It is rare to be sent something through for review that has been this highly anticipated. The Agami Trumpet range is the brainchild of Thierry Sohier and has been 7 years in development. There are a number of different configurations focussing on changes of bell alloy material to give variety of timbre and playability for… Continue reading Agami Trumpets : Instrument Review
Category: Gear Review
Finding the perfect orchestral mouthpiece
I have spent a lot of time recently (mainly virtually!) working with players who have used this enforced period of time off to look at new and possibly better mouthpiece options for themselves. Many classical, and particularly specialist orchestral players are traditionally very conservative in their choices and often choose to stick to the ‘tried… Continue reading Finding the perfect orchestral mouthpiece
How to Clean the Trumpet
Keep your horn clean and you will never have a problem with sticky valves or slides. Keeping it clean inside also removes bacteria that can build up in the tubing.
Music Stand Lighting and Your Eyes
Headaches, eye fatigue, or stiff neck or shoulder? It might be your music stand lighting.
Faxx : Mute Review
The Faxx brand may already be known to many of you. It has a reputation for reliable accessories at a reasonable price. I have recommended the Faxx mouthpieces to young students for many years as they offer comfort and quality at a price point that is appealing to parents! However I was yet to try… Continue reading Faxx : Mute Review
Trumpet Artist Profile : Alexandre Herichon
Alexandre Herichon is an eclectic musician, at home playing lead trumpet, improvising, and as a composer/arranger. He shares some trumpeting thoughts as well his experience with his new Agami trumpet. What first drew you to the trumpeting the early days? My parents listened to jazz music when I was a kid, and we saw, sometimes,… Continue reading Trumpet Artist Profile : Alexandre Herichon
Jon Faddis on Ullvén Mutes
...from Jon Faddis: "Hello, Fellow Brass Players, I would like to tell you about some really good news, not just for me, but for trumpet and trombone players all over the world.Swedish trumpeter Lasse Lindgren has acquired the rights to make Ullven mutes, which have been unavailable for many years, and also happen to be… Continue reading Jon Faddis on Ullvén Mutes
Instrument Review : C Trumpet from Norwich Natural Trumpets
I was recently sent a new C trumpet by Matt Martin from Norwich Natural Trumpets. This was designed in collaboration with Mark Bennett and has arrived with me looking spectacular. These trumpets are custom-built to order, but surprisingly do not have the custom price tag. In fact they are currently less expensive than many people's… Continue reading Instrument Review : C Trumpet from Norwich Natural Trumpets
Bagpipe (or trumpet!) Lung
A school year looming brings with it a fresh start, and a resolution to keep instruments clean and hygienic. If you need any further confirmation of the importance of keeping your instrument clean, please read on!… Back in August 2016, the BBC and numerous other news agencies were reporting on a journal article written by… Continue reading Bagpipe (or trumpet!) Lung
Do Bell Covers help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
OK, so I need to say right off the bat that I have no intention of actually answering this question! I am certainly not qualified. This past year (plus change) has seen it become ok for us all to express ‘opinions’ on science, and for us to have the choice to either agree or disagree, sometimes depending on our political leanings. This confusion has been confusing!
Alliance Brass : Mouthpiece Review
Alliance Brass mouthpieces were launched in 2006 by Roger Webster, former principal cornet with Black Dyke and Grimethorpe. Initially these were for the brass band world to accompany Besson instruments but in more recent times, there have been some significant developments with their trumpet range. Stephen Wick from Alliance Brass and Denis Wick Products was… Continue reading Alliance Brass : Mouthpiece Review
Clary Woodmutes : Mute Review
Further to my interview with Tom Clary, the master craftsman behind 'Clary Woodmutes' [read it here if you haven't already!], Tom has kindly sent me a beautiful Kramer Adjustable Cup model to try out. Crafted from gorgeous Sapele and Cherry woods, this model is named after Don Kramer, one of Tom's former teachers. The above… Continue reading Clary Woodmutes : Mute Review
Trumpet Artist Profile : Kissis Muñoz
Originally from Venezuela, Kissis Muñoz is now based in Miami and building a reputation for herself as a top trumpet player... What first attracted you to the trumpet? What made me fall in love with the trumpet was its sweet sound and also its strength. Any early musical influences? Yes, my dad runs a band… Continue reading Trumpet Artist Profile : Kissis Muñoz
Trumpet Artist Profile : Lasse Lindgren
Lasse Lindgren is a multi-faceted musician, with a reputation as a great 'lead' trumpet player as well as a great 'jazz' player. In recent times, he is also responsible for the resurrection of the great Ullvén Mute brand, made famous by players such as Dizzy Gillespie and Maynard Ferguson. Lasse kindly talks to me here… Continue reading Trumpet Artist Profile : Lasse Lindgren
Edgware by BBICO
I was recently sent a range of new products to take through their paces from BBICO - the British Band Instrument Company. Their Edgware range (named after their North London home) encompasses an intriguing ethos of sustainability.