Malcolm's B & S Horn Collection
Throughout my career I’ve basically used the same vintage equipment: A medium bore Bb, a medium large C, and later I added an Eb trumpet to my everyday arsenal. Needless to say, I was very satisfied using this equipment and I wasn’t in a hurry to switch to newer horns.
However, my friend and colleague Vince DeRosa started collaborating with Gerhard Meinl at B&S. I was realizing that the work they were doing was terrific-they were able to capture the classic sound of Vince’s horns, add some modern design improvements, and get a great sounding instrument with improved playability and pitch.
Later Gerhard approached me with the idea of doing the same type of work with trumpets and asked if I would be interested in helping them develop a line of instruments. For sure I was interested, and the “Exquisite” line of trumpets was born.
I visited their shop and saw that they were a company of real tradition and pride. They went about making their bells in the classic tradition-the only way to make bells with such a broad spectrum of sound-and they took great pride in their craftsmanship. In fact, many of the employees at B&S are the second or third generation of instrument makers in their family.
The designs for my trumpets are based off of my vintage instruments. They feature the famous “French Bead” on the bell, they have narrow braces (much like my vintage trumpets), leadpipe designs that are very much in line with my previous instruments, and a sound with a quality lacking in many of today’s modern designs.
However, these instruments are not a mere copy of my old instruments. Many improvements have been made to improve these instruments pitch, response, evenness, and overall handling.
I am confident that ANY serious trumpet player could quickly be at home with one of my instruments. I would also like to add, that in my travels I frequently do not travel with all of my own instruments, and I end up borrowing an “Exquisite” trumpet from a local music store for performances. The consistency in the production of B&S instruments is such that I can comfortably (and confidently) play on any of these horns off the shelf-and I have!
On playing these instruments, I must say, efficiency is key! I’ve never been a “bigger is better” type of player, and I’ve spent my entire career learning how to be increasingly efficient behind the trumpet. When trying an “Exquisite” trumpet, try not to over-blow. Back off the air, don’t force, and play off the resistance of the instrument. You will adapt quicker than you think and these instruments may very well guide your development into being an even more efficient trumpeter.
The “Exquisite” line of trumpets offered by B&S include a Bb, a C, and an Eb trumpet:
