Berkeley Dizzy Bent Jazz Pocket Trumpet w/ Heavy D2H Mouthpiece – Innovation Meets Legacy

Dizzy Gillespie was one of the most groundbreaking and influential jazz musicians of all time, and his iconic bent trumpet remains one of the most recognizable symbols in jazz history. The Berkeley Dizzy Bent Jazz Pocket Trumpet with the included Heavy D2H Mouthpiece pays tribute to that legacy while pushing the boundaries of what a compact jazz instrument can deliver.

I recently had the pleasure of putting this horn through its paces—and I can say with confidence: this trumpet 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 privilege of playing some of the finest horns in the world. From custom-built Bachs to the full Monette lineup (and even one of Wynton Marsalis’s personal trumpets), I’ve experienced instruments at the highest professional level.

This Berkeley holds its own.

The tone, response, and playability rival high-end models like the Monette B-997 and B-993—horns that cost well over $7,000. The intonation is precise, the build quality feels rock solid, and the overall presence is far beyond what you’d expect from such a compact frame.

The Dizzy-style bent bell isn’t just a striking visual nod to a jazz legend—it enhances projection and delivers a warm, punchy, and unmistakably expressive tone. It captures the innovative spirit of Dizzy Gillespie himself, whose bent trumpet became as much a part of his artistry as his sound.

The included Heavy D2H mouthpiece is a perfect pairing. It gives the horn a centered, powerful core while allowing effortless articulation and flexibility. It feels natural under the fingers and on the lips—something seasoned players will appreciate immediately.

After performing with this horn, the reaction from fellow musicians and listeners was immediate. I was even asked if Berkeley makes French horns, baritones, and trombones—a testament to just how impressive this instrument is.

For me, this horn is just the beginning. The copper-belled cornet and flugelhorn are already on my radar—and maybe even a piccolo trumpet down the road. As long as Berkeley keeps this level of craftsmanship, I’ll be a lifelong customer.

And one final note to brass players: tone starts with breath. Breath is the fuel for your sound. I encourage incorporating Hatha Yoga—particularly Mountain Pose and Corpse Pose—into your practice routine. Better alignment and relaxed breathing will give you more air, more resonance, and more music in every note. As Charles Schlueter wisely said:

“More air = less work. Less air = more work.”

The Berkeley Dizzy Bent Jazz Pocket Trumpet embodies that same wisdom—it makes great sound come easier.

This isn’t just a novelty horn—it’s a serious jazz instrument built to inspire.