For complaints on the pistons sticking use Lapping compound Grade E-330, oil the pistons with Hetman Synthetic oil #1(for new tight pistons) and WORK THOSE PISTONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. in a few days I have my trumpet ready to play.

I purchased this instrument because I was not able to take my usual Bb (Bach Strad) on a trip. The most striking feature is that it is very open; the .460 bore feels much larger than my .459 Bach (Blackburn lead pipe). The sound is more cornet like. Intonation seems fine. It slots very well. The biggest drawback is valve action. The lead pipe is much lower from the top of the valve cylinder than any other instrument I own. As a result, the hand position (thumb between 1st and 2nd valves) tends to draw my fingers down and drag the valves. Because of the tolerance/play in the valves they will not come completely up when playing faster exercises (e.g. Clarke technical studies). If I am careful about hand position there is no problem but it does require constant attention. This instrument will serve the function I bought it for - practicing when I cannot take my full sized trumpet.

Beautiful pocket trumpet. However and unfortunately had to return two because valves did not work properly. Would recommend to a friend if jupiter would iron out the issues with the horn.