Berkeley New innovation Dizzy Bent Jazz Pocket trumpet w/ Heavy D2H MP

Dizzy was one of the most influential and well-known jazz musicians of all-time. Professional Testimonial Berkeley Dizzy Bent Jazz Pocket Trumpet with Heavy D2H Mouthpiece

I recently had the pleasure of playing the Berkeley Dizzy Bent Jazz Pocket Trumpet with the Heavy D2H mouthpiece—and let me tell you, this horn is a revelation.

As a former employee of Sam Ash Music in Manhattan—one of the largest and most respected music stores in the country—I’ve had the rare opportunity to play on a wide array of professional-level instruments. From custom-built Bachs to the full line of Monette trumpets, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some of the best horns in the world. I even played one of Wynton Marsalis’s personal instruments and performed extensively with the Monette B2 mouthpiece he’s known for.

So believe me when I say: this horn holds its own.

The tone, response, and overall playability rival high-end models like the Monette B-997 and B-993—horns that retail upwards of $7,000. The build quality is solid, the intonation is spot on, and the feel is surprisingly robust for such a compact frame. It’s not just a novelty—it’s a serious jazz instrument.

The Dizzy-style bent bell is more than just a visual tribute to one of jazz’s greatest innovators; it actually enhances projection and creates a uniquely warm yet punchy tone. It honors the legacy of Dizzy Gillespie, whose iconic bent trumpet became as much a part of his sound as his virtuosity and showmanship. That same spirit of innovation lives in this pocket trumpet.

The included Heavy D2H mouthpiece is a perfect match. It provides a centered core to the sound while allowing for flexibility and ease of articulation. It’s responsive, powerful, and feels great under the fingers and lips—something only true players can appreciate right away.

I performed with this horn recently, and the response from both musicians and listeners was immediate. Several players have already asked if Berkeley makes French horns, baritones, and trombones. That’s how impressive this piece is—it speaks for itself.

I’ll definitely be back for more. The copper-belled cornet and flugelhorn are next on my list—and maybe even a piccolo trumpet down the line. As long as the quality stays this high, you’ve got a lifelong customer.

One final note: if you’re a brass player looking to unlock more depth in your sound, focus on breath. Breath is the fuel of tone. I highly recommend incorporating basic Hatha Yoga into your routine—Mountain Pose and Corpse Pose in particular. You’ll be amazed how improved alignment and relaxed breathing translate to fuller, freer playing. As Charles Schlueter once said: “More air = less work. Less air = more work.” The wisdom in that is timeless. He pioneered a number of jazz subgenres and became internationally famous for his legendary ability on the trumpet, 

But the most lasting symbol of his remarkable career may well be his signature “bent” trumpet—and the story of how the American History Museum got its hands on one of these unusual instruments is just as unconventional as himself.