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Colin Music “Pocket Max” • 2006
It is unclear who manufactures this nice pocket trumpet for Colin Music of New York City, but it seems to be identical to the Marcato Sophia, the Antigua Winds (sold, it would appear, only in the UK) and the now-unavailable LA Sax pocket trumpets. The best guess at present is that these are made at the Jupiter factory in Taiwan. If this is true, it’s somewhat confusing, as this model plays much better than the Jupiter pocket design – why doesn’t Jupiter adopt a similar design themselves?
The quality is surprisingly nice for the money ($700 or so), with exceptional valves. They play well, and have good intonation. This is as close as you will get to a Benge pocket trumpet, for a good deal less money.
Yet, at least on this particular Max, the main tuning slide needs to be pulled almost all the way out to reach A=440 – very puzzling. The only other drawback is that it is very difficult to hold, even as pocket horns go.
Note the unique polycarbonite mouthpice!
Oddly, my LA Sax does not have the tuning issue. It is a terrific player, and one of my most gig-worthy horns. I play it with a cornet mouthpiece (and adapter) for a fatter tone.
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