Custom Series Trumpets Available at Schilke Music

Custom Series Bb Trumpets

Versatile trumpets with a natural brilliance

The Schilke Custom Series Bb Trumpets (also known as the B & X Series) were designed by Renold O. Schilke and date back his founding of our company. These models feature a lightweight design with minimal bracing, round main tuning slide and reverse leadpipe. Custom Series trumpets are lauded for a natural brilliance, or “shimmer,” to their sound, an ease of playing, consistent “feel” from top to bottom of the horn and superior intonation.

The Custom Series is often viewed as a spectrum of models. With a choice of bell taper and bore size, every musician can find the right “feel” for them. Designed with versatility in mind, these models are great for classical, chamber, solo, jazz or commercial music. Custom Series BbTrumpets have been played by the world’s great musicians for 60+ years.

Introduced in 1983, the S Series Bb Trumpets were the brainchild of Renold E. Schilke, son of our founder Renold O. Schilke, and Owner of Schilke Music Products from 1982 until his retirement in 2002. Designed in collaboration with Jon Faddis, members of the Chicago Symphony Trumpet Section and other prominent musicians of the time, S Series Bb Trumpets offer a different feel for the player. A more cylindrical design, modified tuning slide and soldered bead wire provide a more focused feel and slightly denser “core” sound in comparison to the Custom Series Bb Trumpets.

Custom Series Trumpets

Explore our wide range of features, options, and models for our Custom Series trumpets

Standard Features

Unsoldered Bead
Reverse Leadpipe
Round Main Tuning Slide Without Brace
Lightweight Design
1st Slide Saddle & 3rd Slide Ring

Available Options

1st Slide Ring
Pinky Ring
3rd Slide Waterkey
Amado Waterkey(s)

Sterling Silver Bell
“Beryllium” Bell
Tuning Bell

Custom Series Bb Trumpets are covered by the Schilke Limited Lifetime Warranty.

B1

The B1 was the preferred Bb trumpet of the legendary Renold O. Schilke and is the basis in design for the other B & X Series instruments. Distinguished by its free and open feel, this trumpet is among the most popular Schilke models, allowing the player the diversity in sound color from a rich, full bodied dark sound to a brilliant ringing tone when desired.

Standard Features

One-piece Yellow Brass Bell
#1 Bell Taper
.460″ ML Step Bore

B1 Models

Silver plate

B1 – Yellow brass bell
B1L – Yellow brass tuning bell
B1b – “Beryllium” bell
B1Lb – “Beryllium” tuning bell
B1S – Sterling silver bell
B1LS – Sterling silver tuning bell

Gold plate

B1-GP – Yellow brass bell
B1L-GP – Yellow brass tuning bell
B1b-GP – “Beryllium” bell
B1Lb-GP – “Beryllium” tuning bell
B1S-GP – Sterling silver bell
B1LS-GP – Sterling silver tuning bell

B2

This medium large bore model is the perfect choice for the performer that desires an efficient design with a robust width of sound. The B2 offers the player a crisp, focused sound, but without feeling tight.

Standard Features

One-piece Yellow Brass Bell
#3 Bell Taper
.460″ ML Step Bore

B2 Models

Silver plate

B2 – Yellow brass bell
B2L – Yellow brass tuning bell
B2b – “Beryllium” bell
B2Lb – “Beryllium” tuning bell
B2S – Sterling silver bell
B2LS – Sterling silver tuning bell

Gold plate

B2-GP – Yellow brass bell
B2L-GP – Yellow brass tuning bell
B2b-GP – “Beryllium” bell
B2Lb-GP – “Beryllium” tuning bell
B2S-GP – Sterling silver bell
B2LS-GP – Sterling silver tuning bell

B3

This versatile large bore model plays with added brilliance, immediate response, balance in color and feel throughout the range from top to bottom. The B3 is ideal for the player looking for a “big horn feel” yet with more “power steering.”

Standard Features

One-piece Yellow Brass Bell
#3 Bell Taper
.463″ Large Bore

B3 Models

Silver plate

B3 – Yellow brass bell
B3L – Yellow brass tuning bell
B3b – “Beryllium” bell
B3Lb – “Beryllium” tuning bell
B3S – Sterling silver bell
B3LS – Sterling silver tuning bell

Gold plate

B3-GP – Yellow brass bell
B3L-GP – Yellow brass tuning bell
B3b-GP – “Beryllium” bell
B3Lb-GP – “Beryllium” tuning bell
B3S-GP – Sterling silver bell
B3LS-GP – Sterling silver tuning bell

B4

The medium bore B4 Bb Trumpet has a focused sound that projects well in any setting. This model will appeal to a player who desires a brilliant sound with maximum efficiency.

Standard Features

One-piece Yellow Brass Bell
#3 Bell Taper
.450″ Medium Step Bore

B4 Models

Silver plate

B4 – Yellow brass bell
B4L – Yellow brass tuning bell
B4b – “Beryllium” bell
B4Lb – “Beryllium” tuning bell
B4S – Sterling silver bell
B4LS – Sterling silver tuning bell

Gold plate

B4-GP – Yellow brass bell
B4L-GP – Yellow brass tuning bell
B4b-GP – “Beryllium” bell
B4Lb-GP – “Beryllium” tuning bell
B4S-GP – Sterling silver bell
B4LS-GP – Sterling silver tuning bell

B5

The B5 offers a compact sound with tremendous projection. This model provides flexibility in sound color that is dependent upon dynamics, with continuity in timbre in all registers.

Standard Features

One-piece Copper Bell
#2 Bell Taper
.460″ ML Step Bore

B5 Models

Silver plate

B5 – Copper bell
B5L – Copper tuning bell
B5b – “Beryllium” bell
B5Lb – “Beryllium” tuning bell
B5S – Sterling silver bell
B5LS – Sterling silver tuning bell

Gold plate

B5-GP – Copper bell
B5L-GP – Copper tuning bell
B5b-GP – “Beryllium” bell
B5Lb-GP – “Beryllium” tuning bell
B5S-GP – Sterling silver bell
B5LS-GP – Sterling silver tuning bell

B6

The classic medium bore trumpet, the B6 has been an extremely popular choice for all musicians, especially the commercial player. In the studio or on stage, for lead or in the section, this incredibly versatile model provides a compact sound with superior projection and exceptional brilliance.

Standard Features

One-piece Copper Bell
#2 Bell Taper
.450″ Medium Step Bore

B6 Models

Silver plate

B6 – Copper bell
B6L – Copper tuning bell
B6b – “Beryllium” bell
B6Lb – “Beryllium” tuning bell
B6S – Sterling silver bell
B6LS – Sterling silver tuning bell

Gold plate

B6-GP – Copper bell
B6L-GP – Copper tuning bell
B6b-GP – “Beryllium” bell
B6Lb-GP – “Beryllium” tuning bell
B6S-GP – Sterling silver bell
B6LS-GP – Sterling silver tuning bell

B7

For the musician that desires a big sound with an efficient design, the B7 never disappoints. While this model provides an economical feel from the medium bore chassis, the #1 bell taper yields a broad sound that belies any idea of this being a small trumpet. The B7 is an incredibly versatile model that is popular with musicians of all ages and plays wonderfully in all genres.

Standard Features

One-piece Yellow Brass Bell
#1 Bell Taper
.450″ Medium Step Bore

B7 Models

Silver plate

B7 – Yellow brass bell
B7L – Yellow brass tuning bell
B7b – “Beryllium” bell
B7Lb – “Beryllium” tuning bell
B7S – Sterling silver bell
B7LS – Sterling silver tuning bell

Gold plate

B7-GP – Yellow brass bell
B7L-GP – Yellow brass tuning bell
B7b-GP – “Beryllium” bell
B7Lb-GP – “Beryllium” tuning bell
B7S-GP – Sterling silver bell
B7LS-GP – Sterling silver tuning bell

X3

The X3 plays big and broad. This model allows the player to achieve a rich yet brilliant sound with maximum projection. This model’s balanced design allows an “even feel” throughout the range of the instrument. The X3 is popular with commercial and orchestral players alike.

Standard Features

One-piece Yellow Brass Bell
#1 Bell Taper
.463″ Large Bore

X3 Models

Silver plate

X3 – Yellow brass bell
X3L – Yellow brass tuning bell
X3b – “Beryllium” bell
X3Lb – “Beryllium” tuning bell
X3S – Sterling silver bell
X3LS – Sterling silver tuning bell

Gold plate

X3-GP – Yellow brass bell
X3L-GP – Yellow brass tuning bell
X3b-GP – “Beryllium” bell
X3Lb-GP – “Beryllium” tuning bell
X3S-GP – Sterling silver bell
X3LS-GP – Sterling silver tuning bell

X4

For the player that requires an incredibly free “blow” in a Bb trumpet, the X4 is one of the largest instruments in the Schilke lineup. Characterized by its uniform sound & resonance in all registers, the X4 is the kingpin of the B & X Series.

Standard Features

One-piece Yellow Brass Bell
#1 Bell Taper
.468″ XL Bore

X4 Models

Silver plate

X4 – Yellow brass bell
X4L – Yellow brass tuning bell
X4b – “Beryllium” bell
X4Lb – “Beryllium” tuning bell
X4S – Sterling silver bell
X4LS – Sterling silver tuning bell

Gold plate

X4-GP – Yellow brass bell
X4L-GP – Yellow brass tuning bell
X4b-GP – “Beryllium” bell
X4Lb-GP – “Beryllium” tuning bell
X4S-GP – Sterling silver bell
X4LS-GP – Sterling silver tuning bell

X5

The X5 is one of the biggest Schilke Bb Trumpets. Featuring a .468″ XL bore, this model is balanced by the #3 bell taper, functioning as “powering steering” for the large feeling body. The X5 is an incredibly versatile and free blowing instrument.

Standard Features

One-piece Yellow Brass Bell
#3 Bell Taper
.468″ XL Bore

X5 Models

Silver plate

X5 – Yellow brass bell
X5L – Yellow brass tuning bell
X5b – “Beryllium” bell
X5Lb – “Beryllium” tuning bell
X5S – Sterling silver bell
X5LS – Sterling silver tuning bell

Gold plate

X5-GP – Yellow brass bell
X5L-GP – Yellow brass tuning bell
X5b-GP – “Beryllium” bell
X5Lb-GP – “Beryllium” tuning bell
X5S-GP – Sterling silver bell
X5LS-GP – Sterling silver tuning bell

X6

For the musician who wants a similarly extra-large “blow” of the X4 and X5 models, but needs a slightly different feel, the X6 delivers. Featuring an XL .468” bore, the X6 offers a large feel with similar “power steering” of the X5, but with a broader sound.

Standard Features

One-piece Yellow Brass Bell
#2 Bell Taper
.468″ XL Bore

X6 Models

Silver plate

X6 – Yellow brass bell
X6L – Yellow brass tuning bell
X6b – “Beryllium” bell
X6Lb – “Beryllium” tuning bell
X6S – Sterling silver bell
X6LS – Sterling silver tuning bell

Gold plate

X6-GP – Yellow brass bell
X6L-GP – Yellow brass tuning bell
X6b-GP – “Beryllium” bell
X6Lb-GP – “Beryllium” tuning bell
X6S-GP – Sterling silver bell
X6LS-GP – Sterling silver tuning bell

S Series Trumpets

Explore our wide range of features, options, and models for our S Series trumpets

Standard Features

#2 Bell Taper
One-Piece Yellow Brass Bell
Soldered Bead
Reverse Leadpipe
Semi-Square Main Tuning Slide w/ Brace
Lightweight Design
1st & 3rd Slide Ring

Available Options

1st Slide Saddle
Pinky Ring
3rd Slide Waterkey
Amado Waterkey(s)
“Beryllium” Bell
Sterling Bell
Tuning Bell

S Series Bb Trumpets are covered by the Schilke Limited Lifetime Warranty.

S22

The S22 S Series Bb Trumpet was introduced in 1983. Designed working with members of the legendary trumpet section of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the S22 provides an excellent focus in sound with an emphasis on the “core” tone and slotting security. This model is ideal for the player that desires the ease of response of a lightweight instrument with a slightly denser tone than the Custom Series.

Standard Features

.463″ Large Bore

S22 Models

Silver plate

S22 – Yellow brass bell
S22L – Yellow brass tuning bell
S22b – “Beryllium” bell
S22Lb – “Beryllium” tuning bell
S22s – Sterling silver bell
S22LS – Sterling silver tuning bell

Gold plate

S22-GP – Yellow brass bell
S22L-GP – Yellow brass tuning bell
S22b-GP – “Beryllium” bell
S22Lb-GP – “Beryllium” tuning bell
S22S-GP – Sterling silver bell
S22LS-GP – Sterling silver tuning bell

S32

The S32 S Series Bb Trumpet was introduced in 1983 and designed working with renowned trumpet players of that era. The S32 offers a quick response, but with more “core” and a more efficient “feel” than its ML bore counterparts from the Custom Series.

Standard Features

.460″ ML Bore

S32 Models

Silver plate

S32 – Yellow brass bell
S32L – Yellow brass tuning bell
S32b – “Beryllium” bell
S32Lb – “Beryllium” tuning bell
S32s – Sterling silver bell
S32LS – Sterling silver tuning bell

Gold plate

S32-GP – Yellow brass bell
S32L-GP – Yellow brass tuning bell
S32b-GP – “Beryllium” bell
S32Lb-GP – “Beryllium” tuning bell
S32S-GP – Sterling silver bell
S32LS-GP – Sterling silver tuning bell

S42

The S42 S Series Bb Trumpet was introduced in 1983. This model benefitted from advice and feedback from Jon Faddis, and was played by him for more than 20 years, until the development of the S43HDL-F Faddis Model. The S42 offers an efficient design, ideal for the lead player.

Standard Features

.450″ Medium Bore

S42 Models

Silver plate

S42 – Yellow brass bell
S42L – Yellow brass tuning bell
S42b – “Beryllium” bell
S42Lb – “Beryllium” tuning bell
S42s – Sterling silver bell
S42LS – Sterling silver tuning bell

Gold plate

S42-GP – Yellow brass bell
S42L-GP – Yellow brass tuning bell
S42b-GP – “Beryllium” bell
S42Lb-GP – “Beryllium” tuning bell
S42S-GP – Sterling silver bell
S42LS-GP – Sterling silver tuning bell

Bell Material

All Custom Series Bb Trumpets come standard with a yellow brass bell, with the exception of the B5 and B6, which have a pure copper bell. These materials were chosen by Renold O. Schilke to have playing characteristics that best compliment each individual model.

Yellow brass bells are more consistent in tonal color regardless of dynamics. Whereas copper bells offer a more progressive tonality that is responsive to dynamic, with a darker sound when playing pp and brighter when playing ff.

Optional “beryllium” bells are very thin bells, similar to our standard copper bells in playing characteristics, but with a brighter and more resonant dynamic range. These bells are terrific when looking for more “sizzle” in your sound.

Optional sterling silver bells offer a focused, dense sound. Darker in timbre in softer dynamics and brighter in louder dynamics, the sterling silver bells are similar to “beryllium,” but with a more simplified overtone series. These bells “zing” when playing ff.

Tuning Bells

Detachable tuning bells are available by special order on any Custom Series Bb Trumpet. The advantage of the tuning bell feature is that the tuning slide can be left all the way in or moved only a little, thereby keeping the bore relatively free of gaps that may cause a disturbance in the nodal pattern of the sound wave. Another advantage is that different bells of varying tapers, materials and finishes may be used to change characteristics of the instrument.