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.

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.

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.

Features

• A matching set of valved fanfare instruments commissioned by the British Royal Marines and Royal Air Force
• Replacements for the obsolete B&H/Besson instruments
• Rotary 4th valve on the Bass renders the 'G Bass' obsolete
• Position of mouthpiece, valves, banner and bell rim are the same for each instrument
• All have the same physical length from mouthpiece to bell rim
• Choice of leadpipes for the Soprano and Melody