let's Build my horn...

Are you ready to build your new Harrelson trumpet or flugelhorn? I'll guide you through the process while highlighting features designed to take your playing to the next level. Let's start with what makes Harrelson different from any other trumpet company...

We take great pride in leading our industry in design, manufacturing and personalized customer service. SWE and VPS Technologies both set Harrelson apart in playability, efficiency and versatility. In addition, our manufacturing process incorporates the latest CAD/CAM software and precision CNC machining technologies. We are the only brass manufacturer to fully machine the leadpipe, tuning slide, bell crook and bell. Understanding our approach will reveal how Harrelson has created innovative solutions to your brass performance challenges. 

harrelson advantage

In addition to embracing physics and important modern technologies, we strive to offer solutions that meet your needs.

Our motto at Harrelson Trumpets is three-fold...
1) We have your size.
2) Every instrument and mouthpiece is completely adjustable.
3) We guarantee a perfect fit.

Let's start with We have your size. We mean this literally. Our designs incorporate modular components allowing the instrument to fit YOU rather than the other way around. The traditional one-size-fits-all approach used by large corporations is streamlined for profitability whereas we build our instruments around the individual player. Every Harrelson instrument is completely adjustable in terms of air flow, flexibility, slotting, tone color, projection and even intonation tendencies. We guarantee a perfect fit to YOU and back it up with a 12-month exchange policy on all instruments and a 30-day exchange on all mouthpieces.

UNDERSTANDING VPS

VPS Series Instruments include all Harrelson trumpets built after 2015. VPS is short for Variable Performance System, which encompasses a series of inventions that allow any player to find the right balance of flexibility, slotting and air flow. Harrelson is the only manufacturer in the world incorporating VPS Technology into brass instrument design. This revolutionary approach guarantees that every one of our clients will find the perfect horn that exceeds their expectations.

Harrelson VPS Instruments include the entire Summit and Muse series. We offer configurations in the keys of A, Bb, C and Eb designed for Jazz, Orchestra, Big Band, Solo, Symphonic Band, Commercial, Lead, Latin and Brass Quintet. We also offer a VPS Flugelhorn in the Bravura Series that will be introduced in late 2017.
​

WHAT IS A CUSTOM HORN?

Are Harrelson Trumpets custom?
Yes! In fact, every Harrelson instrument is custom built to your exact specifications. The Summit and Muse models offer more custom options than all other trumpet builders combined. This is a true statement and I've done the math. If you take every custom option available from every single company worldwide, you are left with a fraction of options when compared with Harrelson.

A personal consultation is included with every order
Almost every client has a conversation with me directly to clarify options and expectations. This ensures that I build exactly what YOU want in terms of playability, tone, projection and aesthetics. We also discuss the model variations to find a balance between efficiency, price and wait time. The more efficient models like the Muse and Summit One require more time and machining whereas the standard Summit is usually the quickest build time available.

Which model is right for you?
I have recently discontinued all instruments not designed with the Variable Performance System so that every customer receives the latest technology available including... 

1. Research and Development - I have invested over 50,000 hours developing solutions to meet the needs of every different type of brass musician. 
2. 5MM Modular Mouthpiece - The most comprehensive mouthpiece solution in the world and the only system guaranteed to exceed your expectation. A 30-minute mouthpiece fitting will take your playing to the next level immediately.
3. VGR - The Adjustable Venturi Gap Receiver is possibly the most important innovation I have ever created and it is standard on all VPS instruments. The VGR allows you to fine tune the mouthpiece gap and venturi in a matter of seconds. This means you can adjust air flow, flexibility and slotting to your exact preference.
4. Versatility - All VPS instruments are available in any configuration of leadpipe and bell allowing you to set up your horn for any type of playing. The VPS Summit was specifically designed to give the player more audible feedback than any other model including factory built horns. And the efficiency to weight ratio is highest within the Summit line meaning your horn will play easier and weight less.

What is the difference between the Standard, Jazz and Lead models?
There is no difference in build or overall design when ordering these three variations. The real difference is only the way you configure the leadpipe, bell, tuning slide and trim options. The Standard Summit IS exactly the same as the Jazz and Lead versions. I have given them different names since trumpet players are accustomed to seeing these words in the model descriptions. I could generalize by stating that most Classical players use a specific leadpipe and bell, but in reality that configuration may be the perfect setup for a Jazz or Lead player. So I refer to all of these models as the "Summit" trumpet. Likewise, the Muse model is easily configured for any genre by adjusting the mouthpiece, leadpipe and bell.

What is included?

Just about every option is included on all Summit and Muse models...

• 5MM Modular Mouthpiece - available in any size
• Leadpipe - 10 options
• Bell - 10 options
• "X" Bells - four options 
• SWE Tuning slide style - 3 options
• SWE Bell Crook - 2 options ($600 option)
• VGR Receiver - 4 options
• VGR Inserts - Set of 9 standard inserts + 9 custom inserts included
• Custom Text - name or small graphic milled or engraved into trumpet
• Water Keys - Harrelson, Saturn, Pollard or Amado
• Finger Rings - Ergonomic design available in 5 sizes
• Top Caps - standard recessed and light weight
• Bottom Caps - every option available
• Finger Buttons - Modular design available in almost any engraving or inlay
• Button Inlays - 26 standard options
• Third Stop Mechanism - Ball Spring or Screw
• 12-month Guarantee
• Flexible payment options

What is not included?
The final finish is always an up-charge on Harrelson instruments. Options include Acoustic Armour, Brushed Brass, Silver or Gold plate. Other options available include additional text, graphics, art, special bell bends, custom bracing shapes and just about anything you can imagine.

What is the price?
The entire Harrelson line is the most reasonably priced instrument available today when you consider our custom options, service, playability, energy efficiency and quality. There is no competing model available anywhere in the world and thus Harrelson is in its own class.  Pricing of each model varies based on the time and materials invested into the design and finished instrument. You can see our ever changing inventory of instruments here.  

Understanding options?
At first glance, the sheer number of options available may seem overwhelming. I assure you, this is more fun than work. There are no right or wrong answers when choosing components and I will guide you through the entire process. It's almost like designing a custom home and the goal is for your horn to feel like coming home. The following is a brief overview of every option included on all Harrelson trumpets including links to resources within the HT website.

Leadpipe options
There is a leadpipe and bell configuration to meet the demands of every player. I will walk you through the options that will best fit your needs helping you make the final selection.

Understanding Bell Options
This in-depth overview will help you determine the bells that will best fit your needs.

Tuning Slides
The latest SWE tuning slide options include styles A, D and R. Style R designates the "Ripples" design that matches the new SWE Bell Crook available on all Summit trumpets ($600 option).

Finish Options
Finishing your trumpet in silver, gold or Acoustic Armour may be preferable if you want a clean appearance. Mixing brushed and polished accents in any combination is common except in raw brass. Silver will tarnish over time, but much more slowly than raw brass. Adding carnauba wax to brass and silver finishes will also prevent tarnishing. Gold plate never tarnishes and looks great in a brushed finish.

5MM Modular Mouthpiece
Guaranteed to fit YOU, the 5MM will allow you to play dark to bright, soft to loud, broad to focused and it is included with every Harrelson VPS Instrument.

VGR Receiver
Your choice of tapered or cylindrical shapes in two diameters, the AGR Receiver is available plain or with text and/or model logo engraving.

VGR Inserts
A full set of 9 AGR Inserts is included with every Summit trumpet. After you have had a few weeks to acclimate, we will send you 9 more inserts in your choice of venturi and size to continue fine tuning air flow, flexibility and slotting.

Custom Text
Including with every Summit, your name or a small graphic may be engraved or milled into the receiver, top bracing or trim kit. In addition, you choose what will be milled into the top bracing. The standard setup includes the Harrelson logo, Leadpipe and Bell designations on the top and the build date and Denver, Colorado on bottom.

Water Keys
We now offer 4 water keys including the Saturn, Harrelson, Pollard and Amado designs.

Finger Rings
Our standard option is the original ergonomic design. Variations include the pinky rest with or without an open ring, cylindrical rings in 1/3" and 1/2" and the following custom styles; Flames, Summit One, Skeletonized and Ergonomic Arch.

Top Caps 
Top caps are available in standard recessed 1/2", classic 1/2", tapered and low profile versions. Updated photos will be added to our website soon. See our Facebook pages for a sneak preview!

Bottom Cap options
Bottom caps are available in standard cylindrical and classic styles in sizes ranging from 1/4" to over 1". We also offer numerous designer options including tapered, tapered groove, grooves and the new organic curves styles that will debut this coming summer. Updated photos will be added to our website soon. See our Facebook pages for a sneak preview!

Finger Buttons
Finger buttons are now a modular 2-piece design allowing interchangeable threaded "bottoms" with inlaid or styled "tops".

Button Inlays
Finger Button inlays options include everything from vintage dimensional glass to shells and semi-precious gemstones. We literally offer over 200 inlays and we perform extensive lapidary work in our Minneapolis shop. Updated photos will be added to our website soon. See our Facebook pages for a sneak preview!

Third Stop Mechanism 
We offer 2 options to keep your third slide from falling onto the floor. The spring ball stop is the most popular allowing you to set a tension screw once. Then you simply pull the slide with extra force to remove for cleaning or greasing. The screw stop is a much improved version of the industry standard.

12-month Guarantee
Every new Harrelson Trumpet includes a full 12-month guarantee. You may exchange your trumpet for full credit towards another new Harrelson Trumpet based on your original invoice amount, allowing you to upgrade to a more efficient or different configuration without risking any of your investment.  

How will you set up your Custom Harrelson trumpet?
Feel free to share your ideal Harrelson trumpet configuration by leaving a comment. I also encourage you to check out my Facebook pages "Harrelson Trumpets" and "Jason Harrelson" where you can share ideas with current Summit trumpet owners.

limited production vs. in-stock instruments

Beginning in 2017, we have limited custom trumpet and flugelhorn production to 24 orders per year. In addition, we will begin charging extra for option to have your trumpet designed and built "custom" in 2018. Please note that we invest a great deal of time and energy into fully custom built trumpets designed specifically for one person. For this reason, we adhere to strict cancellation policy to ensure your order receives the attention required to create the highest quality instrument possible.

We encourage most of our clients to visit our Denver showroom to try out a full array of Harrelson trumpets and choose one in person. This will allow you to find the best fit, work through the 5MM Mouthpiece setup and VPS options with us in person. We can have your receiver custom engraved the same day so you can leave with your trumpet in your case.