The New BR Artist Model: The Next Evolution in the Xeno Lineup

Development Artist - Thomas Hooten

"The Artist Model BR trumpet is an innovative addition to Yamaha's incredible line of brass instruments. This design is extremely helpful in meeting today's ever-increasing demands of performing both from a technical standpoint and musical one. The increased color and versatility helps me adapt to situations like classical pop shows at the Hollywood Bowl to Star Wars in concert at Disney concert hall. This trumpet allows me to step into a commercial profile of sound while still maintaining warmth and beauty in more traditional situations. Thank you, Yamaha, for listening to today's artists and providing the tools for us to make great music."

Profile: Thomas Hooten is Principal Trumpet of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Hooten began his career in 2000 with a trumpet/cornet position in “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington, D.C., where he was often a featured soloist. He went on to join the Indianapolis Symphony as Assistant Principal Trumpet in 2004, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as Principal Trumpet in 2006, and the LA Philharmonic in 2012. He released Trumpet Call, his first solo album, in 2011. In 2019, he recorded John Williams’ Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra, which was conducted by the composer. Hooten is on the faculty at the University of Southern California where he and his wife, Jennifer Marotta, teach the trumpet studio. A native of Tampa, Florida, he earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of South Florida and his Master of Music degree from Rice University. His primary trumpet teachers have included Armando Ghitalla, John Hagstrom, and Don Owen.

Xeno Artist Model BR type

The Xeno Artist Model, which combines tradition and innovation, is now available in a BR type that brings even more possibilities. The BR type features many brass parts for a brilliant tone and free playability, and the accurate pitch performance that is characteristic of the Xeno Artist Model.

Chicago series

The Chicago series BR type was developed in close cooperation with Tom Hooten. A fusion of orthodox style and state-of-the-art design achieves free blowing resistance and a tone that is both brilliant and deep. The C and Bb trumpets have consistently outstanding feel and playability throughout their ranges, so switching instruments is smooth and seamless.

Valve Casing

Rather than the Xeno Artist Model's 2-piece valve casing configuration that has a nickel silver upper section and a brass lower section, both the upper and lower sections of BR type valve casing are made of brass, including the top and bottom caps.

Brass has a lower specific gravity than nickel silver, resulting in a brighter tone and freer playing feel.

Main Tuning Slide

The Xeno Artist Model BR type inherits the benefit of the Xeno Artist Model's 2019 model revision. The square main tuning slide that provides enhanced overall playing feel and tonal balance has been adopted in the YTR-9335CHS-BR III and YTR-9445CHS-BR III.

Bell Design

The bell features a design that is narrower toward the valve casing, and a square-cornered bell bow that provides the performer with ideal blowing resistance. This results in a more "three-dimensional" sound, with a strong tonal core that improves upper register playability. The combination of YS4s bell renewed in 2019 and MC1 leadpipe results in even greater pitch accuracy.

French Bead

Unlike traditional methods where a round rim curl is used, a French bead is an advanced technique that matches the curl to the shape of a semi-cylindrical rim and is characterized by improved feedback of sound to the performer.

Reversed Tuning Slide

The leadpipes are based on Bob Malone’s original design, and the C trumpet features a long taper that ends in a reversed tuning slide. These leadpipes are responsible for the tonal expressivity of the trumpets, offering easy, comfortable slotting and precise intonation throughout the range.

* The image is YTR-9445CHS III

Leadpipe and floating finger hook

The BR type features a Malone Pipe™ leadpipe that has a thinner wall than the Xeno Artist Model leadpipe. The Malone Pipe™ has been carefully selected to enhance tone and playability in a way that augments the character of the instrument’s brass components.

The BR type also features an unsoldered finger hook, providing a noticeable difference in tone quality and response.

Malone Pipe™

Based on leadpipes designed by renowned brass artisan Bob Malone, the Malone Pipe™ offers a quick response, superior intonation and unparalleled evenness of tone. Originally a trumpet player himself, Bob Malone opened his own custom brass shop in Los Angeles in 1983. Trumpeters flocked to his shop to have him personally customize their horns. His original leadpipe design has enjoyed wide acclaim and is still held in high regard among trumpet players. Since Bob joined the Yamaha Research and Development team in 2001, his Malone Pipe™ design has made its way into a number of Xeno Artist models and Custom series instruments. Offering rich and brilliant tone with excellent projection, the Malone Pipe™ brings total expression to your music.

Water Key and Water Key Cork

The Xeno Artist Model trumpet water key contributes to musical resonance in a significant way. The weight distribution of the water key arm and saddle improve playability and response while enhancing high register accessibility. A new rubber cork material* that is more resistant to deterioration over time is used for the water key seal. These modifications contribute to improved definition, projection, and response.

* Rubber cork: Cork particles are evenly distributed through a synthetic rubber, achieving greater compression resilience than conventional cork.

Brace Design & Position

Inheriting the design of Xeno Artist Model, the design of the bell braces achieves quick response with a brilliant, well-centered tone. Although the position of the YTR-9335CHS-BR tuning slide brace is unique for a Bb instrument, the distance between the mouthpiece receiver and tuning slide brace on the YTR-9335CHS-BR and YTR-9445CHS-BR are similar when the slide is extended for tuning, so that consistent playability is achieved when switching between Bb and C trumpets.

* The image is YTR-9335CHS.

J-shape 1st tuning slide finger hook

The Chicago series features a J-shape finger hook on the 1st tuning slide. In addition to providing a comfortable finger fit, the hook increases the overall weight of the 1st tuning slide and optimizes tone in accordance with the Chicago series concept.

The first valve slide has a special brace for a stronger tonal focus, resulting in unparalleled definition and clarity.

3rd Valve Slide

The 3rd valve slide stopper is positioned to allow further slide extension so that accurate low F pitch can be achieved. The button at the tip of the slide and the quarter circle stopper ring help to fine-tune the playing resistance for superior comfort and playability.

Slide Stopper

The slide stopper is designed to prevent the slides from falling off. The slide stopper is made of silicone rubber that will not harm the finish. Providing both strength and elasticity, it can remain attached to the instrument during performance. (Length: 12 cm)

Case

TRC-801E double case that can be carried in your hand, over your shoulder, or like a backpack.

Specifications

• Key: C
• Bell Material: One piece, Yellow brass
• Bell Diameter: 123mm (4-7/8")
• Bore Size: L 11.73mm (0.462")
• Weight: Heavy
• Finish: Silver-plated
• Mouthpiece: TR-17B4
• Case: Included