Thomann Concerto GML Rotary Trumpet

I purchased this trumpet as a bit of an experiment. Here in the UK rotary valved trumpets are rarely used, especially in amateur circles. Most of my trumpet playing is orchestral and brass ensembles.

The trumpet arrived promptly and was very well packaged. The case is ok but could have been a little larger to allow for mutes and a trumpet stand.

Onto the trumpet. The finish is good with no blemishes in the lacquer, the valves seem light and quiet. The trumpet has a nice warm, well rounded sound. I had one major issue with the trumpet and that was intonation. I found the C#, D, Eb and E nat in the stave to be very flat. I have tried various different mouthpieces with the instrument including a Breslmair and finally have settled with a Gr mouthpiece which has helped but the E and Eb are flat enough to need to use alternative fingering. I am happy to use alternative fingering as I am used to doing this with with both my piccolo and Eb trumpets (both very good pro models).

In conclusion - for me the quality of sound overrides the need to use alternative fingering. This trumpet offers very good value for money but it is not a pro standard trumpet. I am very pleased with it. The trumpet would also benefit from a trigger on the first valve and a water key on the third valve slide. The third valve trigger works well.