Welcome to the Fanfare Trumpet section of the Smith Watkins website.

 All 40 British military bands have the capability of producing a fanfare team of about 7 players. There are four sizes of fanfare trumpets in common use today. In a team of 7 players, the British army use 4 B-flat trumpets, 2 B-flat tenor fanfares (similar to tenor trombones) and a bass fanfare pitched in B-flat / F, like a modern bass trombone. Click here to learn more about the history of Fanfare Trumpets

The bands of the Royal Air Force have a similar arrangement whilst the Royal Marine Bands (and some foreign bands) use the addition of a soprano fanfare to give a brighter sound. Having several teams, these bands often use 14 or more instruments at one time.

Since 2000, Smith Watkins has been making up to date instruments to replace the old Besson/Boosey & Hawkes range which, with the 'G' bass, has become obsolete. Click here for design details of Fanfare Trumpets since 1937

Whatever their musical length, the physical length from mouthpiece rim to bell end is exactly the same for each instrument, as is the position of the banners, giving perfect symmetry when played together. The sight and sound of these instruments is quite spectacular, whether on the parade ground or at a Royal celebration.

Click to view our Valved / Chromatic Range	Click to view our Natural / Herald / Cavalry Range