Gallery

Trumpets, Cornets, and Flugelhorns

Bach Stradivarius 190-37 "50th Ann." / Frankenhorn Bb Trumpet

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Bach Stradivarius 190-37 "50th Ann." / Frankenhorn Bb Trumpet

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My primary go-to trumpet for most gigs and performances. It was originally bought back in 2016 as a Bach Stradivarius 190-37 "50th Anniversary" Bb trumpet, and overtime several parts were changed out to fit my personal liking.

Some of the features and modifications consist of:

New Bach Stradivarius 1B lightweight commercial bronze bell
Monel-plated MAW valves
47-60 Pilczuk leadpipe
Customized nickel-silver mouthpiece receiver
Harmonic Balancers on 1st and 3rd valve slides
Reversed 2nd valve slide
Bájoc Ergonomic Valve Guides
"Reeves Cylinder Reinforcer" and "Bach Nickel-Silver Tone Ring"
Decorative Bubinga wood button on lower-outer tuning slide tube
Custom body bracing all throughout

This trumpet is my pride and joy, and it is also the main reason why I wanted to start building Bájoc custom trumpets. There may be some additional modifications done to it soon; but for now, I am very content with the current results of how this trumpet plays.

Autrey / Courtois / E.E. Benge Custom Piccolo Trumpet

Autrey / Courtois / E.E. Benge Custom Piccolo Trumpet

This 4-valve piccolo trumpet was originally a vintage Antoine Courtois “Roger Delmotte Model” piccolo trumpet, but was heavily modified by Byron Autrey sometime during his life. Some say that this was his personal piccolo trumpet that he used for several performances involving the piccolo trumpet—he loved to perform pieces composed by J.S. Bach and other Baroque-era composers.

He changed the bell to an Los Angeles E. Benge 5 bell, rearranged the bell and leadpipe to opposite positions on the valve block, and then modified the mouthpipe receiver to allow for a wide variety of different brand mouthpipes. The different brands include: Pilczuk, Benge, Kanstul, as well as some that he handmade on his own lathe—all keyed in either Bb/A/G, and with either trumpet/cornet mouthpiece receivers.

This piccolo trumpet comes with a "direct air column" valve block flowing through the pistons and casing ports allowing for better air flow and intonation, as well as a custom 3rd valve slide trigger that I installed for improved intonation on notes involving the 3rd valve.

C.G. Conn 38L "Boy Scout" Bb Bugle

C.G. Conn 38L "Boy Scout" Bb Bugle

This bugle began as a repair project back in the summer of 2021. It was originally a "Boy Scouts of America" sponsored G-F bugle made by C.G. Conn back in the early to mid-20th century. Back then, many manufactures provided bugles in different keys to produce different tones and to fulfill different musical-purposes. Today, most bugle calls are usually sounded off on a bugle in the key of Bb.

I have always wanted to own a nice vintage bugle for the purposes of sounding Taps and other bugle calls, and I saw this bugle as a perfect opportunity. With this C.G. Conn "Boy Scouts of America" bugle being in the key of G-F, I decided to completely disassemble the instrument and then reassemble it to a proper length to make it a Bb-pitched bugle. I also decided to switch out the original mouthpiece receiver with a cornet mouthpiece receiver.

E.E. Benge Burbank "Experimental" Eb Trumpet

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E.E. Benge Burbank "Experimental" Eb Trumpet

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Found in the estate of Byron Autrey, this one-of-a-kind “Experimental Model” Eb trumpet was made by E.E. Benge in 1968 during his time in Burbank, California (serial #: 7,XXX).

Originally constructed as a medium-large bore D/Eb trumpet, it was then converted to a tuning bell Eb trumpet at the Benge factory as an experiment to the tuning bell concept. The tuning bell concept was made popular by Renold Schilke when he started making his custom trumpets in Chicago, Illinois. No bell mandrel or model marking is indicated on the bell of this Eb trumpet, and the bore size reads out to a ML, .460”. It also came with a secondary D bell later on—a Kanstul 923 (Bach #239 bell mandrel) D bell with Benge-style bracing.

For the age and condition of this trumpet, it plays incredibly well for large ensemble/orchestral works involving Eb or D trumpet, having a bold yet brilliant sound all throughout the entire range of the instrument.

E.E. Benge 8Z Triple Shepherd's Crook Bb Cornet (Los Angeles)

E.E. Benge 8Z Triple Shepherd's Crook Cornet (Los Angeles)

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The Benge 8Z “vintage wrap” triple shepherd’s crook Bb cornet emulates, to some degree, the late 19th-century era “short model” cornets—more specifically models with similar wraps—such as the Boston 3-Star, the F. Besson Breveté, and many others.

Unlike other by-products of this wrap design (i.e. the Kanstul 1530 or the Flip Oakes “Wild Thing” short model cornet), the Benge 8Z features extra tall valves which distinguish it from other cornets holding to this similar design.

With a bore size of .468”, this cornet (dating from 1983) has a sweet sound and produces a mellow tone quality all throughout the entire range of the instrument.

E.K. Blessing "Artist" Flugelhorn

EK Blessing Artist Flugelhorn

The Blessing “Artist” Model flugelhorn was a top-end flugelhorn back in the mid to late-1950s. The 6” bell is made of red brass, which generates a warm, mellow sound with “creamy-like” tone quality. Additionally, the inner slide tubes are made from nickel-silver, the slides are configured in a vertical “French-style” configuration, and there is a 3rd valve slide trigger to adjust for intonation on notes involving the 3rd valve.

The Blessing “Artist” flugelhorn comes with a bore size of .459” and has a direct air column valve block—allowing for optimum blow and airflow. This flugelhorn is an upgrade from most other flugelhorn designs, where it comes equipped with extra quality characteristics that will benefit the player in any performance setting.

Henri Selmer "A-Modified" Bb Cornet

Henri Selmer "A-Modified" Bb Cornet

This Henri Selmer K-Modified (was "Autrey" Modified) Large bore Bb Cornet was previously owned and played on by the great cornet virtuoso and trumpet extraordinaire, Byron Autrey, all before the time of his passing in 2018.

Due to the original K-Modified leadpipe having large amounts of red rot, the original brass leadpipe was replaced with a silverplated-copper 45-53 Pilczuk leadpipe.

The result was an incredibly in-tune Bb cornet—with a bore size of .468”—that achieves a full yet broad sound and the “velvety” tone qualities of a traditional long model cornet.

Bel Canto / Kanstul 1410 D Trumpet

Bel Canto / Kanstul 1410 D Trumpet

This custom D trumpet began as a parts horn with a Bel Canto D trumpet leadpipe already soldered onto a Bel Canto valve block. It also had the original valve slides and main tuning slide.

All the parts of this trumpet, including the Kanstul 1410 bell, were found in the Byron Autrey estate and then assembled into this well-rounded D trumpet. Byron made some notes by writing with sharpie on the bell saying, “Special ’C’ Tpt | Regular Tun. Sl.,” and “Reg. Bell”. No other markings or engravings were found on this bell. Additionally, there is a Bel Canto serial number “0402 | 92” marked on the 2nd valve casing and a stamp pressed into the bottom, left-hand side of the 2nd valve casing saying, “Made In USA”. According to this serial number, this was the 2nd trumpet made in April, 1992—at least, that was when the valve cluster was manufactured.

The valve block contains a medium-large bore size of .459” and a semi-round tuning slide crook. The Bel Canto trumpets were hand-made by Dick Akright in collaboration with trumpet legend, Doc Severinsen. These trumpets were a close copy of the original N.Y.-era Bach Stradivarius trumpets. Unfortunately, these trumpets are no longer made due to high manufacturing costs.

Overall, this D trumpet plays and projects well for 2nd or 3rd trumpet parts in most Baroque-style pieces—such as Handel’s “Messiah” or J.S. Bach’s “Magnificat”.

Yamaha YTR-6445HS-II C Trumpet

Yamaha YTR-6445HSII Custom Trumpet

This Yamaha C Trumpet was gifted to Jacob at a very reasonable and generous price of $400—which was all that I had back when I was a junior in high school.

I have now modified it with a Blackburn 19-347 mouthpipe for better intonation and response, as well as a new Yamaha Chicago 2nd Generation main tuning slide crook to have a well-balanced blow and good feedback. To top it all off, I modified the main tuning slide and leadpipe to a hidden reverse style leadpipe and tuning slide.

This was by far the most enjoyable and yet satisfying modification that I have performed, so far.

Vintage Trumpets, and Cornets

Bach Stradivarius Corp., New York 213 / 206 C Trumpet

Bach Stradivarius Corp., New York 213/206 C Trumpet

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BSO Trumpets (L-R - Georges Mager, Roger Voisin, Rene Voisin, Marcelle Lafosse)

This Bach Stradivarius C trumpet model is one of 30 total trumpets that were made using this bell/leadpipe configuration—according to Bach historians and researchers. Vincent Bach during this time was still in the experimentation phase of his C trumpets; and yet, what is also mentioned is that these modified instruments eventually ended up in the hands of big orchestral persons, which led to many orchestral players becoming more interested in Bach's instruments later on.

This Stradivarius 213/206 C trumpet was initially purchased back in Sept. of 1931 by the well-renowned orchestral trumpet player, Harry Glantz, who played in the New York Philharmonic-Symphony. However, it was then sold back to Bach (due to Glantz deciding to go with C.G. Conn on the "14B Symphony Model" C trumpet project) and then later purchased by Georges Mager in Feb. of 1934, who played for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

According to the shop card, this C trumpet initial had a "207 bell" and possibly a "207 (never heard of this pipe mandrel) or a very early 7 mouthpipe" when it was completed in Sept. of 1930. That configuration was changed later (my speculations being that it was changed after Glantz sold the horn back to Vincent Bach) to what it is now with the 213 bell and 206 mouthpipe. The other writings on the shop card (i.e. the "A1", "G 50") is still a mystery to me and others.

It has a very rare telescoping bore from the mouthpipe (approx. .424"), to the end of the main tuning slide (approx. .440"), and finally to .459" in the valve cluster and valve slides.

With an overall ML bore size of .459”, this C trumpet plays incredibly well for being over 90 years old. Not to mention, it possesses a very cool history and background which shows us how young Vincent Bach proceeded to create his horns during his instrument-building stages, and what his early stages as a brass instrument maker were like.

You can see in the last three pictures: 1) Georges Mager posing with his 213/206 Stradivarius C trumpet; 2) Georges Mager, René Voisin, and Roger Voisin inspecting the C trumpet while on a train en route to one of their next performances; and 3) the BSO trumpet section with (L to R) Georges Mager, Roger Voisin, René Voisin, and Marcelle Lafosse with their Bach trumpets.

C.G. Conn 2B "New World Symphony" Bb Trumpet

C.G. Conn 2B "New World Symphony" Bb Trumpet

This vintage trumpet had some high-quality characteristics that replicated the famous F. Besson Paris Bb Trumpet—based on the overall build and design of the instrument. Rumor has it that Vincent Bach incorporated ideas from designs of the C.G. Conn 2B onto his own trumpet designs.

Some well-known artists who played a C.G. Conn 2B “New World Symphony” model during their careers were Fats Navarro—an American jazz trumpeter who pioneered the bebop style of jazz improvisation in the 1940s—and Harry Glantz—the principal trumpet player of the New York Philharmonic-Symphony (now “New York Philharmonic”) from 1928 to 1942 and who also worked with Conn on trumpet and mouthpiece designing.

Compared to modern trumpets built from popular manufacturers today, the C.G. Conn Model 2B is a much heavier horn due the the thick gauge bell and the additional hardware that promoted convenience to players in performing situations during the early 20th century (i.e. main tuning slide, 1st valve slide and 3rd valve slide stop rod to quickly change from the key of Bb to A; 1st valve slide thumb saddle; fingerhook on leadpipe).

For the age and condition of this trumpet, it plays very well in-tune and has an incredible response with a dark, bold tone.

F. Besson Breveté "Grand Prix" Bb Trumpet

F. Besson Breveté "Grand Prix" Bb Trumpet

This F. Besson Breveté "Grand Prix" trumpet (85,410) is nine serial number digits away from Elden E. Benge’s personal F. Besson Breveté "Grand Prix" trumpet (85,419)—the very trumpet that he used to make his famous Chicago Benge trumpets! It has a sweet, "French sound" to the tone and can project across a concert hall with ease.

The lightness of the bell and the overall construction makes it very versatile for most venues and concert settings. An incredible trumpet that possesses great playability as well as a great history.

Henri Selmer Paris "Grand Prix" 20B "Qualité Artistique" Bb/A Trumpet

Henri Selmer Paris "Grand Prix" 20B Bb/A Trumpet

An excellent French-made Bb/A trumpet, possessing high-quality French brass to make up the body of the instrument as well as a nickel-silver mouthpipe. It comes with the original tuning slide stop rod for a quick change from the key of Bb to the key of A on the main tuning slide, and also has an overall bore size of .456” all-throughout.

On the underside of the mouthpiece receiver, it reads:

BB (the key of Bb)
MB (medium bore — .456")
LP (low-pitch instrument)
20 (model of the instrument)

For a trumpet being over 80 years old, this trumpet plays beautifully with a mellifluous sound and a "French-like" tone. This trumpet would sound very well in 20th century trumpet solo repertoire, or in compositions following the styles of 20th century swing music or dixieland music.

Reynolds "Contempora" Pocket Trumpet

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Reynolds "Contempora" Pocket Trumpet

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This "pocket trumpet" project was constructed out of a complete body and bell of an old F.A. Reynolds 20-L "Contempora" Model Bb cornet. The valves were found in their original condition and still have excellent compression for being 60 years old—roughly. The bore of this instrument is a .462" large bore.

This pocket trumpet had a Olds "Mendez" model 3rd valve slide trigger installed on the 1st valve slide to allow for easy slide action, while supporting the left hand in a comfortable position. It also includes the original 4-3/4" "Bronz-o-lyte" bell with the nickel-silver tone ring, or "kranz"; the brass valve valve casings with nickel-silver upper balusters and trim; and an extra "turned-around" 3rd valve slide—to give this pocket trumpet a better "pocket trumpet" appearance.

This little pocket trumpet turned into a large modification and restoration project in the long run. I have come to realize though that after reconstructing the horn and playing it, the experience and the task of being able to successfully make a pocket trumpet out of an old horn was quite rewarding.

Lyon & Healy "Own-Make" Bb Cornet

Lyon & Healy "Own-Make" Bb Cornet

This cornet has surely gone through the test of time, as well as an extensive test on durability. When I received this cornet, I went ahead and performed a full repair and restoration—due to the rough shape it was in upon arrival. Not only that, I wanted to try and improve the condition of this cool cornet into a beautiful show piece.

The valve block is made up of brass valve casings and upper balusters made of bronze, along with a code that is stamped on the top of the 2nd upper baluster reading “3I”. According to the serial number and well-kept records, this cornet dates to the year late-1901.

A neat feature about this cornet is that it has the old style “wishbone” waterkey system. It currently has the mouthpiece tuning bit in the key of concert Bb and fits small short shank cornet mouthpieces. The patina of this instrument is in a raw finish with a light scratch-brush appearance.

Thibouville-Lamy & Co. Rifler's Bugle

Thibouville-Lamy & Co. Rifler's Bugle

This Rifler's Bugle made by the French instrument company, Thibouville-Lamy & Co., was gifted to Jacob in May of 2022 while his parents-in-law visited his sister-in-law in northern Iraq. While there, they made a stop at a "souk" (Iraqi market) in Erbil to browse the beautifully hand-stitched carpets. What was to be discovered later in one of the market's shops was this vintage bugle sitting far back in one of the shop cabinets. What a find!

Supposedly, this bugle was made sometime between the start of the 20th-century and before the eruption of World War I. How this bugle arrived in this souk located in Erbil, Iraq is quite a mystery to everyone. However, doing some research on history has led Jacob to speculate on this bugle and how it ended up in northern Iraq.

What he found is that this Thibouville-Lamy & Co. bugle was made in Paris, France after the year 1900 (observing the last Expositions Universelles de Paris date on the bell) and distributed to the British for carrying out military-related duties and tasks. In this case, the forces of the British Empire stationed on the Eastern front of WWI close to Iraq would have assigned a bugler to use the bugle for calls during the Mesopotamia Campaign. This British campaign lasted from the start of the war up until the year 1917 with the fallout of the Ottoman Empire in Baghdad, Iraq.

This +110-year-old bugle is made entirely of copper with yellow brass trim all throughout, and it also comes with a "pigtail" attachment to make the bugle play in the key of Bb.