After interviewing Lisa Holownia a few months ago about her new product Buzz Buddy, I was really excited to receive some through the post to try out.
Category: Gear
Hawkins Mutes : Straight Mute Review
"These mutes provide genuine value to a trumpeter’s toolkit. Playability is exceptional, sound is different to anything else available, and they are indestructible!"
Design Innovations : BuzzBuddy
Designed in Australia by Lisa Holownia, BuzzBuddy provides a lip cushion to make it more comfortable to play. It has revolutionised trumpet playing for students with braces or dental work and is also great for outdoor playing. Lisa talks to us here about the process of design and what brought her to create BuzzBuddy in the first place.
Agami Trumpets : Instrument Review
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
Using Guitar Pedals for an Innovative Trumpet Sound
The widespread use of the trumpet in music dates back to jazz in the early 20s, but we hear it in so much more music today. Aside from blending in classic orchestral pieces, trumpets can elevate a piece's melody because of their distinct sound. But how do we further innovate the sound of the trumpet?Trumpets… Continue reading Using Guitar Pedals for an Innovative Trumpet Sound
Adams Trumpets in the UK
The past few years has seen some tough times for the Musical Instruments industry in general, with many established manufacturers, distributors and retailers feeling the pinch - this has however left opportunities for a number of smaller companies to diversify and expand, and we have also seen a number of new niche companies spring up.… Continue reading Adams Trumpets in the UK
Resources for Group Trumpet Tuition
Music education has changed drastically over the past few years, and is a topic upon which instrumental teachers have often lamented. In the UK in particular we had a sudden shift to whole-class and group instrumental tuition 12 years ago, which has taken a long time to establish itself as anything more than a musical… Continue reading Resources for Group Trumpet Tuition
Bagpipe Lung
A New Year 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 doctors… Continue reading Bagpipe Lung
Practice Mutes
Choosing the right practice mute can be a tricky decision. Weighing up characteristics such as volume, resistance, sound and of course price, with so many mutes currently available is a minefield. I have done some side-by-side testing on 6 different models here. Practicing or warming up with a practice mute is always going to have… Continue reading Practice Mutes