Benge LA 3X+ 1983

The Benge 3X is a classic American trumpet design that was based on the French Besson. Elden Benge was principal trumpet in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra before he started building his own trumpets in his garage. His trumpets would become one of the most popular makes, and Benge trumpets were used by jazz musicians like Freddie Hubbard and Lee Morgan, countless LA studio and lead players, and classical soloist Timofei Dokshizer. Benge trumpets are known for their lively sound, quick response, and pure tone. They are fantastic instruments for jazz and commercial music, and they sound great in wind ensembles and brass quintets.

This 3X+ was made in 1983, and it features Benge's innovative MLP valve block, which measures .464" through the valve section and has a "bump-less" windway through the piston. The trumpet has been restored at one point in time, as there is evidence of full solder disassembly, relacquering, and the valves have been replated. We removed the bell to take out a small ding in the bell tail, and the bell has been remounted free from tension. There is some cosmetic wear to the lacquer. There is no red rot that we can find, and the leadpipe looks like it may have been replaced at one point in time.

The valves are like new, and are fast, smooth, and with excellent compression. this trumpet is as clean as a whistle inside and out, and is ready to be played for decades to come!