Custom Adams A4 Trumpet: Build your Own

Popular. Versatile. Personalized.

The A4 is one of the most popular models in the Adams trumpet line, and for good reason! This trumpet is great in many different musical environments due to the wonderful coloring and richness of the sound. It's an ideal choice for the soloist looking for an extremely rich, warm, fluid, and thick sounding horn.

One of the heavier models from Adams, the A4 features a lighter-gauge 5.5-inch one-piece bell and a heavy chassis (valve block, bracings, etc.). The weight of the horn helps center the sound and adds an incredible depth, while the lighter bell gives you excellent responsiveness missing from some other heavy trumpet models. The larger bell diameter and the shape of the bell flare give you great sound dispersion in front of the horn and great feedback as a player. The note slotting has a great balance between security and flexibility.

Another big reason many players love the A4 is its versatility! You can really dial in your sound concept through your mouthpiece choice, and of course through customizing the instrument itself. Check out the descriptions and videos below to get an idea of some of the many possibilities!

While most people order this horn in the larger .470" (12 mm) bore, a medium-large .460" (11.7 mm) bore instrument can be made on request. You can also order this model with a shepherd's crook bell design, which allows for more personal expression in the dynamics and articulation palette. Check out the photos to see just a few of the possible configurations!

Need help choosing your options? Give us a call at (816) 410-0826 and we'll be happy to discuss your custom A4 build!

(For reference, the Adams Selected Model A4 features a large bore, .40 gold brass bell, & brushed lacquer finish. The A4 is a result of extensive collaborative design work with Adams Performing Artist Amik Guerra).  

Comes with an Adams Gard single trumpet bag (see photos)

If you would like to order a mouthpiece, click here!

Custom Bell Options:

• A thinner gauge bell results in a more energized, faster response.
• A thicker gauge bell gives more stability and density to the sound.
• The shepherd's crook option adds versatility

Bell Materials:

This bell is an excellent mix of materials for all-around work as this material is very versatile. The sound is clear and brilliant at all dynamic levels, with a good core and great projection. This alloy is ideal for lead trumpet, commercial playing, and studio work. Yellow brass is also a good choice for principal trumpet players in symphony orchestras or a player who is looking for good crispness to the articulated sound.

Like the yellow brass bell this is a very versatile material - a near perfect blend of warmth and projection. The gold brass brings a depth to the sound which is very smooth, rich and dark, however it is still a lively and agile trumpet. Gold brass responds quickly and has good projection without getting as brilliant as the yellow brass bell. We find it to be suited to a host of applications, be it in the jazz soloist, the crossover artist, the classical soloist, or someone who is looking for depth of sound while still retaining projection.

The Red Brass bell material is an ideal choice for the soloist who is looking for the richest, warmest, thickest sound available. Higher in copper content than our other two bell choices, a red brass bell provides the player with the smoothest transitions from note to note. Articulations are veiled (although with a lighter gauge Red Brass bell response is greatly improved) and the sound shape is a bit wider overall.

We offer all Adams Custom Series trumpet models with a solid Sterling silver bell. Sterling silver is a wonderfully versatile material but also very dependent on the individual’s particular ability level, sound concept, and approach to the instrument. Therefore we only recommend this bell option for the serious amateur or professional. In general, a Sterling silver bell has a dark, thick sound when played at soft to medium volumes. At louder volumes, the higher overtones are much more present and the result is a wonderful sound with great “sparkle.”

Finishes:

This is actually no finish. The raw material of the instrument is only polished.

This finish will liven and energize the sound slightly.

This finish will leave the sound very similar to the original raw state.

The instrument keeps the look of the polished raw material.

A gold tone is added to the clear lacquer.

A copper tone is added to the clear lacquer.

A colored lacquer which gives the instrument a typical "antique" look.

Bonus Videos!

Here's one from the archives, a showdown video with the A4 Shepherd's Crook vs. A4 Quattro Four Valve Trumpet. With the A4 you can really take your personalization of your trumpet to the next level!

Here's a quick demo video of Kyle playing on the ML bore A4:

Prior to ordering please check our Shipping and Returns policy.

If you have any questions please send us an email or give us a call at (816) 410-0826! We also offer several financing options.

Also note weight indicated in the ad is shipping weight not actual weight of instrument.

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