What Kind of Instrument Should a Trumpeter of the New Era Use?

Come on, that's such an exaggeration...

What exactly is a “trumpeter of the new era”…

Here↓

Sorry for the delay—this is Nakamura from Kubokan.

I know I’m being pretty vague with all this “new era” talk, but I’d like to introduce an interesting instrument that arrived recently.

Silky MII C/SP

This is a model commonly known as the “Yamakey,” manufactured by Silky using Yamaha valves and various parts.

As many of you probably know, Yamaha brought Silky on board as an advisor back then, and the instruments from that era were clearly all models with a Silky-style design.

Separate from that, perhaps with the aim of expanding the market for Silky trumpets, the “Yamaki” was born as a mid-range model.

First-time viewers might find it puzzling—"This part is Yamaha, but wait, this part is Silky..."

While the Yamaki line included B-series models similar to Silky’s, it also introduced mid-range models known as the M-series: the M1 and M2.

While the M1 used Yamaha parts for everything except the trim kit, the slightly more upscale M2 featured a Silky leadpipe and bell. (*Note: Later models are said to have used Yamaha bells.)

That was a long introduction, but this particular instrument is one of the few C-tube trumpets in the Yamaki lineup that has been boldly modified with an up-bell.

What effects does an up-bell modification actually produce?

I find that the sound often seems to come from a slightly farther point, and there’s generally less resistance.

It’s quite interesting to hear the sound coming from higher up even though you’re playing with the same stance as usual, though you’re bound to feel a bit of discomfort at first (^^;)

However, after using it for a while, you should be able to fully appreciate the benefits of the up-bell.

If you’re the type who tends to get hidden behind the music stand and gets told by the conductor, “Trumpet, project more!!!”—you’ll no longer have to worry about that.

It might stand out a bit visually, but your sound will fly right past the conductor and straight into the audience.

If I had to name a drawback, it would probably be the issue with the instrument case.

This particular model comes with a larger case, but please note that it won’t fit into a standard single-instrument case.

Fortunately, you have an instrument case enthusiast (me) on your side, so don’t worry. I’ll find the perfect case for you.

Nakamura 🎺