Handcraft Series Trumpets
Designed for an authentic vintage tone
The Schilke Handcraft Series offers a truly unique sound experience. Featuring an extra-large bore and bell design, the Handcraft produces a dark, smoky tone with powerful projection suitable for any performance venue. Drawing on early design influences from Renold Schilke’s work prior to founding the Schilke company, this trumpet reintroduces a rich, smooth sound that had been unavailable for decades. With an even feel, quick response, and exceptional intonation, the Handcraft Series represents the ultimate blend of tradition and innovation.
Handcraft Series Trumpets
Explore our wide range of features, options, and models for our Handcraft Series trumpets.
Standard Features
#0 ‘XL’ Bell Taper
Unsoldered Bead
.468″ XL Step Bore
Reverse Leadpipe
Round Main Tuning Slide
Lightweight Design
1st slide saddle & 3rd slide ring
Available Options
1st slide ring
Pinky ring
3rd slide waterkey
Amado waterkey(s)
“Beryllium” extra light copper bell
Tuning bell
Handcraft Series Bb Trumpets are available in polished lacquer, brushed lacquer, silver or 24K gold plated finishes. They are also covered by the Schilke Limited Lifetime Warranty.
HC1
The Handcraft Series HC1 Trumpet features an XL bell taper in yellow brass, delivering a warm, smooth tone with excellent clarity, precision, and consistency in sound quality across all registers and dynamics.
Standard Features
One-piece Yellow Brass Bell
HC2
The Handcraft Series HC2 Bb Trumpet offers a dark and smoky tone that represents a wide range of tonal colors. It is at its darkest in quiet moments, yet becomes bright and lively when more presence is needed.
Standard Features
One-piece Copper Bell
Bell Material
The HC1 comes standard with a yellow brass bell, whereas the HC2 has a pure copper bell. Yellow brass bells are more consistent in tonal color regardless of dynamics. The copper bell offers a more progressive tonality that is responsive to dynamic, with a darker sound in quieter moments while brighter when playing with more volume.
Optional “beryllium” bells are very thin lightweight copper 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 the overall sound.
Tuning Bells
Detachable tuning bells are available by special order on any Handcraft 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. Removing the standard front brace also adds freeness in the sound and more brilliance at louder volumes. An additional advantage is that different bells of varying tapers, materials and finishes may be used to change the overall characteristics of the instrument.
