The "Chicago" Series

The Chicago Series was developed in close cooperation with John Hagstrom of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. 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

Based on new findings acquired through research into vintage trumpets, the dimensions and thickness of parts of the valve casing have been revised for the 2019 model. The refined valve casing and lightweight pistons work together to deliver significantly improved response for even greater clarity in detailed passages.

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 YTR-9445CHS bell has been changed from the previous YS4 type to a YS4s type with a different bell tail shape. Combined with the MC1 leadpipe, this results in even greater pitch accuracy.

Main Tuning Slide

For the 2019 model revision, a square main tuning slide that provides enhanced overall playing feel and tonal balance has been adopted in the YTR-9335CHS and YTR-9445CHS.

Water Key and Water Key Cork

A redesigned water key contributes to improved musical resonance in YTR-9445CHS. The weight distribution of the water key arm and saddle improve playability and response while enhancing high resister 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.

Reversed Tuning Slide

The leadpipes are based on Bob Malone's own design, and on the C trumpet is a long taper that ends in a reversed tuning slide. These leadpipes are largely responsible for the tonal expressivity of the trumpets, and you will find that notes slot easily and comfortably in all ranges, with exceptionally accurate intonation.

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.

Leadpipe

Utilizing a leadpipe that is thicker than current designs, an original style Malone Pipe™ (MC1), and a lighter mouthpiece receiver, we have achieved improved tone and response while providing the performer with ideal blowing resistance. A finger hook that is not soldered to the leadpipe is provided. You will hear and feel the difference in tone quality and response.

Malone Pipe™

Based on leadpipes designed by renowned brass instrument artisan Bob Malone, the Malone Pipe™ is available in several keys, offering 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 Yamaha’s 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. Rich and brilliant tone with excellent projection, the Malone Pipe™ brings total expression to your music.

Brace Design & Position

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

1st Valve Slide

The first valve side has a special brace for a stronger focus to the core of the tone, resulting in unparalleled definition and clarity.

3rd Valve Slide

The 3rd valve slide stopper position is designed to allow the slide to be extended sufficiently to achieve accurate low F pitch. The button at the tip of the slide and the quarter circle stopper ring help to fine-tune the playing resistan