The Adams brand has always been a great brand of percussion instruments — and those who are in bands and orchestras know it — but for years, it has also established itself as one of the top brands of instruments in the world for winds and brass. This isn’t something that is simply made-up: this is shown by a long list of orchestras, bands, schools, conservatories and professional musicians — whether its classical or jazz — who rely on Adams.
Adams has spent decades studying, researching, and surrounding himself with great musicians to develop innovations that improve the sound and performance of his instruments. The result for trumpets — which is the case at hand — is that they are a real wonder for the eyes as well as for the ear.
In short, if you have the opportunity to try (at least, try) the Adams trumpets, do it. You will fall in love with them.
But don’t go crazy! You first need to know what each model consists of, what their measurements are, the construction materials… (you can’t get the same results on a brass bell than with a silver bell). So, we are going to give you “The Ultimate Guide to Adams Trumpets”, so the day you try them you will be able to distinguish the characteristics of each model and wisely decide which one may interest you.
The Bell
First, we will give you some information regarding the construction of the trumpet bell (applicable to any trumpet, not only Adams), so that you always have this in mind.
Materials
Generally, there are four types of metals used to build a bell: yellow brass, gold brass, red brass and silver. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc (a higher percentage of copper, more intense and reddish in color of the metal, resulting in a warmer and rounder sound of the instrument).
- Yellow brass: 70% copper, 30% zinc. It produces a clear and bright sound, and a uniform color at all dynamics. It is the one that is used as the standard throughout the brass industry.
- Gold brass: 85% copper, 15% zinc. You get something with more depth and warmth in the sound, and more projection.
- Red brass: 90% copper, 10% zinc. It helps those who seek the widest and warmest sound as possible, with many harmonics.
- Sterling silver: Silver is a material that allows you to obtain a sound not only with many harmonics, but also very focused and with better projection (especially at the loudest of dynamics).
Thickness of the Wall
In general terms, the thinner the wall of the bell, the quicker the response; and the thicker the bell, the better stability and density of the sound. The thickness is usually around .016 to .024 inches (from 0.40 to 0.60 mm).
However, the particularities of each instrument must be taken into account, and a balance is usually sought. For example, the Adams A4 model is considered a “heavy” trumpet, but has a thinner bell to compensate, thus achieving maximum tonal spectrum and articulation.
Adams Custom Series
Trumpets in B-flat
A1
This model is very versatile; it is designed for those who need an “all-around” trumpet (developed in collaboration with American trumpeter Trent Austin). It is warm when it is played softly, and as it is played at a higher volume it becomes brighter and more energetic.
Yellow brass bell of 4.96 inches (126.00 mm).
ML pipe of .460 inches (11.70 mm).
Bell gauge of .020 inches (0.50 mm).
A2
Mainly a model for classical music, in fact it was developed with the help of some orchestra trumpeters who often use the B-flat in the United Kingdom, and then tested throughout Europe and the United States. It is a very popular, possibly due to its balance: it combines projection with stability throughout the range, and adapts to any setting, be it a small recital hall or a large concert hall.
Yellow brass bell of 4.96 inches (126.00 mm).
ML pipe of .460 inches (11.70 mm).
Bell gauge of .018 inches (0.45 mm).
A3
Is possibly the most eclectic model of Adams trumpets, with the ability to make you feel comfortable whether you are playing in a symphony orchestra or a jazz band. The bell is smaller than that of models A1 and A2, and the thicker wall, which is balanced with an inverted tuning slide (maximizing the sound palette).
Yellow brass bell of 4.80 inches (122.00 mm).
ML pipe of .460 inches (11.70 mm).
Bell gauge of .024 inches (0.60 mm).
A4
One of the most popular Adams trumpets, the result of a great amount of development with Amik Guerra. Its structure is heavy, with a large bore and a large bell, ideal for the soloist who seeks a rich, warm and wide sound. It is also available on demand with ML bore, and even with shepherd crook style bell bend.
Gold brass bell of 5.51 inches (140.00 mm).
L pipe of .470 inches (12.00 mm).
Bell gauge of .016 inches (0.40 mm).
A4-LT
A lighter version of the A4. With less weight in the receiver of the mouthpiece, bracing and valve section, this trumpet has the big and centered sound of the A4, but with more life and openness, giving the one who plays it a greater feeling of confidence. It also has a smaller bell, which compensates for the thickness is other areas.
Yellow brass bell of 4.96 inches (126.00 mm).
L pipe of .470 inches (12.00 mm).
Bell gauge of .018 inches (0.45 mm).
A5
Designed especially for commercial music. It has exceptional tuning, good response and no retention to the air column. Even though it is an instrument made for lead trumpeters, it turns out that classical trumpeters who occasionally need to play some modern music also enjoy it.
Yellow brass bell of 4.96 inches (126.00 mm).
ML pipe of .460 inches (11.70 mm).
Bell gauge of .018 inches (0.45 mm).
A6
A trumpet designed with Dontae Winslow and based on the classic Constellation. In fact, it has many of the characteristics of this instrument (narrow pipe, ergonomic structure, first slide trigger, counterweights). Although the original instrument is already wonderful, the new A6 improves the intonation, the centering of notes, color of the sound, and the balance of the weight. The best of both worlds!
Yellow brass bell of 4.92 inches (125.00 mm).
S pipe of .433 inches (11.00 mm).
Bell gauge of .018 inches (0.45 mm).
A7
This model is the product of a collaboration with Guido Segers, and is mainly oriented towards orchestra trumpeters, but it is also very popular among jazz soloists. It has a wide bore and the largest lead pipe made by Adams: 2L, which helps the transmission of sound. Ideal for those who seek the feeling of the instrument sounding with all the air you blow.
Gold brass bell of 4.96 inches (126.00 mm).
L pipe of .470 inches (12.00 mm).
Bell gauge of .016 inches (0.40 mm).
A8
As you can see, this model is visually very striking, since it has the integrated mouthpiece (threaded) in the lead pipe. The objective pursued with this is not merely aesthetic, but also a performance enhancement; the fact that the mouthpiece and the lead pipe are one piece, affects the efficiency of the instrument. The feel of playing is as if each note had a wider tonal center (usually, the tonal center of each note becomes smaller as you go up the register, but not with this instrument, with this instrument you always keep the large tonal center throughout the entire range). This A8 model is also the only model whose piston section is ergonomically designed.
Gold brass bell of 5.51 inches (140.00 mm).
L pipe of .470 inches (12.00 mm).
Bell gauge of .018 inches (0.45 mm).
A9
The A9 model recovers the same classic design concept as the Martin Committee trumpets of the mid-20th century. The difference is that the A9 solves some problems that these instruments had (for example, the tuning was not optimal, there was too much resistance and there were certain limitations to the color of the sound). The lead pipe is large, but can also be ordered with a medium pipe.
Yellow brass bell of 5.00 inches (127.00 mm).
L pipe of .470 inches (12.00 mm).
Bell gauge of .020 inches (0.50 mm).
A10
Designed in collaboration with Ludovic Louis, this model has become very popular among musicians of symphonic orchestras. Its sound is rich and free, as well as powerful in the upper register. The shape of its bell, the tuning slide, the valve section and its lead pipe are something new to Adams. And its versatility makes it the perfect choice for those classic trumpeters who also play everything.
Yellow brass bell of 4.72 inches (120.00 mm).
ML pipe of .460 inches (11.70 mm).
Bell gauge of .020 inches (0.50 mm).
Trumpets in C
C1-XL
The C1 and C2 models are the Adams C trumpet models, made for classical soloists and the orchestral trumpeter. Specifically, the C1 is somewhat brighter and its sound has more direction than the C2. It is designed especially for the soloist and for the principal trumpet of an orchestra, with huge projection and a lot of precision that cuts through the entire orchestra.
Brass bell of 4.72 inches (120.00 mm).
XL pipe of .470 inches (12.00 mm).
Bell gauge of .020 inches (0.50 mm).
C2
The C2 model, besides being made for soloists, has wonderful qualities within an orchestral section. Its measurements are similar to those of the C1, but its sound — equally rich and colorful — has a bit more body.
Piccolo Trumpet in B-flat/A
P1
The piccolo trumpet of Adams is well received by all types of musicians, whether orchestral, soloists, chamber music or even jazz. Good tuning, projection and crispness. But you can also make special customizations, such as a narrower lead pipe (to add some resistance and get a more intimate sound), a silver bell, a trigger on the slides to have improve intonation, or the novel piston mechanism Adams designed for faster and quieter valves.
Gold brass bell of 3.94 inches (100.00 mm).
Pipe of .453 inches (11.50 mm).
Bell gauge of .018 inches (0.45 mm).
Cornets in B-flat
CN1
The Adams cornet in B-flat is made with a wide bore, with a medium heavy valve block, which helps to make the sound quality superb. When playing it, it allows you to effortlessly adapt to your needs in every moment, whether you are playing as a soloist or in a brass band. It comes with an interesting set of triggers that allow the performer to alter their main intonation on the horn immediately.
Gold brass bell of 4.96 inches (126.00 mm).
L pipe of .470 inches (12.00 mm).
Bell gauge of .020/.022 inches (0.50/0.55 mm).
(There is also the CN2 model, which is exactly the same as the CN1, although with standard triggers on the first and third slides only.)
Flugelhorns in B-flat
F1
With the flugelhorns, the bore is slightly narrower and the bell larger than the trumpets. The F1 model was the first one manufactured by Adams, and is suitable for all types of musicians and styles.
Red brass bell of 6.30 inches (160.00 mm). The F1 is available with 5.91 and 6.69 inches (150.00 and 170.00 mm) diameter bells.
ML pipe of .413 inches (10.50 mm).
Bell gauge of .018 inches (0.45 mm).
F2
This is the “big brother” of the F1. It has the largest bell of all Adams flugelhorns, and its valve block weighs no more than 535 grams (to give you an idea, the F1 weighs 400). It is a great choice for those lovers of flugelhorns who like the sensation of lighter weight and big bells. As a curious detail, the piston buttons are made of Honduran rosewood.
Gold brass bell of 6.69 inches (170.00 mm).
ML pipe of .413 inches (10.50 mm).
Bell gauge of .022 inches (0.55 mm).
F3
The F3 has a somewhat wider bore, which, combined with the smaller diameter bell, makes it the most powerful Adams flugelhorn.
Red brass bell of 5.91 inches (150.00 mm).
L pipe of .433 inches (11.00 mm).
Bell gauge of .022 inches (0.55 mm).
F4
This is a very curious model, because it has a 4th valve (to produce better intonation in the lower range). Because of its constructive characteristics, it offers the interpreter the possibility of seeking more power or more virtuosity, per the moment.
Bell of 6.30 inches (160.00 mm), combining red brass and nickel silver flare.
ML pipe of .413 inches (10.50 mm) slides for the first 3 pistons, and .453 inches (11.50 mm) in 4th.
Bell gauge of .022 inches (0.55 mm).
F5
The F5 model combines the concept of classic old-school sound with modern technological advances. It also includes a novel mechanism of valves patented by Adams, where the design favors the direction of the air column. The feeling is of a compact instrument with a pure, rich, warm and very fluid sound. If you ask for it with a copper bell, the sound is even fuller.
Copper bell of 6.30 inches (160.00 mm).
ML pipe of .413 inches (10.50 mm).
Bell gauge of .020 inches (0.50 mm).
Finishes
You should know that with Adams Custom series instruments, you not only have the option to choose the material and the bell thickness, you can also choose the finish.
The finish of an instrument slightly influences the color of its sound, although for some people it is just a matter of taste.
These are the most common types of finishes:
- Raw Brass: Without finish. Quite simply, the brass from which the instrument is made is polished, and that’s it.
- Silver plate: Gives more of liveliness and vigor to the sound.
- Gold plate: Visually gold colored, with a sound similar to raw brass.
- Clear lacquer: Colorless lacquer, which maintains the appearance of raw brass.
- Gold lacquer: Lacquer with a golden color.
- Copper lacquer: Lacquer with a copper color.
- Antique lacquer: Lacquer that gives the instrument an antique look.
Adams Prologue Series
It is true that Custom series instruments are designed for professionals and advanced students, whose life is the trumpet. But if you are a student looking for your first, good trumpet, or if you are an amateur and wants to buy a good instrument to play, Adams has the Prologue model, which has been very well received, even by orchestral musicians and soloists.
The Prologue model does not belong to the Custom series, with a more economical price point, but it is still an instrument to fall in love with — in true Adams style.
Yellow brass bell of 4.88 inches (124.00 mm).
ML pipe of .460 inches (11.70 mm).
Bell gauge of .022 inches (0.55 mm).
We hope you liked this post and that you come away with a clearer idea regarding the measurements and construction materials that are typically used in trumpets.
