Happy June 27th! It's another beautiful day in Denver and we're all very busy here at Harrelson Trumpets! Jason is on day 2 of designing and assembling displays for the showroom on the laser. They're coming out nicely... and we're excited to finally have a way to showcase our various accessories on the walls of the new showroom in an organized fashion. I have heard Jason say more than a few times over the last couple of days... "It's amazing how quickly you can design and cut things on the laser"... when you're used to editing endless lines of code and loading it onto a machine to cut out of metal... this method can seem exponentially more rapid. Hoping to be moving on to spraying Acoustic Armour and then onto horn builds as soon as this project is completed. Joe is still working hard at tackling the 5MM Mouthpiece throats. There are pages upon pages of throats to cut... and as Joe says.... it can make anyone feel cross-eyed after too long. We're plowing through our inventory and current orders for throats and getting as many done as possible before the 4th of July Holiday. Christine packed up a trumpet that I finished yesterday... and various other small parts orders. Then she moved on to organizing throats and filling 5MM orders with the new throats Joe is finishing up. So far we've shipped around 20 mouthpieces with this run of throats. Joe & Christine estimate that by the time they're finished with this parts run... they will have shipped a total of 50 custom mouthpiece orders with these new parts. When she isn't doing those things... Christine is answering phone calls and emails today so Joe can concentrate on the CNC. I am still cleaning and assembling plated and Acoustic Armour horns for delivery. Here you see Jason helping me mask off a horn before lapping the valves and slides. These can take the better part of a day to complete. It's slow going... but can be relaxing... I finished the silver horn today and we'll be setting the inlays and doing a black backfill on the art in the tuning slide either later today or tomorrow morning so we can deliver that to the lucky owner! I have also been organizing our inlays and trim orders. Hoping to set all of the paua you see on the left in finger button tops tomorrow to add to the new showroom displays Jason is creating. The photo top middle is shot from the finishing room. We also had visitors in the shop today all the way from New York. Thanks again for touring the shop! If you'd like to tour the Showroom and the Trumpet Shop please give us a call to make an appointment. We're also having an open house at the end of July! 303-657-2747 for more information. And, last... but not least... our visitors from this morning! See you all back here tomorrow. If you have specific requests for this News Feed... you can contact me directly at jenniferdsanquist@gmail.com thanks and have a great night!
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Welcome to your daily update! So... I have spent most of my day in the finishing room... so we'll start there. I have been doing final assembly on horns that were treated with Acoustic Armour last week. It's been a lot of fun! It's always so rewarding to see horns really come together. For the first time in the history of me working here at Harrelson Trumpets... I injured myself lapping a tuning slide. Blood, sweat and tears... that's what we're all about... just kidding. Two of these should go out tomorrow morning. One to New York and one to New Orleans! The silver and gold horns I just unpacked and sorted slides. Started work on the silver horn this afternoon and that should be ready to ship tomorrow afternoon or Wednesday morning. And the same with the gold horn if I can get through them both by early tomorrow afternoon. I have some inlays to set... but won't be getting to those until I finish these horns... hopefully by tomorrow afternoon. Joe is still plugging away on the mouthpiece throats... and Christine has a list so long... I told her today I was going to try to find her bigger post it notes... the phone has been ringing off the hook all day. She literally sets the phone in the cradle and it rings before it seats. She also worked on processing orders and shipping things today before noon. Now she's engraving mouthpiece throats. Jason is working hard on designing and prototyping our showroom displays for mouthpieces and trim. These are really coming together... and Jason really has a knack for design and prototyping... not just on trumpets... on all things. I hope I will have some photos for you tomorrow of these on the walls! He's working until late tonight and hopes to have all of his designs laser cut before he leaves.
We're in crunch time... trying to complete as many things as possible before the 4th of July Holiday. We have shop visitors on both Tuesday and Thursday this week as well. Both are being fit for mouthpieces. We have a steady flow of visitors... not just during open houses. This summer we will be open Saturdays from 10-3. If you'd like to stop by... please give us a call and make an appointment so we're sure to be able organize our production schedule to give you the attention we want. Don't forget... we have shop tours and open houses at the end of July! Please register if you plan to attend. See you back here tomorrow! Hello out there! We've been really busy here in the shop... which is nothing new... but I've finally had some time to pay attention to little details that have been neglected here and there. Jason and I are working together to simplify the website once again... and in doing so... also update things that have been left behind. This News Feed is one of them! I am going to make it a personal goal to update this every day with photos and a short little bit about what we're working on. Hopefully you'll check back often and feel like you really have an idea what we spend our time doing each week. So, we had a team meeting today, like we do every day... and this is what we're all working on today. Joe (pictured top left) is working on the Lathe Machining 5MM Modular Mouthpiece Throats. So far he's devoted a total of 68 machine hours to this portion of mouthpiece production... and yes, that's on this parts run alone. We're machining a total of 125 varieties of throat sizes in this run... and if you do the math that's about 1200 individual pieces. Christine (pictured lower right) is hand engraving sizes on all of those throat parts. We're hoping to invest in a laser engraver soon to take this step out of the process. And... as you can see, she is also answering phone calls and assisting clients with their orders and questions while she's engraving. Jason has been devoting today to redesigning a system we have for displays in our showroom and cutting them on the laser. We are having 2 open houses this summer... and we're hoping to put all of the finishing touches on our showroom before the first one in July. He spent the last few days spraying Acoustic Armour on a few clients custom built horns... pictured top right. We're really excited about this new finish and will be releasing other colors in the coming months. Jen (that's me and I am not in any of the pictures... haha... I take them so I don't have to be in them) ... I am working on this News Feed. I am also working on coordinating with Satchmo Summerfest in New Orleans. Every year we build a custom Satchmo Trumpet and donate the proceeds of that custom instrument to the festival. If you don't know about it you should really find out more about it! It's a completely FREE Festival in New Orleans every August... and it's devoted to Louis Armstrong, his music and his legacy. Check it out: http://fqfi.org/satchmo This year... we were going to try to do a raffle for the trumpet... but the logistics of this ended up being more than we could figure out in limited amounts of time. So... this year we're sponsoring a musician's performance instead. Sounds like we'll be sponsoring Kermit Ruffins. (A client of ours) Personal bragging side note... his latest album features one of our horns on the cover... (one he owns) and I took the picture! See below... you can order it here: https://www.basinstreetrecords.com/artists/kermit-ruffins/ I also just booked my travel for my trip to the festival. I will be meeting with clients. Documenting the festival with photos and a blog... and just generally having a blast celebrating the city of New Orleans and the musicians there... many of which are our clients and friends. One last thing... shameless plug... check out my blog here: www.whyharrelson.com/jens-blog This is where I will be posting all about the festival... and doing client interviews on a weekly basis! Announcing our latest advancement in the 5MM Modular Mouthpiece System. The "Compression Throat" designs outlined below will definitely improve clarity, attack and stability in the upper register for everyone. Compression Series Throats offer more front end to the attack. Great for lead or situations where the attack is more important. "C" series - bright and loud with a balance of depth and ease in upper register "E" series - extremely bright and loud, easiest in upper register "H" series - aids in upper register while remaining big and full This 1-minute video gives you a taste of what is possible with Compression! The 5MM Throat regulates air flow and is a major factor in the harmonic overtone color produced by our 5MM Modular Mouthpiece System. Order your 5MM here or your Compression Throats here Most standard mouthpieces have throat measurements in the range of .145 to .165 with an end diameter of .20 to .22 inches. A 3C is typically .147 by .21 inches and is designated as F147.21 as in the example illustration above. Not sure which size throat you need? Call us and we'll make recommendations based on your specific performing needs. 651.330.7774 Understanding the numbers
Example 1: B-120-20 designates the smallest diameter of .120" and an end diameter of .200" (matches Cup B, this is a small throat suitable for lead work) Example 2: F-145-21 designates the smallest diameter of .145" and an end diameter of .210" (matches Cup F, this is a medium throat suitable for all around playing) Example 3: H-170-22 designates the smallest diameter of .170" and an end diameter of .220" (matches Cup H, this is a large throat suitable for ballads and Mahler's 5th symphony) We recommend experimenting with throats of various sizes to achieve your desired tone color for each performing situation. Smaller diameter values produce a more focused tone while medium sizes offer vibrancy and warmth and large throats minimize projection producing a pleasant cello-like velvet tone. You may experiment with any diameter variations listed as they are all regular stock items. Change Throat sizes in seconds and see for yourself how this one factor will help you fine tune air flow, color, projection and intonation. Throat "length" should match the Cup "depth" value Throat "exit diameter" should match the Backbore "initial diameter" Purchase a 5MM and get FREE upgrades through 12/31/2015 (promotion applies to in-stock inventory only) Just tell us you saw this promotion to receive your choice of the following upgrade options at no charge: 1) 2 additional Throats 2) 1 additional Cup 3) 1 additional Backbore Order your 5MM Modular Mouthpiece Harrelson Modular Mouthpieces are now shipping in most standard sizes. Most customers start with something close to their current setup with Cup shape, Throat diameter and Backbore variations. Need help with sizes and options? We're here to help. Call us at 651.330.7774 or email harrelsontrumpets@gmail.com to discuss your needs with Jason or Christine. Already ordered a 5MM?
Everyone with a 5MM currently on order may choose to add extra parts from either of the following upgrade options at no charge: 1) 1 Cup + 1 Throat + 1 Backbore 2) 2 Throats + 1 Backbore Email us your preferences or simply state, "larger" or "smaller" and we will include these with your order before it ships. Harrelson Trumpets very own Christine Palmer rocked the main stage at the Minneapolis Pride Festival on Sunday with her the all girl funk sensation Pocket Watch! Check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/WatchingThePocket/timeline And a few more... and the last blog write up I did on them as well... http://whyharrelson.weebly.com/jens-blog/its-about-time-pocket-watch
David Richards, a Harrelson Client and friend, has launched a new radio program called Music Bizz Radio. This week his guests are Harrelson heavy. David is a Harrelson artist and his guests this week... Arturo Sandoval and Jeremy Pelt are as well. Jason will also be on the program later this week... tune in here: http://www.davidrichardstrumpet.com/music-bizz-radio.html
We've had a lot of inquiries lately about our original "Where Science Meets Sound" Tshirts... we now have them in stock. Get yours here:
Now you can wet your whistle in style... with a sexy Harrelson Trumpets water bottle. Just $10. Get yours here:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=GPFSL2CVWERTN The Adjustable Gap Receiver is now included with every Summit series instrument and the new Bravura Flugelhorn. Also included are two sets of Inserts; one set in .350 venturi inside diameter in 9 lengths and the second set in your choice of custom venturi and length dimensions. Available in your choice of tapered or cylindrical profiles in two diameters that match our 5MM Modular Mouthpiece giving your trumpet and mouthpiece a seamless integral appearance. Read more about the AGR options and advantages on the Adjustable Gap Receiver page. Jason reviews the AGR and discusses options and practical use in the video below... Harrelson Trumpets was featured on Florida's own PBS station WPBT2 this month in a new episode of Art Loft 303. Get an inside look at our Denver location as Jason Harrelson gives you an overview of how he builds Harrelson Trumpets one at a time to meet the needs of his diverse clientele including Joshua Trinidad of Denver, Colorado. We are now offering an inside look at how Jason Harrelson designs, builds and tests Harrelson instruments and accessories. Discover how trumpets are made right here in the USA by your neighbors in Minnesota and Colorado!
We have created a new Client Gallery featuring Harrelson Trumpets performers. Any and all Harrelson owners are welcome to be included in this page regardless of where you purchased your instrument. See who's playing our horns!
Join us for a personal shop tour and see for yourself how we build trumpets, mouthpieces and accessories. Jason will explain the new Gap Solution options and the 5MM Modular Mouthpiece System. Saturday, June 1st from 10am to 6pm Be the first to test our latest innovations:
Our new Mouthpiece Gap Solutions are debuting on our website this month. Reducing the Gap between the mouthpiece and leadpipe will likely improve the playability of your current setup and setting a similar gap distance on all of your horns will improve consistency! Understanding Mouthpiece Gap is relatively simple and the adjustment process is easily performed by anyone. Here are several resources to get you started on your journey to improving slotting, flexibility and consistency on any trumpet.
I try to keep my eye on up and coming Harrelson Clients. We have so many people all over the globe doing great things in music and life in general. Angel Rodgers is one of those that has caught my eye for some time. I finally had a chance to interview her and learn a little bit more about this talented young woman. She is truly a inspiration... ~Jennifer Sandquist For her full bio please follow this link: http://about.me/trumpetessmusic What horn do you play on? What leadpipe and bell? Why did you choose this set up? I play on a Bravura leadpipe and bell 4. I selected this set up because I wanted a rich, warm sound, but not overly rich and warm. I love the horn and I think it suits me and my style of playing extremely well. Jason really out did himself. . Do you have any advice for young musicians just starting out on the instrument? My advice to young musicians would be to have fun. In life, we all go through various stages of growth and development. Younger kids learn by association and things that appeal to their senses. So I would encourage them to enjoy music and their instrument. I would also encourage them to keep at it. Nothing just falls in your lap, you have to work to make things happen. How long have you been playing trumpet? I have been playing the trumpet for 17 years now. Wow, sometimes it’s hard to believe it’s been that long. I started playing at the age of 8. My family has always be music lovers. I was raised in a strictly Christian household so we listened to gospel music a lot, but I was exposed to oldies as well, such as Motown, the Temptations, Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Smokie Robinson, James Brown, etc. When I was 8, my little brother and I went with my grandparents and church family to the national Church of God in Christ Convention in Memphis TN. It was the Friday night musical service and Vernard Johnson a gospel/jazz saxophonist was up performing. I was so excited and dancing around. Shortly after an older lady got on the stage and played the song “I’ll Fly Away” on the trumpet. I was SO CAPTURED by her performance and immediately I fell in love with the trumpet. I had been messing around with the piano and even tried to sing a little bit, but in that moment I KNEW the trumpet was for me. I told my papa that I wanted a trumpet and I would do anything to get one. He just smiled and kept enjoying the program. A few months later I wanted to join the school band, so my mom approved but said she didn’t know how I would get an instrument. I came home from school the next day and my papa handed me a trumpet case. I was the happiest kid on two feet. Lol. Turns out both of my uncles played the trumpet, so papa had the horn fixed up and passed it along to me. (I actually still have that horn, it’s a conn) That day I made a promise to my papa, I told him that no matter what I would never put down the trumpet and I promised to make him proud. I didn’t know how I was going to get there, or what I would have to go through to accomplish it, but I was determined to be a musician even at 8 yrs old. If you could ask the seasoned pros out there anything what would it be? I would want to know their story… how they started in music, how they stuck with it, and how they became who they are. It is easy to have a dream, but hard to work towards making that dream come true. So I would ask the great how they accomplished what they did. Who are some of your musical influences? Hmmmm… influences would be Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Marsalis, Clifford Brown, Blue Mitchell, and Clora Bryant. I also, learn a lot from gospel artist such as Kirk Whalum, Donnie McClurkin, Donald Hayes, Yolanda Adams, Douglas Miller, Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett, Fred Hammond. I just love music of all kinds. After years of working at Harrelson Trumpets... it's easy for me to see that the Trumpet as an instrument is generally a "boys club" ... what does it feel like being one of the few leading ladies in the trumpet world? It feels awesome. I love being a woman, and I love playing the trumpet and being a musician. I remember when I was younger, I would get kicks out of walking into a room full of trumpet players with my horn in hand, and just watching the faces and hear the bickering and snide comments, then when I put the horn to my face watch those same people hang their mouths open in disbelief. ! Those are the moments that I still draw from and use as motivation. I started working on my master’s degree in Jazz Studies in Aug of 2010, and one of the biggest challenges for me were the sexist attitudes, opinions, and comments that were thrown my direction. I was so shocked and even hurt, but I had to realize quickly that just because some “bullies” threw a few rocks, I didn’t have to stand still and allow them to hit me, I have the right to dance around, duck and dodge to keep them from hitting me. I thank God for my journey though, I really do. I feel that a musician is a musician and black, white, male, or female should not matter… the only thing that should matter is can an individual speak the language… the language of music. Can they use pitches, tone, and rhythms to convey messages, touch lives, and heal themselves and others. Ultimately, that is what music is about. Tell me about the national association of negro musicians.... what will your role be at the conference? when is it? is it open to the public? The National Association of Negro Musicians, founded in 1919 in Chicago Illinois, is an organization dedicated to the preservation, encouragement, and advocacy of music of African Americans. The organization is also a platform for performers, historians, and music educators. This year’s conference will be held in Dallas, TX July 29-Aug 2 at Love Field. I will be participating as a lecturer and performer. My lecture will be a portion of my thesis work on ‘Trumpetiste’ Clora Bryant, a female trumpeter of the 1940s that performed with several big named jazz musicians, but did not receive the proper recognition. My performance will be portions of Ms. Bryant’s songs from her lone album ‘Gal With the Horn’. The conference is open to the public and I encourage all who are in the Dallas area to come check it out. I am very excited about the opportunity. I'm curious... what's playing on your stereo most days? Well, currently I am preparing for my master’s recital so I have been listening to my selected tunes over and over and over again. Louis Armstrong, Roy Eldridge, Clifford Brown, Miles Davis, Clora Bryant… But I love all kinds of music. As I mentioned earlier, I grew up in a Christian household, so I love gospel music. I am also a fan on R&B and oldies. My friends pick on my all the time and say I am the oldest young person they know. Lol. I just really appreciate when music was music. Back in those days songs had meaning and substance. When you're not playing trumpet... what do you do? I am a very outgoing, yet laid back type of person. I like to have fun, watch movies, shop, spend time with family and I absolutely LOVE to travel. It is a goal of mine to visit at least 4 countries before I am 35…. So looks like I need to hurry up and get to it. Lol. Yeah, but I just like to have fun and enjoy life. I have seen people that I care about deeply be robbed of their life and the opportunity to live the life they wanted to live. Therefore, I strive to live each day to the fullest. For more information about Angeleisha you can follow either of these links: trumpetessmusic.wordpress.com (blog) or www.facebook.com/trumpetessmusic |
Jennifer Sandquist has been at Harrelson Trumpets since it's inception. Jen spends much of her time on marketing, photography and client spotlights. She has recently started CAD design and CNC machining for custom art on horns and trim. When she's not at Harrelson Trumpets... Jen loves to travel, see live music and follow creative pursuits of all kinds.
August 2023
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