BILL'S HORN COLLECTION
These are the horns that I am currently using on my gigs

1956 Martin Committee Deluxe Model Trumpet

The Martin Committee trumpet was THE trumpet of choice among many jazz greats during their careers, including Dizzy Gillespie, Lee Morgan, Miles Davis (he played Martins his entire career), Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Dorham, Chet Baker, Maynard Ferguson, Al Hirt, Blue Mitchell, Fats Navarro, Clark Terry and many others. The ones considered most desireable are made from 1940 thru 1956 (serial numbers 140,000 thru 201,000) although there are some good ones made before and after these dates. This horn is a "medium bore" (.453), although one of the characteristics of the Martin Committe is step bore design (increasing in bore up to the bell). Their lead pipes also have more flare than most trumpets. The result is that the player can shade the pitch of notes easier, which many jazz players prefer. I use a Schilke #15 trumpet mouthpiece with this horn.





Couesnon Star Flugelhorn-1960's Vintage

This laquered horn is one of the most popular flugelhorns used in jazz. Artists who have used this horn include Freddie Hubbard, Donald Byrd, Kenny Dorham, Art Farmer, Tom Harrell, and Enrico Rava. I use a Schilke #15F with this one. In my opinion this horn delivers THE true classic jazz flugelhorn sound!

Kuhnl & Hoyer Pocket Trumpet

This horn is raw brass and of unknown age-it's lots of fun to play and has a surprisingly big sound for a pocket trumpet. A Schilke #15 cornet mouthpiece works nicely with this trumpet. I always think of my man-the great pocket trumpeter Don Cherry whenever I play this horn-one of jazz's most distinctive and innovative voices. His joyful spirit continues to bless us.