Brass instruments conquered the hearts of millions of people with their powerful and cutting sound that works unique in each specific setting. In orchestras it fills the overall atmosphere with solemn vibes and dramatic intensity; in jazz it adds sharp articulation and power; in film scores it helps create attention-grabbing hero’s themes. Although it’s not the brass instruments solely responsible for working magic, the world-renowned brands standing behind them do matter too. In this article, we’ve decided to have a look at some of the most iconic brass instruments and the brands who designed and developed them.
Schilke Brass Instruments
When speaking about Schilke brass instruments it’s impossible not to think about truly beautiful craftsmanship and innovative design. Many musicians consider Schilke creations as “the jewel of the industry” as they combine beauty, quality, and excellent playability. For their precision and adaptability to personal needs, Schilke brass instruments are highly valued by lead players in big bands, teachers, and students.
The founder of the Schilke Company, Renold O. Schilke was not only interested in music and the art of instrument making, but was a musician himself. He performed as an orchestral trumpet player in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the WGN Radio Symphony.
In addition to his active performance career, he dedicated his time to teaching, sharing his practical knowledge with younger musicians at universities and during his private lessons. This close interaction with students provided Renold with an opportunity to have a deeper understanding of challenges that beginners deal with. This inspired him with an intention to create instruments and musical equipment that can help younger musicians develop their talents.
He founded his company in 1956 with the idea of innovations and the pursuit of perfection. It took only three years for his instruments to become in demand among professional musicians. Despite the period of more than four decades, Schilke instruments and equipment still hold a reputation as the best choice for professional players around the world. The company collaborated with many talented musicians such as Marc Geujon, Andrew Naumann, Osamu Takahashi, and more.
Today’s Schilke collection features Bb trumpets, C trumpets, higher key trumpets (E, Eb/D, G, G/F), cornets, flugelhorns, and trombones. The company also offers mouthpieces for each of the mentioned instruments and additional products.
Bach Brass Instruments
There are hardly any musicians who are not familiar with this brand’s name, especially with Bach Strad trumpet models that still remain the professional standard. The history of the company goes back to 1925 when the legendary musician and brass instrument manufacturer, Vincent Bach, introduced the first Bach Stradivarius trumpets. His first model was greatly welcomed, which built Bach's reputation as a trumpet maker in addition to his success with mouthpieces that was his starting point. The growing interest in Bach Stradivarius trumpets set a new standard in brass instrument manufacturing and cemented the brand’s name among the most respected makers.
The Stradivarius line is favored for its resonant sound and precise intonation. Browsing their collection of trumpets, musicians are immediately drawn to their appealing design and construction, featuring lacquer, silver-plated, and gold brass finishes. The most renowned and popular trumpet models include:
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The Bach 180S37, featuring a medium-large bore size. This instrument is famous for its balanced and focused sound, which made it a favourite among trumpet teachers and professional musicians who play in various genres.
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The Bach 180ML37, featuring a medium-large bore. This is a perfect compromise model for musicians who are looking for the warmth of a large bore and the agility of a medium bore. It’s considered the bestselling professional trumpet of all time.
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The Bach 180S43, featuring a large bore, which results in a broader sound. Musicians value it for its powerful and projecting tone, which works well for orchestral, jazz and solo performances.
In addition to a huge collection of trumpets with standard sound, the company also offers trombones with unparalleled quality of tone, cornets and flugelhorns with great flexibility, mouthpieces and musical accessories.
Edwards Brass Instruments
The history of Edwards Instrument Company began in 1989 to satisfy the needs of musicians who have a clear vision of how a perfect brass instrument should look and feel. The company is closely connected with the Getzen Instrument Company, which is their parent company.
To this day, the ideas about instruments and accessories are brought to life by the team of people who have been embodying progressive Edwards projects for many years, enhancing their approaches.
Among the collection of Edwards trombones, musicians can find:
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tenor trombones with small and large bore, featuring rotor and harmonic bridge, axial flow valve, and other innovations.
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bass trombones, featuring dependent and independent conventional rotors, second valve variable tuning, harmonic bridge, axial flow valve, and more options.
In addition to instruments, the company also produces a range of trombone accessories: counterweights, trigger levers, metal rod ends, edge bracing, and trombone bags.
The collection of Edwards trumpets features X-Series, including traditional Bb trumpets and trombones with a non-modular setup, working well for players of all skill levels.
Earlier the company also offered Generation Series, featuring modular trumpets which are no longer available.
Yamaha Brass Instruments
Yamaha is one of the most recognized brand names in the world of musical instruments that began its history in Japan in the late 19th century, when its founder, Torakusu Yamaha, repaired a broken reed organ in 1887. The same year he produced his first organ. In 1897 he established Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd. which is currently known as Yamaha Corporation.
Initially started as a piano and reed organ manufacturer, Yamaha successfully earned a reputation in the wind instrument market. Today it’s a global leader, offering a range of trumpets, flugelhorns, cornets, trombones, horns, tubas, French horns, and other instruments that boast of innovation and high quality standards.
Yamaha brass instruments stand apart from other instruments due to their engineering and musical character. Many teachers recommend Yamaha trumpets and other models as a first choice for beginners, but their instruments aren’t limited just to use by aspiring musicians. Yamaha’s brass instruments can be seen on respected concert stages and in well-known recording studios around the world.
The company offers student-level models aimed at easy performance and developing talents as well as a professional series of brass instruments ready to accompany experienced musicians on their way to experiments in various genres.
Yamaha constantly invests in research and collaboration with top musicians. They design their brass instruments in partnership with top players to give birth to the instruments that really correspond to contemporary musicians’ needs.
Alexander Brass Instruments
The Alexander brand is a family business of seven generations with their roots going back to 1782, when Franz Ambros Alexander founded the company. Since their first days, their horns have combined craftsmanship, durable construction and quality sound.
During all these decades the descendants of the company founder and musical instrument maker Franz Ambros Alexander keep on preserving traditions and delighting the world with beautifully-crafted models. Today the Gebr. Alexander is still directed by the descendants of its founder.
Georg Philipp Alexander, the son of Anton Julius Alexander, has been the director of the company since 1999. During this period, the company incorporated many technologies, which pushed their potential.
The key priority of the Alexander brand is focused on a combination of traditions and progress. Unlike larger manufacturers, the Gebr. Alexander produces instruments on a smaller scale, with a strong highlight on hand craftsmanship. This means each instrument is assembled and tested by the team of devoted professionals before it arrives to musicians as a one-of-a-kind piece.
French horns traditionally remain their crown jewel and the instruments the Alexander name is mostly associated with. On their website, you can find a great variety of descant, single, double, triple, natural horns. However, the company also develops other brass instruments such as trumpets, trombones, and tubas. Alexander brass instruments can be seen in the world-renowned orchestras, educational institutes and among aspiring musicians.
Besson Brass Instruments
Besson is one of the iconic names in brass manufacturing with a history that goes back to the mid-19th century. The company was founded in 1837 in Paris by Gustave Auguste Besson who was a genius in acoustic science. Although the company quickly gained attention for their innovation, craftsmanship and especially revolutionary early designs by Gustave, their way to success wasn’t simple. Some competitors tried to copy Gustave’s creations. Gustave even faced a long series of legal battles with Adolphe Sax. However, all these challenges only reinforced the brand’s reputation. Gustave built a factory in London, while also continuing to produce instruments in Paris. The company also had warehouses in Brussels, Charleroi, Madrid and Barcelona.
Besson’s legacy isn’t focused on many families of instruments. It's entirely dedicated to brass, featuring collections of trumpets, cornets, baritones, trombones, tenor horns, tubas, euphoniums, and musical accessories. Among their offerings, customers can find professional-level instruments used by top brass band soloists and ensembles as well as accessible models for players who are just starting their journey in the world of music. The company also features a limited edition Sovereign series to celebrate their 180th anniversary. It features only 180 units made with a split between cornet/tenor horn/baritone/ euphonium/EEb and BBb tuba.
Conclusion
Each instrument, which you use or just see in the hands of musicians hitting big stages, has some history behind it, going back in time. It’s not only what makes the instruments well-renowned but also what creates their own personality. The brand history behind the iconic brass instruments is reflected in their build, design, and innovations. When you choose a specific brand, without exaggeration you also choose traditions and craftsmanship.
In our category of custom instruments you can find some representatives of mentioned brands — they embody their legendary past while being upgraded with KGUmusic accessories and parts to provide you with an even better playing experience.
As an owner of brass instruments you will definitely spend time on cleaning and care. Here you can learn Maintenance Tips to make it less messy.