Instrument: Smith-Watkins trumpet

Nick Walkley tries the new Mike Lovatt signature trumpet and discovers ‘an instrument for all occasions’

Those who have had the joy of listening to Mike Lovatt perform live will, no doubt, recall the sensation of hearing his powerful sound. Rich at the core in every part of the range, it is one of the many qualities that put him in demand as one of London’s busiest session musicians. From the ‘lead’ chair in Superbrass and the John Wilson Orchestra, to freelance roles in the major Symphony Orchestras, Mike covers a wide range of styles and sounds from day-to-day. Deciding a trumpet set-up that offers that kind of versatility is, therefore, an important choice to make. So what, then, does a ML Smith-Watkins Professional Trumpet offer? Upon opening the supplied case, a first glance visual inspection presents a very well made and quite ‘normal’ looking trumpet. A few neat little signature touches, such as the laser-etched titanium valve caps and the ‘ML Smith Watkins’ logo engraved on the side of the bell, are the only added ‘bling’. The message here is; this is the working tool of a professional, not a ‘pimped-up plaything' (though a gold plate option is available!). As with previous Smith-Watkins trumpets, it features an interchangeable lead-pipe design, but here only the custom ‘ML’ specification is provided as standard.

Behind the scenes, Richard Smith of Smith-Watkins, has spent many decades researching the internal acoustics of brass instruments. He says that most of the science happens at the mouthpiece/lead-pipe end, whilst the rest of the trumpet resonates and amplifies that sound. The response of this instrument reflects his knowledge; every note feels centred and secure whereas, with many other leading brands, sometimes it does not. Like a trusted suit, this trumpet is tailor-made to meet Mike Lovatt’s need for an ‘instrument for all occasions’. Combined with an appropriate mouthpiece, it offers that large core sound throughout, whilst really singing in the high register and has warmth in the lower/ quieter range. For commercial trumpet playing, this is an ideal tool and it is no surprise that this instrument proudly carries the name of one of the leaders in that business!

Learn more by visiting: www.smithwatkins.com

For more reviews, news, interviews and features, subscribe to BBW Digital