Your Go-To for All Things Trumpet!
FLUGELHORN
Flugelhorns are considered “doubling” instruments since they are often used for specific pieces or sections of music. They are typically built in the key of Bb and can be used in almost every style of music ranging from jazz to classical. Since these can be used in so many styles of music, there are a vast range of options when searching for the right instrument. One big factor with any flugelhorn is to identify the correct mouthpiece shank taper to match the instrument. The three main flugelhorn mouthpiece shank tapers are “standard shank” and are also known as “large morse taper,” “Bach shank” also known as “small morse taper” and “French shank” also known as “Couesnon shank.” This mouthpiece shank taper greatly impacts how far the mouthpiece sits into the mouthpipe and will affect the sound, response and intonation of the instrument. For even more detailed information, the Bob Reeves website includes an in-depth discussion about flugelhorn shank sizing and can be found here.
Below are our top recommendations for flugelhorns!
ADAMS F1 SELECTED SERIES B♭ FLUGELHORN
The Adams F1 Selected Series flugelhorn is hand built in the Netherlands, where the staff ensure the highest quality product. While the Adams company affords many options to customize your instrument, the “Selected Series” is designed to combine several design options that have proven to create a balanced and versatile instrument. The Selected Series F1 features a Medium Large 0.413” bore, a .45mm gauge 6.2” red brass bell with a nickel flare in satin lacquer. While all of the components are manufactured in-house, the stainless steel valves are the highest quality possible that will last for years. This flugel horn has become one of the most popular instruments produced by the Adams company! A case and two different taper leadpipes are included.
ADAMS F5 SELECTED SERIES PROFESSIONAL B♭ FLUGELHORN
As can be said with all of the other instruments produced by Adams, the Adams F5 flugelhorn combines many of the positive qualities of a vintage instrument, with the modern precise machining that makes for an easy playing instrument! As previously mentioned with their F1 model, the Adams company allows for multiple bell thickness, material and finish options for their instruments. The “Selected Series” is designed to combine several design options that have proven to create a balanced and versatile instrument. The selected series F5 features a .50 thickness copper bell in clear lacquer. The F5 stands apart from the rest of the Adams flugel line since it is built around a short-throw valve section, with a direct airflow design. This design aligns all of the through-ports in the valve section to create a free blowing and even-playing instrument. As with the other Adams instruments, everything is built in house including their extremely high quality stainless steel valve block. These instruments come with an Adams branded Gard case that is both versatile and protective.
CONN 1FR VINTAGE ONE SERIES B♭ FLUGELHORN
When the Conn Vintage One 1FR flugelhorn was designed, the focus was on a big, warm and beautiful sound and stellar intonation, especially above the staff. These instruments feature a .413” bore with a one-piece hand-hammered rose brass bell. These horns have become well known as being one of the larger wrapped horns with a big bell, helping to produce a big dark sound. The valves are monel, a standard for many brands, and provide quick valve action that can last for decades. These horns are available in both lacquer and silver plate, and come with a mouthpiece and hard-shell wooden case.
ADAMS F4 SELECTED SERIES PROFESSIONAL B♭ FLUGELHORN
The Adams F4 shares many of the same attributes of the rest of the Adams line, but is built in a 4-valve configuration. The selected series configuration of this instrument includes a fourth valve that extends the range down the interval of a fourth. This can be useful in solo classical, jazz, trumpet ensemble or many other applications. The selected series F4 features a 6.3” .55mm gauge bell made from red brass with a nickel silver flare. The combination of materials provides a warm sound that can “speak” quickly with definition to the sound. The bore size of the F4 is also unique, since the first three valves are .413” while the fourth valves expands to .452” allowing for the proper balance. These instruments feature the same stainless steel valves found on the rest of the Adams line and come finished in lacquer. An Adams branded Gard case is also included.
BACH FH600 ARISTOCRAT SERIES B♭ FLUGELHORN
For students, the budget conscious, or someone who only needs a flugelhorn a few times a year, the Bach FH600 Aristocrat flugelhorn is a fantastic option. These instruments feature the same high quality monel plating on the valves as is found on Bach’s professional models. Cost savings in manufacturing can be found in the two-piece yellow brass bell that is less expensive and easier to manufacture. Another benefit of this model is the .434” bore size, slightly larger than other models. For those who flay flugelhorn infrequently, this may make for an easier transition from the standard .459” trumpet bore size. A case and mouthpiece is included.