Primary Bb — Lotus Classic
Nickel tuning slide. Purchased new in 2026 (~$6,000). Brighter cousin of the Universal after trying a used Universal first.
My Gear
Current horns, mouthpieces, mutes, and cases — with photos pulled from the live site.
Primary flugel — Yamaha Custom Wayne Bergeron YFH-8315IIG
Purchased new in 2026 (~$3,963). Upgrade from a mid-road Yamaha with intonation quirks.
C trumpet — Yamaha Xeno Artist “New York” YTR-9445CHS
Purchased used in 2024 (2019 model, ~$3,500). Previously owned by Christopher Smith, Principal Trumpet, San Diego Symphony.
Big-band / backup Bb — Schilke B1
Purchased new in 2018 (~$3,300). Brightest horn in the collection; lead / projection and backup.
Solo / warm Bb — Lotus Universal
Phosphor bronze tuning slide. Purchased used in 2026 (~$4,000). Creamiest sound short of flugel; now backup-backup.
Backup flugel — Yamaha YFH-631G
Purchased new in 2018 (~$1,900). First flugel owned after Air Force issue familiarity. (Photo placeholder uses primary flugel until separate export.)
Main mouthpieces
Lotus 3rd Gen 3L; Lotus 2nd Gen 2M2 nickel high compression; S.E. Shires 3C; Schilke Faddis lead; Yamaha 14F4 flugel.
Mutes & accessories
Best Brass Harmon (wah-wah), Pro Tec Liberty cup, Soulo straight — plus plunger, practice mute, tuner, oil, and the usual gig kit.
Cases
Pro Tec wheeled double (Bb + flugel) and slimline C case with backpack harness — carry-on friendly where it counts.
Walk-in closet practice studio
Extra lighting, damping (never enough, per my wife), cameras, and mics. Dead room, hot room — still where the work happens.