"Light, fast, and with a full, rich tone."
A lightweight plus-bore model from the final era of the LA Venge.
[Overview]
Benji B♭ Trumpet 3XX Model (Plus Bore, Lightweight Bell). 3X (manufacturer’s standard throat), 118 mm lightweight yellow brass bell. 11.79 mm (.464") MLP (Plus) bore. Silver-plated finish. Instrument weight: 954 grams. Manufactured in 1982.Included: Yamaha single hard case (for first-generation Custom models)
[Condition] The
mouthpiece receiver has been reset (re-soldered; plating worn off at the joint with the leadpipe).Some pitting on the plating of the valve casings. Plating loss on parts of the outer circumference of the piston buttons. The silver plating has peeled off all three bottom caps. Small dents scattered across the bell body and bell flare > repaired. Additionally, scattered scratches and polishing marks. Interior cleaned, soft parts replaced, and all tubes serviced.
[Features] The
Benji trumpet is a brand known as a pioneer of lightweight trumpets. One of Benji’s unique charms is its versatility—it can produce a wide range of tones not only in horn sections and big bands but also depending on the player’s style and mouthpiece combination.
This instrument is a late-production 3XX model, manufactured at the Los Angeles factory in 1982, just before the factory relocated to Eastlake. It is Bass the standard-throat 3X bell, combined with a lightweight bell—thinner than usual—and a slightly wider MLP (Plus) bore.
The sound is rich and brilliant—something you wouldn’t expect from a compact 118-millimeter bell. The bright, vibrant tone characteristic of Benji is complemented by the quick response unique to the lightweight bell, resulting in a lively attack.
Another key feature is the smooth airflow provided by the MLP bore. Even when approaching the high register, there is little sense of constriction; rather than having to constrict the sound, you feel as though you can let the air flow freely through the instrument, producing a resonant, expansive tone.
A light, responsive playing feel combined with a rich, projecting sound—this instrument embodies the essence of Benji’s final Los Angeles period, offering the best of both worlds.
