A relatively new addition to our concise edit of brass instruments here at Forsyth is the Renaissance brass range from one of the world's most respected manufacturers of flutes and saxophones, Trevor James.

Trevor James flutes were originally designed and introduced to the world music markets by Trevor James in the early 1980’s. Thirty years on, the brand has gradually expanded to include the multi-award winning Trevor James saxophones and in 2011, the new TJ Renaissance range of brass. With the design process very much centred around the musicians who will play them, Trevor James worked for several years with professional brass players to create very playable, comfortable instruments which are able to withstand the rigours of an active musical life.

So, with a full selection of the high brass - four Bb trumpets, two Bb cornets and a pro-level flugel horn - currently in stock, we put them through their paces to see if they live up to the hype.

Design
When you first pick up a TJ instrument, the first impressions across all of the range are of super build quality that feels robust but has a modern and stylish 'look' without overdone embellishment or gimmicks. The metals used range between the standard yellow brass, rose brass (softer metal for a mellower tone) and silver plate (bright and zingy to carry across a wind band or orchestra). The look of the stainless steel valves can be seen either as clean and stylish or as simply functional, depending on your visual aesthetic (!) but they are slick and responsive - and this choice of material makes the pistons themselves exceptionally hardwearing and straightforward to maintain.

Stylish branded stays, whilst looking great and being something of a recognisable brand feature across the Rensaissance range, are of a circular shape (instead of the more usual narrow bar connector) which does provide added strength and structure to the instrument. Marketed by the company as a unique 'acoustic bell brace', whether they enhance the sound is up for discussion, but their unusual shape is likely to help cut down on unwanted vibrations, and there is generally a clear centredness to the sound which appears to support the theory!

Renaissance trumpets
TJTR 2500
The entry level instrument in the Renaissance trumpet range, the 2500 is great looking trumpet in laquered yellow brass, the most standard metal used for brass instruments. It has a rose brass lead pipe and is freeblowing and quite robust in sound, with the same agile valves as the more expensive models. A terrific and inspiring choice for beginners without breaking the bank.

TJTR4500 & 4500SP
A step up from the 2500 and similar in many aspects, the 4500 is a great sounding intermediate standard trumpet. The 4500 is available in both laquered yellow brass with a rose brass bell, or in silver plate for a more projected sound.

TJTR 8500SP
The TJTR8500SP design has references to classic trumpet designs with more 'period' features such the French bead bell rim, decorative mother of pearl style buttons to the valve tops, striking engraved bell and & acute angled leadpipe to bell stays. Available in silver plate only, the forte sound is as bright and shiny as you would expect, but played quietly it is very responsive with clean attacks and very stable tone and tuning.

TJTR 15000S
The most expensive trumpet model available, the 15000 is the flagship of the TJ range. Styled like the 8500 with bell engraving, this professional standard instrument has gold plated slides and valve caps, which look extremely striking. Created to withstand the rigours of regular prolonged playing, the 15000 is comfortable and balanced to hold whilst giving super flexibility across the whole range.

Renaissance cornet
TJCT 4500 & 4500SP
The entry level cornet in the range, TJCT is available in lacquered yellow brass or in silver plate. The stainless steel valves are very free moving and the sound is full and focussed. The tuning can be easily tweaked using the adjustable 3rd valve ring. This is a terrific instrument for joining the ranks of a brass band.

TJFL6500 & 6500SP
The 6500 cornet is available in both laquered yellow brass and silver plate. The yellow brass instrument is particularly good looking, with a rose brass lead pipe and highlights which bring a warm bloom to the sound, though the silver plated version is brighter. As a hard working brass band instrument, the 6500 is easy to play, consistent in sound, even when tiredness sets in and great for tutti or for solos, where the two tuning triggers on the 1st and 3rd valve slides are a brilliant bonus at this price.

Renaissance flugel horn
TJFL6500 & 6500SP
The only flugel horn in the TJ range, the 6500 is available in both lacquered rose brass and silver plate. Clarity and projection are great and the sound is rich, mellow and airy, helped along by the rose brass bell. Lower notes in the register below middle C naturally require more airflow to maintain the pitch, however this is helped along by the neat trigger operated tuning slide. Flugels with trigger tuning are rarely seen in this price range, and this technical addition isn't compromised by shortcuts elsewhere - this instrument looks and feels as good as any we have tried.

The TJ Renaissance range also includes a tenor horn, tenor trombone, Bb/F trombone, euphonium, baritone and tuba, available to order.

Buying a musical instrument is very much personal choice and there are many fine brass makers out there. If you are thinking about a new brass instrument for yourself, your child or a pupil, Renaissance brass are worth serious consideration. Many of our customers have already invested in these gems, which are cushioned in a neat, lightweight but strong, backpack style case, perfect for getting around to gigs or for getting your child and their instrument safely through the school run. They also come with the Trevor James numbered guarantee, unique to each instrument.

Call into the shop anytime and try out the range in store. It's a good chance to compare the sound and quality with more well known brands before making your final decision as it’s our opinion that TJ Renaissance instruments stand up very favourably.

With beautiful design, excellent playability and a great sound at every price point, what's not to like?

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