Blackburn Hickman 5-Valve C Trumpet

Blackburn Hickman 5-Valve C Trumpet

$8,000.00
$8,145.00 $8,000.00
Sale Sold out
  • Made in the USA

For most orchestral trumpet players, a C trumpet is simply a C trumpet.

The Blackburn Hickman 5-Valve C Trumpet was designed to be much more.

Created through a collaboration between legendary trumpet educator David Hickman and master builder Cliff Blackburn, this remarkable instrument gives performers the ability to instantly change the trumpet's fundamental key from C to D, D-flat, or B-natural—opening new possibilities for orchestral excerpts, solo literature, and technically demanding passages. After multiple years of development and refinement, the design was perfected into the professional instrument available today.

Unlike novelty multi-key instruments of the past, the Blackburn Hickman was engineered first and foremost as an exceptional C trumpet. With the additional valves disengaged, it performs exactly as a professional orchestral C trumpet should—responsive, resonant, and exceptionally well in tune.

When the music demands it, the additional valves transform the instrument into powerful new tools.

The fourth piston lowers the instrument to B-natural, while the fifth rotary valve raises it to D. Engaging both produces D-flat, allowing performers to choose alternate fingerings or even perform extended passages in entirely different keys with greater security and efficiency. For many of the most challenging orchestral excerpts, the result is cleaner technique, more consistent intonation, and greater confidence under pressure.

Built by hand in Lexington, Kentucky, the Hickman features Blackburn's renowned craftsmanship, delivering the broad orchestral sound, effortless response, and precision expected from every Blackburn instrument. The Ambronze bell provides a rich core with exceptional projection, while the carefully developed valve system preserves the instrument's free-blowing feel despite its additional capabilities.

For professional performers, university studios, and serious orchestral musicians, the Blackburn Hickman 5-Valve C Trumpet represents more than a unique design—it is an instrument that expands musical possibilities while remaining unmistakably a Blackburn.

Features

  • Designed in collaboration with David Hickman
  • Four piston valves plus one ascending rotary valve
  • Instantly converts between C, D, D-flat, and B-natural
  • Ambronze bell for a broad, projecting orchestral sound
  • Exceptional intonation in standard C trumpet configuration
  • Handcrafted in Lexington, Kentucky, USA

Specifications

Cleaning & Care

To keep your Blackburn instrument in top working order:

  • Wash with warm water and soap, both inside and out, all slides and pistons.
  • Wipe gently with paper towel
  • Do not use abrasive materials like toothpaste
  • Use an instrument cleaning snake to remove debris through out the entire horn.

Use high quality valve oil on the valves before reinserting them.
Apply a light slide oil for the first and third slides.
Apply tuning slide grease to the tuning slide.

Prop 65 Warning: Risk of reproductive harm from exposure to lead. See www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

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Built by Hand. Built to Last.

Every Blackburn Trumpet is meticulously handcrafted in Lexington, Kentucky. From our in-house pistons, valve blocks, bells, and tubing to assembly and finishing techniques passed down directly from Cliff Blackburn himself, each instrument is built with uncompromising attention to detail. The result is a trumpet with a feel—and a sound—unlike anything else.