Don Miles Cincinnati Custom Bb Trumpet - Silver Plate / Heavy Tarnish (Ex-USAF)
For sale is an incredibly rare, handmade boutique instrument: a pre-owned Don Miles Cincinnati Custom Bb Trumpet. If you haven't heard of Don Miles, you are not alone, but he is considered by many professional players to be one of the best-kept secrets in the custom brass world. Operating out of Cincinnati, Don hand-builds nearly every single component of these top-tier horns, offering a level of precision, resonance, and attention to detail that standard factory line horns simply cannot touch.
This is a great option for gigging jazz musicians, commercial players, or serious collegiate majors looking for a highly personalized, agile, and vibrant sound. This specific horn is serial number #009, making it a highly desirable early build. Furthermore, it comes to us as an Ex-USAF instrument, meaning this boutique horn was vetted and maintained for a premier military ensemble.
The "Don Miles" Advantage
- Handmade Custom Craftsmanship: With the exception of the valve block, almost every component of this trumpet was meticulously handcrafted by Don Miles, ensuring unparalleled acoustic resonance and a rich, highly centered core.
- Getzen Valve Block: Don built these Cincinnati models around world-renowned Getzen valve blocks. Getzen valves are legendary for being some of the fastest, smoothest, and most reliable pistons ever manufactured, ensuring a lifetime of flawless action.
- Ex-USAF Pedigree: You are getting a top-tier instrument that was built, vetted, and maintained to perform flawlessly at the highest national level.
Condition Report & Shop Prep
- Finish (Cosmetics): Heavy Tarnish / Sold As-Is Cosmetically. The original silver plating is structurally intact but is currently wearing a heavy, natural layer of silver sulfide tarnish from honest use. We are intentionally selling the cosmetic finish "as-is" so the next player can either embrace the dark, unpolished vintage aesthetic or choose to give it a deep polish themselves!
- Body: Structurally Excellent. Despite the heavy cosmetic tarnish, there is no major physical damage, denting, or signs of structural trauma.
- Mechanics: Stage-Ready. Thanks to that Getzen block, the valves are as smooth as butter and hold excellent compression. All tuning slides pull perfectly. Our expert in-house technicians have fully inspected and bench-tested this trumpet to ensure it is functionally flawless and ready for the gig right out of the box.
- Accessories: (Please note: This instrument is being sold as the horn only. A case and mouthpiece are not included).
Specifications
- Brand: Don Miles
- Model: Cincinnati Custom Bb
- Serial Number: 009
- Key: Bb
- Valve Block: Getzen
- Finish: Silver Plate (Heavily Tarnished)
- Provenance: Ex-United States Air Force (USAF)
- Condition: Pre-Owned / Excellent Mechanical Condition (Cosmetically As-Is)
Why Choose Fleming Music? Here at Fleming Instruments, our expert on-site instrument repair workshop guarantees that each instrument we sell is meticulously inspected and accurately represented before it reaches you. We take pride in offering a 1-year warranty and 2-week return policy on all instruments, giving you peace of mind with your investment. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, so please reach out to us at the shop via phone, email, or website contact: https://flemingrepair.com/pages/contact.
For the most competitive pricing, financing options, or to discuss a trade-in, please contact us directly!
As always, we invite you to stop by our Houston shop to try this instrument in person. Nothing compares to the experience of a horn in your own hands. Follow our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest updates, content, and promotions: https://linktr.ee/Fleming_Music. We are grateful for your support of our small business and look forward to helping you find your sound!
