It's all about Efficiency (and hard work)

Harrelson is known for efficiency. We have invested over three decades into brass acoustics research and innovation. And in this time, we have discovered many breakthrough approaches to trumpet design that were previously unknown. The handful of manufacturers who have explored brass instrument design from a scientific perspective did not have access to the amazing technologies available to us today. These iconic pioneers include Renold Schilke and Vincent Bach, who likely couldn't imagine what is possible today.

Handheld spectrum analyzers, FEA (finite element analysis), CAD, CAM, and Topology optimized software, unbelievably accurate CNC machining, high definition metal 3d printing in a wide range of materials, and paradigm-changing performance psychology discoveries have revolutionized almost every aspect of trumpet performance and the instrument itself. 

At Harrelson, we have shed light in corners of brass acoustics that were completely unknown until recent years. Where there were once anecdotal theories, we now have sound scientific data supporting best practices in mouthpiece, receiver, venturi, leadpipe, tuning slide, piston, and bell design. Every one of these components was previously designed based on trial and error. And while there are equations to support specific bell flare design theory, this is the only component within the trumpet that has previously had any significant amount of research. Ironically, almost all bell research was performed by graduate students and mathematicians and not manufacturers. And with all that research, there has been almost no development of bell designs in over 140 years. 

At this very moment, we have designed the world's lightest high efficiency trumpet (Bravura) that exhibits more resonance than any production trumpet available today. And the price is below a stock Bach or Yamaha. This achievement is a result of leveraging a great deal of cutting edge technologies.

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Decades of research has taught us how and where to preserve standing wave energy to produce the most bell resonance possible. These new designs leverage built-in technology to multiply your efforts when performing. Upper register challenges are no longer a concern as your energy is transferred exactly where it needs to go, to the wall of the bell. Wide interval leaps are commands rather than requests resulting in confidence on every interval through 3 octaves. Initial tone production is a reflection of your embouchure skill level allowing you to begin a phrase at the widest dynamic range you've ever experienced. 

We have achieved all this and more by doing the hard work for you. Improving on previous designs based on real scientific data and client feedback, year after year, has multiplied our efforts to produce instruments lighter, easier, and that truly feel like an extension of your body. See your own musical vision take shape by leveraging our VGR system, SWE and MBR technologies, and our fully modular mouthpiece system. Ask us how we can help you take your playing to the next level. 

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We're bringing more technology and manufacturing processes in-house with our latest acquisition, a metal 3d printer that doubles as a precision CNC milling machine. We are partnering with Sodick, a Japanese technology company specializing in the highest accuracy machines of their kind. The OPM250L will allow us to develop many innovations including variable aperture mouthpiece rims, extremely lightweight high efficiency leadpipes, Muse mixed-sound-profile bells, stainless steel custom one-piece mouthpieces, topology optimized pistons, slide-less valve casings, and much more. 

These new solutions cannot be developed without this very specific type of technology where metal laser sintering is combined with precision milling throughout the build process. The components produced by the OPM250L will be the final net shape with a near mirror surface finish on key features. In fact, the linear motors on this machine move in increments of just 0.00001" meaning it can move 300 increments within a human hair. 

Over the years, we've heard many times that we rely too much on technology in our research and production methods. Countless musicians have taken the time to let us know we're headed down the wrong path. Yet a high number of professional musicians who make their sole living from performing on trumpet have been our customers for decades. You've likely heard dozens, if not hundreds of recordings of our clients playing high efficiency Harrelson equipment in commercials, blockbuster movies, on the radio, on national and worldwide tours, and in hundreds of individual artist albums. 

Which trumpet solutions require technology typically reserved for medical device and aerospace work? We'll touch on a long list of innovations in the works in future blog entries, and we'll start with variable aperture rims today. 

The Variable Aperture Rim (VAR) is something very special that should get your attention. It was specifically designed to work with your individual physiology. The idea is that we will scan your dental structure, take measurements of potential high point geometry and potential minimum aperture features to design and make a rim that maintains your current tone quality while expanding your range by up to an octave or more.

How is this possible? Through the application of physics principles related to vibration, lip oscillation, air velocity, and air pressure. Without getting too technical, we discovered a way to play notes like double high C with less effort than C in the staff. While this sounds too good to be true, we have replicated this approach and refined mouthpiece rim designs for over 20 years leading to this very moment.

Now it is time to put innovations like the Variable Aperture Rim in production for everyone to experience! Subscribe to my blog to keep up on this project and all the latest news at Harrelson.