B&S

B&S – professional brass instrument making from Markneukirchen

B&S is one of the long-established names in German brass instrument making and manufactures its instruments in Markneukirchen. The range covers almost the entire brass spectrum and includes trumpets, cornets, flugelhorns, trombones, tenor horns, baritones and tubas. This gives the brand instruments for a wide range of settings, from community and concert bands through brass bands to professional symphony orchestras.

Challenger and Challenger II – professional trumpets

A major focus of B&S is professional trumpets. The Challenger II Series is particularly well known, with models such as the 3137/2 and 3143/2. Depending on the version, the instruments differ in features such as bell size, material, leadpipe and further construction details. Hand-hammered bells and Monel valves are used on various models. This allows experienced players to select a combination of response, resistance and tonal character that suits their individual requirements.

Prodige and X-Line for different playing levels

With Prodige, B&S also offers a more accessible entry into the world of high-quality trumpets. Above this, the X-Line with concepts and models such as Martinez, Personality, Metropolitain and Exquisite is aimed at professional players with specific tonal and technical preferences. With trumpets in this class, direct comparison is especially worthwhile because differences in leadpipe, bell, bore and weight can noticeably influence the individual playing feel.

Cornets and flugelhorns for brass band and wind music

Alongside trumpets, cornets and flugelhorns are also part of the B&S range. Cornets play a central role particularly in brass bands and selected ensemble settings, while flugelhorns are valued in wind music, jazz and solo passages for their softer, rounder tonal direction. When choosing an instrument, tuning and valve system matter alongside bore design, bell dimensions and the intended musical application.

Meistersinger – trombones for professional requirements

In the trombone range, the Meistersinger Series forms part of the professional B&S programme. Models such as the MS14 are designed for players with high expectations regarding response, slide feel, intonation and tonal projection. Depending on the version, different valve and bell configurations are available. For orchestra, brass ensemble or demanding solo repertoire, the instrument should therefore always be considered in relation to personal playing technique and preferred resistance.

Tenor horns and baritones for concert bands and traditional ensembles

B&S is also strongly represented with tenor horns and baritones. In many Central European concert-band and traditional music settings, these instruments occupy an important middle register between flugelhorn and tuba. Models differ in construction, bore, valve configuration and bell size. For longer rehearsals and performances, ergonomics, weight and instrument balance are important considerations alongside tone and intonation.

B&S tubas for orchestra and low brass

Another major area is tubas. B&S offers instruments in different sizes, pitches and construction concepts, from more compact orchestral instruments to large models for particularly powerful bass parts. The programme includes Bb and F tubas with rotary valves as well as professionally configured models for different orchestral traditions. When choosing a tuba, pitch, body size, valve system, ergonomics and musical application should always be considered together.

Which B&S instrument suits you?

The selection begins with the instrument family and intended use. For trumpet players, bore, bell, leadpipe and preferred resistance are important criteria. With trombones, slide feel and valve system also come into play, while tenor horn, baritone and tuba players need to consider size, balance and airflow more closely. Advanced and professional musicians should therefore compare several models directly whenever possible, as technical specifications alone cannot fully show how an instrument responds to the individual embouchure and musical environment.

Buy B&S at Kirstein

B&S offers a broad brass instrument programme ranging from more accessible models to professional orchestral instruments. At Kirstein you can find B&S trumpets, flugelhorns, trombones, tenor horns, baritones and tubas. You also benefit from a 3 Year Kirstein Warranty and, when required, knowledgeable specialist advice on professional brass instruments.