Tony Scodwell Trumpets and Flugelhorns are now available exclusively at Washington Music Center!

This fine line of trumpets and flugelhorns are hand made and are built to the highest standards. Each instrument is carefully assembled by trumpet artist and master craftsman Tony Scodwell and are built with only the finest materials available today.

Tony Scodwell in action (click to enlarge)

Tony Scodwell is recognized as one of the top trumpeters in Las Vegas. He has performed and recorded with such legends as Doc Severinsen, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis, Shirley Bassey, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman and more. He is equally skilled as a instrument designer and craftsman. He has worked on many projects with many of the top manufacturers to do product development and production layouts. He has over twenty years of involvement in the manufacturing of some of the finest musical instruments made today.

Bb Trumpet (Click preview images below for a large, detailed view)

C Trumpet (Click preview images below for a large, detailed view)

Bb Trumpet

The Scodwell Bb Trumpet features a .460" Bore, monel pistons with special designed ballistors. Nickel silver outer slides are used for the main tuning slide only. Inner-outer first and third tuning slide design with thumb saddle on the first valve slide are standard. 4 3/4" bell is made of a one piece seamless 25 gauge yellow brass that is hand hammered with a special annealing process to achieve greater resonance. The cast "S " brace is individually placed during the assembly to ensure optimum performance. The standard finish is raw brass. Optional silver or gold plating available.

Each and every Scodwell trumpet offers great response and tremendous projection. The tone has a rich core with bright overtones that is suitable for all styles of playing. The valve action is smooth and fast. The upper register is open with secure slotting of the notes in all registers but still allows for great flexibility. Because each instrument has the proper positioning of the bracing, the intonation is extremely accurate. The leadpipe, bore and bell dimensions are properly balanced so the player will experience improved endurance. Truly a great trumpet for the discriminating performer. Currently being used buy some of the best trumpeters in the world.

Unique Features

Starting with the raw valve cluster, leadpipes are added, carefully following prescribed specifications. These specifications do not vary. From this point, numerous bells are play tested with the valve/leadpipe assembly until a balanced match is obtained. Usually it is with a group of top level trumpeters listening and playing the numerous combinations.

Once a bell is selected, it is mounted to the valve/leadpipe assembly only at the rear of the instrument. Careful buffing and soldering of the bell bead wire is done and once again the horn is play tested at this stage to determine the exact placement of the front "S" brace. Tony feels that the placement of the front "S" brace along with the special annealing process of the bell will allow for greater projection with a more clearly defined core and vibrancy than other trumpets. For these reasons, a brace is not placed between the second valve ballaster and bell, allowing the bell to work more as an integrated unit. The player will feel "life" in the horn, not only in their hands, but on their face as well.

Flugelhorn

The Scodwell Bb Flugelhorn features a 6" yellow brass bell and a .415" bore. The valves are made of monel and are machined to very close tolerances to ensure a quick and smooth transition from note to note. Bottom sprung French style valves and Amado water keys are standard. The tuning of the instrument can be done at the mouthpipe or at the bottom main slide bow. This feature allows for a more precise tuning throughout the scale of the instrument. A clear lacquer finish is standard. Optional silver or gold plating is available.

The characteristics of the tone are warm and dark with a soft intimate quality. The pitch centers well throughout the entire playing range. The blow is smooth and even in all playing registers. Extremely flexible, quick response and beautiful tone is the best way to describe its playing characteristics. This instrument plays so even that it allows you to focus on making music and not thinking about how to make the horn work for you. Truly one of the best flugelhorns on the market today.

Flugelhorn (Click preview images below for a large, detailed view)

Contact the Band and Orchestra Department by phone at 301-946-3448, fax at 301-946-0487, or by email band@chucklevins.com.