The past few years have seen the introduction of the Phat Boy flugel and the Vulcan series.. Both started life as Custom Shop Specials. Proof that something can come of pushing the boundaries that little bit further. We have continued to keep pushing those parameters, and here are a few examples of what we have created since the last Custom shop page was introduced.
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Hope you enjoy the horns and get a buzz from what can be done. And remember, some of this thinking and engineering ‘will’ filter down to the mainstream eventually. Don’t look so worried, it’s the same deal in all form of development. Its only by pushing at the envelope that you find new and exciting alternatives.
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 Artwork often plays a big part in Custom Shop designs. Here are few examples where the artwork contribution is the main factor. This can be painted, engraved or sculpted.
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 This is the most ambitious and complex build we have ever done. The result is either stunning, or disgusting, depending on you personal aesthetic viewpoint. Do I care? Not in the least! I personally love this one and to make it all the more worthwhile it plays great. Howard Wiseman made a special one off Batman black leather case to finish off the whole package. (Check out the Wiseman cases website for more information on these Rolls Royce of instrument cases) Smile or weep, one thing for sure, you won’t ‘not’ have an opinion on this one!
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What do you make for the girl who has everything? She has the talent. She has the look. She has the personality. She needs 'the horn'. Cindy Bradley approached me asking, “I want the most striking, different ‘Girlie’ pink horn you can make”. It has to be shockingly noticeable, it has to be pink, it has to ‘fit’ me, and it has to play good to. Pretty tall order for instrument that generally has a, well, to put it bluntly, masculine image. After a few discussions I realized that Cindy has a very cool sense of humour and was not holding back about the ‘shock’ value she wanted from this instrument. She was deadly serious about the ‘Girlie’ vibe. If the lady wants pink then the lady will get pink. And its very pink. I think the sexy shape of the Freddie horn really suits this colour. The sexy colour adds to the gentle curves, and the jewels around the bell rim add that little bit of feminine bling. Funny thing is, after making this horn the number of guys who have said ‘I’d play that’ has been staggering. Perhaps trumpet players do have a softer side after all!! |
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| Bit of a joke trumpet this one. Made a couple of these now. This one has two bells, one facing forward so it can be used ‘conventionally’, the other facing back to the player. This can be seen in two ways. One it’s the ultimate practice/tone developing trumpet ever made, as you hear ‘exactly’ what you sound like. Or, two, it’s an affront to your dignity to have a trumpet bell shoved so close to your face. Why is it nicknamed trumpet builders revenge? Well, the trumpet player gets to hear exactly what trumpet builders have to endure in their workshops or at music conference exhibit tables!! Its fun, and its surprising just how many players won’t play anything in their top octave on this, the Maynard licks stay firmly locked away. I wonder why! |
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