CAROLBRASS IS TRUMPET HEAVEN.
I often talk about three companies that have supported me over the years. All three have such nice people working for them. As an added bonus, their products are simply the best. On the 11th of November 2002 I met Chris McKenzie from Kenderdine Electrical. They specialise in very high tech lighting gear for film and television, but were never too large or important not to help me. I use the Martin Lighting systems that they were agents for. Those same lights haven’t missed a beat in twenty two years. Quality speaks for itself. Sadly, for family and work colleagues, Chris passed away while on holiday, not long into his retirement. A wonderfully talented man who was respected in the entertainment business. My sympathies go out to all that were close to him.
The company I have worked most closely with over the years has to be Edwards Sound. This is because we often worked on the same gigs together. They supply the DAS Speakers I use. The horns I play are from CarolBrass. All the above companies are second to none.
I have just returned from Taiwan to meet in person, the team from CarolBrass for the first time. This facility in Taiwan is quite frankly, trumpet heaven. A family run business lead by the Lee family. It was truly an amazing experience to see for myself, the care, attention, innovation, research and development that goes into these instruments. The first time I played the CarolBrass Euro trumpet in 2020 it just felt right. Easy blowing, fantastic valves and stylish. I have since added their Dizzy Pocket Trumpet to the portfolio, the Taylor Phat Puppy Mini Flugel (made by CarolBrass) and on this trip, returning with a Herald Trumpet, which will be perfect for my appearances at the racecourse.
This company has about 50 employees and I was the first overseas guest they have hosted since the pandemic. I am also the only CarolBrass artist to visit the factory ever. These horns are endorsed by some of the world’s most famous artists. I feel honoured to be in the mix with some of the most famous trumpet players on the planet. Artists like Arturo Sandoval and Andrea Giuffredi like me, just love CarolBrass.
CarolBrass are situated in the town of Chiayi Taiwan. They are in an industrial area that boasts the home of over one hundred factories. Some of these businesses make car parts for some of the world’s most prestigious vehicles. A chocolate factory within a Disney like castle that had just been built. Another castle built to home a cosmetic manufacturer. I saw a Canon factory and had the amazing experience of getting a behind the scenes look at the manufacturing of the CarolBrass range of trumpets, flugels, cornets and trombones.
The Taiwanese Government encourage factories to open to the public, so people get an understanding of the running of these quality facilities. The CarolBrass factory tour is free, but you are required to purchase a plastic mouthpiece, which for the uninitiated, is the bit you put on the end of the horn that you blow through. This came at a price of $1. As you enter the estate you are met with beautiful grounds. Areas for outside and inside concerts, an extensive museum, a look at some of the factory craftsmen and women at work behind a screen, before entering another section of the building where there is a line of small bugles and trumpets for kids. Here they get their first shot, with the mouthpiece they purchased, of having a blow on all the trumpets. Some have big dents in them where the kids have dropped them, but CarolBrass don’t care, as it’s all part of getting them interested. From there it was into the showroom were all the big boy’s toys are. You can see me on YouTube trying out some of their amazing products. I was also asked to perform three shows at the factory for the local public. Some I was told were not that local, as they had driven two to three hours to hear the kiwi TRUMPETGUY. Some of those performances are also on YouTube or on the John McGough Trumpeter/DJ/MC Face book page.
As with all good factory tours you then end up in the souvenir shop that has everything brass and a lovely café filled with the finest coffee and treats. I tell you, it certainly isn’t your average brass factory. More like a Disneyland to dazzle even the mildest brass enthusiast.
Carl Lee is the boss of the company and started up the business with his late wife in 1989. He is supported by his two sons Wely and Wesley. Wely, is the expert Sales and Marketing man looking at opportunities across the globe and Wesley is the finance man. Like many brass enthusiasts Wesley also has a passion for fine beers. So much so that they have just completed an extensive add on to the factory. In 2025, Wesley and his team will start a brewing facility, so guests to the factory can sample not only great trumpets, trombones, cornets and coffee, but some of their fine ales, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. I was pleased to be the first international taster on site!
It was amazing talking to Carl about his philosophies and vision for the instrument going forward. Two like-minded brass enthusiasts lapping up the brass banter.
My enthusiasm to visit the factory was purely because of my love for how these instruments play. There is so much more for both New Zealanders and Australians to discover about CarolBrass in my opinion. I know what many are missing out on down under. CarolBrass is a brand the American and European market have already discovered in their droves.
While I was away for fourteen days, I secured sixteen gigs back home. Things are getting busy for the summer and I would love to be a part of your next occasion. Check out my gig guide for available dates.
Until next time……It’s bye bye from the TRUMPETGUY
John McGough