VPS = Variable Performance System and yes, we do accept trades...

Do you know how long I have been obsessed with playing the trumpet? My addiction began in 1990 while sitting in the second tier band at Billings Senior High School in Montana. My band director, Gary Tangen, did something that completely changed my life. He challenged me with these words, "Reach for stars and even if you don't get there, everyone else will be far behind." Well Gary, I have been reaching for the stars ever since and I've never looked back. Thank you for these words of wisdom!

My obsession with performing brass instruments and making beautiful music has grown over the years to include designing, building and innovating at every opportunity. Having studied physics and acoustics in college, I began incorporating the principles of science into my work in 1993. This approach led me down a different path than my predecessors as I reverse engineered instruments built by Bach, Selmer, Conn, Holton, Yamaha, Monette and many others. This gave me a foundation of knowledge based on the history of brass instrument design and manufacture. By combining modern technology, the principles of physics and my own brass performance experience, I spent many years experimenting building hundreds of prototype trumpets designed with multiple variables. 

And today, after nearly twenty-five years of hard work and determination, my latest instrument designs incorporate more variable solutions, physics-based efficiency gains and advanced manufacturing techniques than I ever thought possible. I am truly proud and honored to say that I have achieved more than my 16-year-old mind could comprehend when I began this journey. Welcome to my world of complete devotion to the advancement of brass instrument design, manufacture and performance. Anyone reading this is considered family as we have likely shared many of the same challenges in the pursuit of musical expression on a brass instrument. 

All of my innovations were based on my personal experiences working with thousands of instrumentalists from around the world. I have made every effort to provide solutions aimed at making the instrument meet your needs as an individual. This is the exact opposite of the industry standard attitude which insists the player adapt to the instrument. My new VPS series of instruments were specifically designed to make your life and playing as easy and enjoyable as possible.

The following is taken from our new 2016 VPS brochure which will soon be published. I'm always open to questions and comments so please take a minute to share your thoughts. And thank you to everyone who has contributed towards the continuing efforts and success of Harrelson Trumpets. I appreciate each and every one of you! -Jason Harrelson


Introducing the Harrelson Variable Performance System

It's the 21st century, right? Isn't it about time your horn is versatile enough to fit you as an individual player?
Designed with our exclusive (VPS) Variable Performance System, the 2016 VPS Summit offers more ways to fine tune your setup to meet your every performance need. Every Harrelson Summit includes VPS giving you the flexibility of a full range of options in one single instrument. The latest innovations available in 2016 include the VPS Mouthpiece Receiver, VPS 5MM Modular Mouthpiece, VPS Modular Finger Buttons and Bottom Caps and VPS Modular Finger Rings coming later this year.

Our Variable Performance System is a serious solution decades ahead of your current equipment.
Does the upper register feel tight? One simple adjustment will open it up in seconds. Sound too bright? Broaden your tonal pattern with one simple VPS change. Slots are too hard on wide interval slurs? Increase flexibility instantly by adjusting the VPS mouthpiece receiver.

See for yourself why the Harrelson Summit is the most in-demand custom built trumpet available today.
Every Harrelson trumpet is machined and built in Denver, Colorado and hand finished in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Available in Solo, Jazz and Classical configurations from sizzling bright to Midnight dark, the Summit will take your playing to the next level allowing you to see the world from a new Summit.

12 Innovations exclusive to Harrelson

•  VPS Mouthpiece Receiver System
•  VPS 5MM Modular Mouthpiece
•  Physics-based design principles
•  Standing Wave Efficiency Technology
•  Precision CNC Machined components
•  SWE Tuning Slide - CNC machined
•  SWE Bell Crook - CNC machined
•  VPS Modular Adjustable Finger Rings
•  VPS Modular SWE Trim Kit
•  Advanced water key designs
•  Personal consultation with every client
•  12-month Guarantee on every trumpet

Why own a Harrelson trumpet?
Consider for a moment the benefits of owning a VPS Summit compared to your current equipment. Would your performance level increase as a result of an instrument designed to play with less effort? Would you gain more from your time on an instrument that can be adjusted to fit your daily performing needs? How much motivation will you gain from playing an instrument designed specifically for you? What is that motivation worth to you?

Harrelson Trumpets are the best in the world, so why should you own one? One great reason is that they truly bring more enjoyment into your life as a musician. Take a look at our Facebook pages ("Jason Harrelson" and "Harrelson Trumpets") and see the pride of ownership in the form glowing comments, performance photos and videos posted by our clients hourly.

How can I afford a Harrelson trumpet?
There are many viable options that will allow almost anyone to own a Harrelson instrument. Our VPS Summit is extremely well priced considering this model includes more options and solutions than are available on any other trumpet in production today. This makes you wonder how Bach and Yamaha can justify pricing their 19th century designs at almost the same price!

Harrelson Trumpets are easy to own. Place your $500 deposit to start your order and the balance isn't due until your custom trumpet is near completion. You can spread payments over 6 to 12 months or make two payments at the end of your custom build. Need ideas on making your new Harrelson investment even easier?

Consider the following ways our clients have turned their dream of owning a new Summit trumpet into reality:

• trade your current equipment to offset your new investment
• sell the horns and accessories in your closet to invest in a horn you will want to play every day
• sell other items you own that are collecting dust
• consider a personal loan from a bank, credit union or family member
• make payments over the course of 12 months until you are ready to take delivery
• any combination of the above could make your new Summit trumpet a reality

Yes, we do accept trades towards your new Harrelson custom built trumpet, but there will be some changes made to our trade policy in the near future. As of today, we will consider any brass instrument as a potential trade credit towards any new custom built trumpet. You simply send us photos, description and the fair trade value you would like and we either accept or counter your offer. It's really that simple and hundreds of clients have purchased their Harrelson trumpets this way allowing them to offset the out of pocket investment.

On July 1st of this year, we will limit trades with the following guidelines:

• trade instruments must be in very good condition (dents/dings professionally removed before trade)
• valid towards Summit One/Two/Vines/Art, Muse and Bravura Flugelhorn only
• trade instruments must be received before your new trumpet is shipped

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