New "Rail" modular finger ring system

We have great news! We will begin shipping Kickstarter Bravura trumpets next Monday with priority given to both your backer number and model ordered as outlined below. 

We originally estimated that shipments would begin in late July through early September based on early testing during the Kickstarter campaign. Since that time, we built several "Ambassador" Bravura trumpets that have been rigorously tested by active pro players in real life performance situations and discovered some room for improvement. 

This early feedback helped us see potential challenges with the original modular finger ring design for the first and third slide rings. So we got to work and designed two new modular finger ring systems to address all concerns. 

The first version will be available on all Standard and "V" model Bravura trumpets and is a tube clamp design with two screws and two nuts. This version will be known as the "Clamp" system for future reference. This is very similar to the original variation you saw during the Kickstarter campaign. The improvements include adding a second clamping area to improve grip and a nut wrench that offers a more reliable way to tighten the hex head bolt and nut by using two opposing wrenches. We recommend using a small dab of rubber cement or silicone adhesive with this system after you have determined exactly where you want to position each finger ring. This will prevent the risk of over-tightening and will allow for easy removal when needed. 

The second modular finger ring version is our new "Rail" system that will be available on all "X" and "T" model Bravura trumpets. This system is an expansion of the modular pinky ring system on all Bravura leadpipes. It is founded on the T-slot principle where a T-rail is mounted to the slide tube with threaded holes along the length to provide multiple mounting locations. This system is more expensive to produce and install as the stainless steel rails are 3d printed then soldered to the tubes. The advantages of the Rail system are increased simplicity and reliability. One bolt holds each finger ring in position rather than the two bolts and nuts required on the Clamp system. And there is no adhesive needed. 

And finally, let's talk production numbers and estimated delivery dates. We announced last week on social media that we had produced our 50th Bravura trumpet. And here's a breakdown on which models have been assembled so far. Keep in mind, the only trumpets on this list to be shipped were a few of the Ambassador trumpets with the original finger ring system to get real world test results before final production. 

• Bravura prototype trumpets = 16
• Bravura Ambassador trumpets (for real-world testing) = 11
• Bravura Kickstarter trumpets = #1 through #25 (except silver plating and special colors)
  
  

We expect to finish building the remaining Kickstarter Bravura trumpets by September 5th with the exception of those at plating and requiring special colors. All plated and custom colored orders are expected to be complete by late September. 

Keep in mind that all of these builds are dependent on many variables, and we are shipping completed orders in the most logical order possible. We are prioritizing shipments by Kickstarter backer number and simplicity. For this reason, Standard and V models will ship before X and T models. 

• Standard and V backer numbers #1 through #30 are scheduled to ship September 1-5
• X and XV backer numbers #1 through #31 are scheduled to ship September 8-12
• XT and XVT backer numbers #1 through #27 are scheduled to ship September 15-19
• All remaining orders are scheduled to ship September 22-30
  
  

We will be providing several updates on our YouTube channel showing actual orders being both play tested and shipped each week. And we will be sharing our new Metal 3D Printer journey including installation and test prints as well. 

Thank you for your patience and support!
Jason, Jen, Christine