Courtois AC522 Bb Trumpet (Silver Plated Finish) Crafted in Europe, the Antoine Courtois AC 522 has the features a professional horn player insists on in a Bb horn, like a .459" bore and 5" hand made bell. Quality construction with quality materials include high grade yelllow-brass and Monel steel pistons for durability. Every player can benefit from features like a 1st and 3rd valve slide hook/ring assembly, and two water keys. Silver plated finish. Includes a deluxe case. •Has the features a professional horn player insists on in a Bb horn at a great price. •.459" bore and a 5" hand made bell. •High grade yelllow-brass and Monel steel pistons for durability. •1st and 3rd valve slide hook/ring assembly, and two water keys. •Includes a deluxe case. In France the pioneering role of the Courtois family in the development of instrument manufacture is documented from the time of the French Revolution, and coincides with the beginnings of industrialization and the modernization of brass instruments. Antoine Courtois (1770–1855), one of the sons of the original founder, created the brand that we still know today. Setting up shop in the rue du Caire, he made use of the most important research and acoustical techniques of the era and was the trusted partner of many principal players of the Paris Opera. In 1844, Antoine (Denis) Courtois (junior) (ca. 1800?–1880) succeeded his father. In 1856 he moved to the rue des Marais, where he remained for a long time. Continuiting the work of his father, “he was able to interest the greatest artists in his work, notably Jean-Baptiste Arban, with whose assistance he created the famous Arban Cornet which enjoyed such exceptional success. Today, the glory of the Courtois tradition is carried on in the Conservatoire series of trumpets available for only a short while longer at these amazing prices.