Trumpets

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.

The spring pressure on the tubing created by traditional lever style water keys was detrimental to the sound, so they opted for plunger water keys (Amado style).

Although pleased with the prototype, they knew there was more to be done. They found another valve cluster, which also used stainless steel pistons but had one piece casings with no balusters.

This new valve 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 tested more lead-pipes and brace configurations, then Ivan made a trial production run in the workshop of Baumann Trumpets in Germany. These trumpets were lacquered in Europe before being sent to the US. This model, the Hunter-Diamond, 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 different lead-pipe, experimented with annealing some conventional Z braces, then 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.

Now there is a C trumpet based on this same design. It has 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 Trumpets have a vitality that is unique. Even the most jaded trumpet player can play them, and after a few notes have a smile on his face!