristics. It is comfortable in virtually every setting.

#3. The number three bell is larger in the throat than either of the other bells I offer. While maintaining the larger flair exponent and related tapers it offers a darker sounding option for the player. It still maintains tonal centers and intonational response that is expected in the industry.

Eb/D

The bell taper offered for the Eb/D trumpet is matched to the bore size and lead pipe taper to give better more even results on both sides of the instrument. Too often in the industry, one side of these combination trumpets has serious response and intonational pitfalls. I have taken the time to balance these issues with the bell and leadpipe used on this trumpet.

Fusion

The Fusion Bb bell is simply huge. It sounds like a hybrid cross of a flugelhorn and a cornet. Currently this model has a standard Bb bend but I am looking at the option of adding a shepard's crook.

Piccolo

#1. Industry standard shape to give each player something they might find familiar to start with or to end on. Solid intonation along with a responsive upper register.

#2. A slightly larger version of the number one bell offering a bit more warmth to the sound while maintaining the response and intonation that is expected by todays musicians.

#3. A Bessel horn shape for the piccolo. Designed to play very evenly throughout the full range of the instrument.

Valve body and pumps

The valve body is made up of 260 alloy brass. It is known for its durability in application and difficulty to machine. The balusters are made from 330 alloy and the pumps are Monel.

Tooling

When possible I cut and form as much of the tooling as I can including leadpipe mandrels, dies, bell mandrels, knuckle and bow molds. Bending fixtures and drilling fixtures are also made here.