Harrelson Bravura V Bb Trumpet | 1GLT Lightweight Gold Brass Bell | VGR | Raw Brass

Harrelson Bravura V Bb Trumpet | 1GLT Lightweight Gold Brass Bell | VGR | Raw Brass

DESCRIPTION

Up for sale is a Harrelson Bravura V Bb trumpet, built in Denver, Colorado on November 9, 2025.

I have said before that I would probably never own another Harrelson, but here we are.

I’m still not personally a big fan of the look of these horns or some of the design choices, but I have to give this one credit. It plays pretty good, and there are some interesting things about this setup.

This one has Harrelson’s Leadpipe 1 and 1GLT lightweight gold brass bell. The 1GLT is a 5” bell using Harrelson’s #1 taper. Harrelson has compared the #1 bell’s projection to a Bach 37 and standard Yamaha Xeno. Leadpipe 1 is also his more versatile, all-around leadpipe and has historically been compared by Harrelson to the feel and sound of a Bach #25 leadpipe on a Model 37.

So even though this trumpet looks anything but conventional, the basic bell and leadpipe combination is actually pretty traditional.

It also has the VGR Venturi Gap Receiver with the inserts, allowing you to change the feel, flexibility and slotting of the horn.

The horn is raw brass and has the custom red acrylic inlay finger buttons.

FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

• Harrelson Bravura V
• Bb trumpet
• Built November 9, 2025
• Denver, Colorado, USA
• Raw brass
• 1GLT lightweight gold brass bell
• 5” bell
• Harrelson #1 bell taper
• Harrelson Leadpipe 1
• Laser-sintered 316L stainless steel leadpipe construction
• MJF nylon components and bracing
• VGR Venturi Gap Receiver
• VGR inserts included
• Custom red acrylic inlay finger buttons
• Adjustable finger rings
• Rounded main tuning slide
• Amado-style water keys

CONDITION

Overall, the horn is in very good condition.

It is raw brass, so there is some normal patina, spotting and discoloration from handling. This isn’t lacquer wear because there is no lacquer on the horn.

The valves work well. They also feel a lot like CarolBrass valves to me. I can’t confirm that’s what they are, but having played a lot of CarolBrass horns, they certainly feel familiar.

Please look closely at the photos for the exact cosmetic condition.

PLAYABILITY

This horn actually plays pretty good.

The VGR is one of the more interesting things about it. Changing the inserts gives you quite a bit of flexibility with how the horn feels and slots, so you can experiment with the setup and find what works best for you.

There is one thing I want to be completely upfront about.

The D near the top of the staff sits very flat for me, roughly a quarter tone. This is something I’ve also experienced with other Harrelsons I’ve played. I can get the note in tune using 1st and 3rd valves or by lipping it up, although constantly lipping it into place can get taxing.

Depending on what you play, that may or may not be much of an issue. For some players, especially lead players who spend a lot of time above that D, there is a lot to like about this horn.

Another thing that surprised me is the weight. With the lightweight bell, nylon components and unusual construction, you might expect it to be an extremely lightweight trumpet. It really isn’t. In the hand, it’s still around the weight of a normal standard-weight Bach.

WHY THIS HORN

I’m not going to pretend that Harrelson’s look is my thing, because it isn’t. That’s obviously personal preference, and there are plenty of players who really like his designs and his different approach to building trumpets.

What I do like about this one is that underneath the unusual appearance, the 1GLT bell and Leadpipe 1 give it a much more conventional foundation, while the VGR gives you quite a bit of flexibility to change the feel and slotting.

If you’ve always wanted to try a Harrelson but didn’t want to spend several thousand dollars to find out whether you like one, this is an inexpensive way to try a modern Bravura V with the VGR system.

I’m pricing it accordingly at $1,799.

INCLUDED

• Harrelson Bravura V Bb trumpet
• VGR Venturi Gap Receiver
• VGR insert set
• Custom red acrylic inlay finger buttons

IMPORTANT PHOTO NOTE

This instrument was photographed in a professional LED light box. Bright reflections can sometimes make the bell or tubing appear wavy or distorted. Unless specifically noted in the condition description, these reflections are not damage.

I have included comparison photos showing that apparent bell lines, waves or distortions are reflections from the opening and interior of the light box and not damage to the instrument.

ABOUT ARCH CITY BRASS

Arch City Brass is a veteran-owned small business based in Columbus, Ohio.

As a lifelong trumpet player, I personally inspect and play-test the instruments I sell. My goal is simple: accurately represent each horn, disclose anything a buyer should know, and offer quality instruments that I would be comfortable playing myself.

Exceptional Instruments. Unmatched Value.

MESSAGE ME ANYTIME

Questions about the horn, condition, additional photos, measurements or playing characteristics are always welcome.

Thanks for looking!

SEARCH KEYWORDS

Harrelson, Harrelson Bravura, Bravura V, VGR, Venturi Gap Receiver, 1GLT, Harrelson Bell 1, Leadpipe 1, gold brass bell, lightweight bell, raw brass trumpet, 316L stainless steel leadpipe, Denver trumpet, American made trumpet, custom trumpet, professional Bb trumpet