When a new product comes on the market, I usually approach it with abounding skepticism for it seems everyone has the best product and the best deal for every unsuspecting customer. But, when I was shown the Aria music stand light a few weeks ago, I knew I had to have one. My expectations for the perfect stand light are these- • An abundance of light covering the entire stand area • Convenient and secure attachment to the stand • No light distractions for the audience • Constructed to last • Long lasting bulbs • Even white light with no…

In everyone’s life, there are things which we hold dear. It might be a sunset shared by a loved one. It might have been a soft touch from a very special persons hand upon yours. But to a trumpet player, it’s always that perfect trumpet. This is where my story begins. Early in the 1970’s I purchased what I thought would be my first and last C trumpet. Unfortunately, we did not get along very well. I expected more out of my new Bach CL 229L than it could offer me. And being the true hearted Schilke advocate that I…

Listed prices changing constantly! Single Soft Side Cases Now we have come to what I feel is the best compromise among all of the cases mentioned. The soft sided trumpet cases have advanced to the point that the protection is acceptable and the issue of excessive weight has also been addressed. If I were to purchase a new case for my horns, I would definitely go for one of these. Of the cases listed below, my choice would definitely be this one- Protec Standard PRO PAC Trumpet Case Price- $75.99/Material- Nylon/foam/Rating- 4-5 ***** http://www.wwbw.com/Protec-Standard-PRO-PAC-Trumpet-Case-540692-i1151238.wwbw Front section for music. Large accessory…

Gig Bags The basic design of trumpet gig bag has not changed much in the past twenty years. The basic design was originated to serve the convenience of the player. There is not too much protection for the trumpet when transported but the ease of carrying more than makes up for the lack of security. That is if you don’t care what happens to your horn. I never trusted a gig bag to any of my horns so I have to admit that my opinions of the trumpet gig bag might be slightly bias. Most of my friends do use…

Traditional Hard Cases Almost every professional trumpet came packaged in a traditional hard case and most often these were made with wood panels covered with a leather or leather like material. These are considered very strong and protect the instrument from most abusive encounters.  Some are designed with extra room for accessories such as mutes, music, and valve oil and some are designed to only carry one trumpet. Some manufacturers place the trumpet on it’s side as in the case of the Bach and some secure the trumpet in an upright position as in the case of Yamaha and Schilke.…

Part 1 What are the different kinds of trumpet cases? Most trumpets are purchased with accompanying cases and to the average person, this is adequate. Your instrument is expensive and deserves the best protection possible. But is the case that came with your instrument up to the task? If you search on line or at local music stores, the vast number and features of new cases can be confusing. One manufacturer advertises that theirs is the strongest and another manufacturer states that theirs is the lightest and still others say theirs is the strongest and the lightest. So what can…