Claude Gnocchi – The CTS Group

I have been playing this trumpet for several months and not only has it become my personal favorite, I believe it’s one of the best, if not the best trumpet in the world! I challenge anyone reading this post to prove otherwise. Below you will find a extract from Jaeger Brass that goes into detail about this wonderful instrument.

The Jaeger-Diamond trumpet is the result of over 2,000 hours of dedicated research, design, and modification by Ivan Hunter and John Diamond M.D.

They began their research by thoroughly investigating a wide range of conventional trumpet designs including Bach, B & S, Kuhnl & Hoyer, Blessing, Getzen, Conn, Amati, Jupiter, King, York, Stomvi, Schilke, Buescher, Martin, Bundy, Yamaha, Kanstul, Olds, and Benge. From this extensive research, they concluded that the mouthpiece receiver, bracing, water keys, pinky hooks, adjustable slides, bell and lead-pipe detachability were particular areas of concern.

Through thorough testing and experimental modification, a new design emerged. The initial prototype was made using a Bauerfeind valve cluster, a German lead-pipe and Bell. They named it the “Hunter-Diamond.” It was trialed and then sent out for lacquering.

An early realization was that the effect of all the sprung pressure from traditional lever style water keys was detrimental to the sound, so they opted for plunger water keys.

Although pleased with the prototype, they knew there was more to be done. They found a better valve cluster, which also used stainless steel pistons but had one piece casings with no balusters. This new cluster produced a major change in the character of the instrument. When comparing the initial prototype with the new model using these one-piece valve casings, players remarked that the second instrument was so much more playful, that it wanted to dance.

They made further modifications, including testing more lead-pipes and reverse three-piece bracing, then did a production run in the workshop of Baumann Trumpets in Germany, having them lacquered in Europe before being sent to the US. This model was received very well, but they were still not 100% happy with it! They knew that they could make a better instrument!

Numerous modifications followed. They introduced a more open lead-pipe, re-tempered some conventional Z braces, decoupled the mouthpiece receiver to bell brace.

They removed the tuning slide receiver brace. A round tuning slide was tested and discarded. The Jaeger trumpet was born!

The name, Jaeger, is a German translation of Ivan’s name, Hunter. They wanted to call their range of instruments Hunter, but discovered that there was already a trumpet made in China with this label. The German name is appropriate, however, as so much of the initial research was done in Germany.

Further research has led them to introduce a C trumpet. This is based on the same design as the Bb, but with a large throat lead-pipe, and an extended throw on the 3rd slide which makes it instantly possible to play a low F.

Jaeger-Diamond Bb & Large Throat C Trumpets

Bauerfeind Valves
Plunger Water keys
Playful valves
Reverse three-piece braces
Decoupled Tempered “Z” Brace
Jaeger-Diamond Bb
Jaeger-Diamond Large Throat C

They have a vitality that is unique. Even the most jaded trumpet player will play them and after a few notes have a smile on his face.

These instruments are Built for Playing! A CTS Group RECOMMENDS!!!