Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy an Edwards?

Edwards Instruments (US sales) are available through our US dealers and the Edwards Instrument Company in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Instruments can be sent out on an approval basis providing proper credit has been established. Of course, it is more efficient if you can visit our pro-shop in Wisconsin.

I am not in the US. Where can I try an Edwards?

Please visit our dealers page to find the closest Edwards dealer for your country.

Will you ship direct to my country?

If we do not have a distributor or dealer that serves your country, we are more than happy to ship directly to you. Please understand that you will be responsible for all taxes and duties applicable.

How can I become an Edwards Dealer?

If there is not a distributor in your country and you want to become a stocking Edwards dealer, please contact us through our dealer inquiry page.  We will contact you within 7-10 business days upon receipt of this form.

We are interested in dealers that want to stock and promote our products.  If you only need one instrument please contact your closest distributor. Those inquiries requesting just one instrument will be referred to the nearest dealer.

What are my options for instrument delivery?

Delivery times will vary depending on recent orders and available inventory. Please check individual model pages for more information. Please note, special orders will further increase the delivery time.

Our number one priority is to maintain the highest levels of quality. We want to make an individual instrument that is best for you. So once you place an order, realize that we are working every day to make the perfect horn for you.

How much does it cost to ship?

The following shipping chart ONLY applies to Continental US orders. All other locations may have additional costs. First day and second day options do not always deliver to residential addresses. All shipping prices are subject to change due to escalating fuel prices.

For all trombone-related parts

Saturday delivery is $10 extra and only applies to first day deliveries.

For all trumpet related parts

What shipping companies do you use?

We ship primarily with United Parcel Service (UPS). USPS is used only for small parts — never for instruments. The rates listed are for UPS only.

How do I return or exchange my instrument or components?

While we encourage customers to “Try before you buy”, habitual/repeated purchases and returns put both a production and financial strain on the company. As such, customers that repeatedly and habitually purchase and return items could be subject to a 10% restocking fee.

Instruments or components being returned to Edwards for repair or credit will not be received unless the package has a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. RMA numbers can be obtained by calling (800) 562-6838.

The RMA number must be displayed on the outside of the shipping carton. All others will be refused. Edwards Instrument Company will not be responsible for unauthorized returns under any circumstances. A good idea is to also include the number inside along with a note on why the part(s) are being returned. The more detailed the letter, the better we can serve you.

What packing procedure do you recommend?

We ship a LOT of instruments. Less than 1% of them are damaged in shipping. Our customers aren’t always so lucky. Lately, we’ve had many customers ship their instruments back to us in the same box we originally sent to them. If the box is in good condition then it might protect your investment for another round of UPS TLC. However, if the box has been compromised in any way, please use a new box. If you’re not sure, place the compromised box within a new larger box to ensure the instrument’s safe arrival in Elkhorn.

These are the box dimensions we use for various components:

Trombones

Valve section: 12″ x 12″ x 24″
Handslide: 7″ x 9″ x 39″
Tenor bell: 15″ x 16″ x 28″
Bass bell: 15″ x 20″ x 26″
Complete trombone: 15″ x 16″ x 42″

Trumpets

Trumpet bell: 11″ x 16″ x 28″
Complete trumpet: 11″ x 16″ x 28″

Using the above dimensions when choosing a box will not guarantee your horn’s safety, but it will definitely increase its chances of survival. The most important thing to remember is that, when in doubt, pack more bubble wrap around the instrument.

What type of warranty does Edwards offer?

Please visit our warranty page for information.

What do I need to know about making an appointment at Edwards?

Read everything you need to know about visiting us.

Do you have any brass instrument maintenance advice?

What lubricants and methods do you recommend for trombone?

For the valve, we recommend Edwards Rotor Oil and Edwards Spindle Oil. We created these lubricants to meet our exact needs for our tolerances. We cannot guarantee the long-term effects and performance of other lubricants. For more detail please see our Axial Flow Maintenance page.

For the slide, we highly recommend the use of Trombotine. Every Edwards slide is shipped with Trombotine on the slide. For a detailed explanation of the Trombotine application please see our Slide Care page.

Trombone Lubricants may be ordered by calling (800) 562-6838.

Do you perform instrument repairs and modifications?

Do you work on other brands of instruments?

As much as we love all trombones and trumpets, the reality is the demand for our instruments is so high that it is impossible for us to service other makes.

Can Edwards components be converted for other brands?

Many people ask us if they can purchase just our valve sections to put into their existing instruments. The answer is yes, but before you purchase you need to consider what you are diving into.

• We will not do the conversion for you. We are so busy trying to keep up with the demand that every effort we have currently is going into producing instruments for existing orders. There are a few great technicians that can do conversions so call and talk to them before purchasing a valve system.
• Consider what parts need to be changed to do the conversion and their availability. You will more than likely need to change over the bell braces, and on trombone, the main tuning receiver on the valve side.
• On trombone, 85-90% of the time our receivers will work with your Bach slide taper. There are times that the taper may need to be roughed up a bit to make it grab better with our receivers. We machine each of our parts to match and we cannot be held responsible for other manufacturers tolerances.

If you want to purchase an Edwards trombone slide to fit your Conn or Bach we can do this quite easily. The only things to consider are the overall length of the slide. Our slides are 1/4″ shorter than a Bach slide. This means you will be pulled out farther on your Bach than you currently are. The slide width is also wider than a standard Conn slide so keep this in mind as to where the bell will be in regards to your slide hand when the horn is assembled

What does it cost?

There are many different repairs Edwards offers for both trombones and trumpets. All estimates are given upon evaluation of your horn.

Will you build…?

If you have a special request for altered tuning, lever manipulation, or anything else, feel free to ask. If we are capable of creating that special something, we will do it. Please understand that your time is just as valuable as ours. Any extra-custom work will carry additional charges based upon the time and materials required. All custom orders require a 50% non-refundable deposit at time of placing the order.

How long will it take to…?

We completely understand what it is like to be without your instrument. At Edwards, we will do everything that your local shop can offer and more. When you send your instrument in, the very same people who built that particular part will also be doing the repair work. That being said any work performed by us is fit in around our production time. We would love to be able to quote exact day time frames, but reality has taught we can only provide estimates. We appreciate your patience.

My trombone leadpipe is stuck. Help!

The first step is to use your mouthpiece to get the leadpipe un-stuck. For many, this will be the end of the dilemma. However, it is possible to get the mouthpiece stuck in the leadpipe. If this happens, gently tap the leadpipe nut knurling away from the mouthpiece with a Delrin or Rawhide hammer. Hold the mouthpiece and leadpipe in your left hand so that when the pipe comes free it won’t fall to the ground. You will need to tap the leadpipe gently while rotating the mouthpiece/leadpipe in your left hand. It might take a few minutes, but the mouthpiece will always break free from the leadpipe.

For those really stuck leadpipes:

Take a set of adjustable pliers and wrap either cloth or tape around the jaws. This will prevent them from scoring the leadpipe or instrument. Hold only the slide and grip the leadpipe nut knurling with the covered jaws of the pliers. Turn firmly to the left and then remove the leadpipe.

Once the leadpipe is removed take a small amount of tuning slide grease and apply it to the leadpipe end and threads. This will help keep the pipe free from corrosion. If your leadpipe is perpetually stuck, consider purchasing a small rubber “o-ring” from a hardware store. Put the ring on the leadpipe just below the nut. This will definitely prevent the leadpipe from ever getting stuck again.

What is your trial period policy?

Our trial period is effective for those who order directly from Edwards US. All distributors set their own trial period policy.

Instruments obtained via a phone or internet order have a two week trial period that starts upon receipt of your shipped instrument. During this time, you may return all or part of your order. You must obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number BEFORE the two-week trial has passed. Any merchandise being returned must be sent back in the condition in which it was received. In the case of credit being issued for a return item, any damage will be deducted from the credit total.

What does it cost?

In order to take part in the trial period, you will need to place a deposit for the entire purchase amount of the instrument or component(s). We accept all major credit cards, personal checks, or money orders. The customer is responsible for shipping to and from the factory.

Can I order small parts?

You’re in luck. Please visit our online store to purchase instrument components and accessories.

If you can’t find the part you need on the page above, please call us at 1-800-562-6838. We will be more than happy to assist you swiftly in your needs.

Will you sell small parts to convert my bell to fit an Edwards?

Although we have been a strong contributor to the development of modular instruments, we exist and design all of our parts to complement the complete Edwards trombone or trumpet.

We do not sell any conversion kits or parts under any circumstances.

Can you help me identify my leadpipe?

Trombone Leadpipes

The nut that your fingers come in contact with, when you are screwing in the leadpipe is set with grooves and ridges. The number of grooves notes the leadpipe:

• One Groove + Two Ridges = T1 or B1
• Two Grooves + Three Ridges = T2 or B2
• Three Grooves + Four Ridges = T3 or B3

Trumpet Leadpipes

Each trumpet leadpipe is hand-stamped on the mouthpiece receiver with it’s appropriate marking.

What do the numbers on my bell mean?

Our trombone bell numbering system has no hidden code for deciphering the bell characteristics. The numbering system is a code for our factory that relates to a build sheet on what should be done to that particular bell.

The only order to the system is if you take a yellow brass bell, subtract one number, you end up with a rose bell, subtract 2 and you have a red brass bell.

321CF is yellow brass, 320CF is rose brass and 319CF is red brass. All three bells are tempered and have an unsoldered rim, just different material composition.

How do you decipher a trumpet bell number?

Translating a trumpet bell number is quite simple. Please understand that over time this system has been added to and may not be consistent with our early products.

For Bb trumpet bells the following system applies:

Example: XK22BHT- would mean a Bb, 5 1/8″ diameter, K mandrel shape, 22-gauge material, bronze bell that has been heat treated.

For C trumpet bells the following system applies:

Example: C321A- would mean a C, 4 7/8″ diameter, 3 mandrel shape, 21-gauge material, yellow brass bell that has been annealed.

What does “gauge” mean? How about “yellow brass”?

Bell gauges

The thickness of the bell material we use is measured and referred to as gauge. We offer 20 (thickest) 21, 22, and 23 (lightest) gauge.

Material Composition

We offer three types of brass.

• Yellow Brass – 70% Copper, 30% Zinc
• Rose Brass – 85% Copper, 15% Zinc
• Red Brass or Bronze – 90% Copper, 10% Zinc

Overall we feel these three combinations offer the best balance of color and response.

Made in USA

100% of all our manufacturing from start to finish is done in Elkhorn, WI. We, along with our parent company Getzen, firmly believe in “Made in the USA.”

Why does Edwards use Axial Flow Valves?

In the world of large bore tenor and bass trombones, valves are a big factor in determining the sound and response of an instrument. Using the Thayer valve, Edwards has always pioneered improvements in valve technology. Our competitors have tried time and again to improve upon the original design, yet the Thayer remains the industry standard as the other valves come and go.

In order to understand valves you must first examine the tubes leading in and out of the valves. Conventional rotor designs direct the air 90 degrees to the right and then through the wrap before the air bends another 90 degrees into the neck pipe.

This second 90-degree turn is achieved only if the valve knuckle is set correctly. On certain trombones the knuckle comes in straight from the top (parallel with the neck pipe), which causes the air to bend 180 degrees. This creates a major pinch in the air stream that changes the horn’s resonance in the valve register. This brings us to an essential point — the most important trait of a good valve is the ability for a player to sound the same on the open horn and when the valve is depressed.

Some manufacturers vent their valves in order to get rid of valve “pop”. While good in theory, venting a valve in between the ports can cause half-valved effects. Even more importantly, it can cause airflow interruptions and disrupt the aperture of the player. As a result, technical valve passages become all valve noise and note lengths are compromised, leaving more articulation and air than tone. Now add another valve for bass trombonists and the problems with this design are magnified.

Certain vented rotors also present the player with mechanical problems. On these valves, one needs to be careful with the removable bearing plates. If the valve with the stop arm mounted to it moves the ports will move as well. The ports will then be stuck in purgatory, no longer engaged or not engaged (i.e. a half-valved position). Traditional conventional rotors have the bearing plate (with stop arm assembly) soldered in place. With this design, the bearing plate presses in on just one side, leaving the stop arm in the correct position. As a result, your ports will always line up correctly with the valve knuckles.

The beauty of the Thayer valve is that the air only bends 30 degrees when you engage the valve. The disruption is the least of any valve on the market and leaves the player with a very natural sounding — and feeling — instrument. The largest bend is on the backside of the wrap where the tubing goes back into the Bb side of the horn. Even with this turn in the wrap, the Thayer valve still allows the player to color the trigger-side notes and even increase the breadth of the notes in the extreme low register. No other valve on the market will allow you to do this.

At Edwards, there are certain tolerance allowances we maintain in manufacturing our Thayers in order to keep each valve moving smoothly. We “air pressure fit” every valve to ensure a certain feel and sound in our instruments. There is a balance in valve tolerances. If the pressure gets too high, you might experience tightness in the low register (when the valve is depressed) and excessive back pressure in the high register, causing physical discomfort in the neck and body. For years we have talked about stress-free mounting of instruments; when tolerances within the valve become too high, this is no different than building stress into the valve.

Thayer valve recalibrations are easily done by replacing the bearing and adjusting the top plate. With this simple repair, even the oldest Thayer valves can play and feel is if they are brand new. Edwards continues to produce the benchmark of professional instruments through our careful attention to every detail. The Thayer valve is a major part of our trombone design because it offers zero distortion and free-blowing qualities that our competitors have tried to copy (which, we have to say, makes us feel a little flattered).

What is your relationship with Getzen?

Getzen Instrument Co. is our parent company.

There are two companies under the Getzen umbrella: Getzen Instrument Co. and Edwards Instrument Co. The Edwards production team is located in the Getzen facility.

There is a select group of craftsman within the factory that have been hand picked to produce Edwards Instruments. These craftsmen sometimes have worked for many years before they have reached the level to build a professional level instrument. The Getzen factory allows a system where an incoming employee can learn the trade before being expected to produce the highest level of professional instruments.

Materials used in the Getzen line are the same exact quality materials that Edwards uses.

What are the differences between Edwards and Getzen Custom Series Instruments?

Getzen is our parent company, which shares a lot with us in the manufacturing process. They offer a line of instruments named the Getzen Custom Series. This line of instruments is offered as a low-cost alternative to those who do not need the style of instrument Edwards provides. The quality of all materials and valves are identical.

The primary difference between the two is simply options. Not only do we offer literally 10,000 plus combinations of components, but the absolute ability to alter anything. These options are available to you either by phone or by personally visiting our shop where we will fit the instrument to your exact playing needs, by sound and feel.

Are Edwards components compatible with other manufacturers’ instruments?

Which Edwards components fit Getzen instruments?

The following trombone components will fit all Getzen Custom series trombones.

• Tuning Slides
• Leadpipes
• Counterweights

The following trumpet components will fit the Getzen Genesis trumpet

• Leadpipes
• Top Caps, Bottom Caps, Finger Buttons

What Edwards components fit a Bach?

Our trombone hand slides as well as bell sections are compatible with Bach taper/receivers. No trumpet components will fit on Bach trumpets.

What Edwards components fit a Conn?

By special order only will our hand slides and bell sections fit a Conn trombone. No trumpet components will fit on a Conn trumpets.

Will your Bullet Brace work on my non-Edwards trombone?

The bullet brace will fit most Bach 42 and 50 models. The Bach Mercedez does not have enough room to fit the bullet brace. Conn 88s will work as long as there is over 9/16″ width to mount the bullet brace. The overall length is just over 1 ½”. “S” braces to fit into your hand can and have been modified to fit individuals. Let us know if the bullet brace fits on the horn but you need a custom “S” brace to fit your hand better.

I play an Edwards professionally and would love to become a part of your family. What should I do?

Thank you for your interest in endorsing Edwards Instruments. As fellow musicians, we completely understand that without you, our instruments can never come to life.

Our marketing and promotional budget is very small. Because of our limited budget, spending is aimed to be as effective as possible. The promotion of educational opportunities not only exposes our instruments to multitudes, but it also furthers the promotion of trumpet and trombone playing. While we do benefit, we see the greater good of exposing more and more musicians to a wide world of sound while furthering your career.

To be considered by Edwards, you MUST have an order history with us. We are looking to sponsor musicians that have a passion for our products with personal experience and results using them. We feel that musicians who are using our products consistently are better equipped to represent us because they know first-hand the benefits they provide.

We receive literally hundreds of requests every year and, with limited financial resources available, we must give first consideration to those who are currently using our products. If you have not played our instruments before, we encourage you to give them a thorough test – we know you’ll experience tremendous results – and after you have had the opportunity to use them consistently, seeing how well they work with you, we will be in a better position to consider sponsorship.

Please understand that Edwards Instrument Co does not pay anyone to play our instruments. We do not sponsor recordings or publications. Although we can offer referrals, we do not book or manage any artists.

The world has a wide array of choices. We hope you choose an Edwards.

Please contact us if you would like to be considered for an Edwards endorsement.

I have an event that I would like Edwards to sponsor. How do I go about it?

It is the Edwards Artist’s responsibility to contact Edwards before the event. We find it much easier to work with a limited number of artists instead of every sponsor that is hiring an Edwards Clinician/Artist. If there is a local event that you would like Edwards to participate in and display please email us the specifics of your event.

When you build my instrument, what will you be listening for?

Sound

• Response
  How clean are the articulations throughout the registers? How quickly does the sound start? Is there any hesitation before the tone begins?
• Sound Width
  Is the sound too wide? Too narrow? Does it have a fuzzy outer ring? Is the ring too clear? Does the ring need more color?
• Sound Depth
  If sound width is east and west, think of depth as north and south. A tone with presence also needs to be thick, which gives sound many dimensions of color. When the sound depth is rich and thick you can listen into the sound rather than just hearing a sound. The ideal sound is an enveloping tone that, when you close your eyes, it seems as if the player is about 10 feet from you when in reality he/she is 20-30 feet away.
• Core of Sound
  The core of sound will be hollow if the tone is unfocused. On the other hand, if the center of the sound is too tight, the tone will become nasally and disconnected from the outer ring. We try for a rich, centered core that attaches itself to the outer ring and allows the player to “blossom” the note when the volume is increased. If the core is balanced with the outer ring, the player will generally have more dynamic contrast and color in their sound palette. A great horn will have all the dynamics (ppp, pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff, fff) and allow the player to manipulate the sound in all these dynamics without causing intonation problems. The horn should be consistent but still allow the player to manipulate the sound in order to achieve his/her musical goals.
• Balance of Overtones
  Is the tone too bright? Too dark?
  • Overtones are like an old school audio equalizer. You have the lows (left side of the EQ), mid-range (center), and highs or upper overtones (right).
  • What many people hear as bright we hear as an over saturation of upper overtones or a lack of low-to-mid overtones. When an individual says something is really “dark”, what we hear is “wow, that sound has a lot of fundamental and less in the middle/upper range of overtones.” We try to figure out what sound the player is striving for and then adjust the instrument accordingly. Most musicians want great sounds, which has a balance between lows, middles, and highs.
  • Every individual has a different physiology — resonating chamber, dental structure, throat size and shape, etc. —, which affects the way each of us produces tone.
  • Our definitions of tone quality may differ from those of other players, but it’s not always easy to use words to describe sound. One player’s description of tone may sound different another’s, yet they both may mean the exact same thing.

Can I use an image from your website? Or tell you about a typo?

I would like to use an image or content from your website. How do I obtain permission?

Edwards Instrument Co. copyrights all content of www.edwards-instruments.com. For all permissions, please contact us.

Wow, you folks can’t spell!

If you catch any errors on our website, feel free to contact us. We are human, play instruments that require a lot of air, and often work too much. Our spelling gets better every year!

You still haven’t answered my question. How can I contact you?

If we still haven’t answered your question, please do not hesitate to contact us either via our online form or through the address or telephone numbers below.

What is the Edwards mailing address?

Edwards Instrument Co.
530 County Road H
Elkhorn, WI 53121-2017

What are the Edwards Phone/Fax Numbers?

Phone: (800) 562-6838
Fax: (262) 743-1854