The B.A.C. Pro II is inspired by the classic Chicago Benge 3X trumpet, built as a character-driven instrument with a strong, signature voice. It is a professional-level trumpet known for its immediate response, brilliant core, and forward, projecting sound with natural edge and presence.
With a handmade bell built on the authentic Benge 3X bell mandrel, authentic Benge leadpipe design, and the classic Benge MLP (.464") bore, the Pro II captures the legendary Benge trumpet sound—bright, focused, and powerfully projecting. It is highly responsive and expressive, with a looser slotting feel that encourages flexibility while maintaining clarity and definition. The sound carries a distinct shimmer and singing quality in the upper register, offering strong projection without harshness and a wide palette ranging from sparkling lead brilliance to lyrical, centered softness.
It delivers an agile, expressive, and dependable playing experience. It is favored by jazz lead, solo, orchestral, and studio musicians for its presence, clarity, and unmistakable Benge-inspired character.
Specifications
| Key | B♭ |
| Bell Diameter | 5" |
| Bell Material | Lighweight 3X Hand-Hammered Yellow Brass, Gold Brass, or Copper Bell |
| Leadpipe | .346" Venturi, Large Bore Chicago Benge Yellow Brass Leadpipe |
| Main Tuning Slide | Dual Radius, Yellow Brass |
| Valve Block | .464" Front-Facing Meinlschmidt |
| Finish Options | Raw Brass, Clear Lacquer, Gold Lacquer, Silver Plated |
| Made In | Kansas City, MO, USA |
Made to Order — This product is handmade at our factory in Kansas City, Missouri. Current estimated production lead time is 2 months.
Features
Meinlschmidt Valve Section
Built on a .464" front-facing Meinlschmidt valve block - precision-engineered in Germany for optimized port geometry, consistent pitch stability across all dynamic levels, and fast, reliable action. Hand-finished pistons and plastic valve guides keep the action smooth and quiet under the fingers.
Bell Design
A 5" lightweight bell, hand-hammered in the tradition of the legendary Chicago-era Benge 3X - the horn that defined a generation of jazz, orchestral, and studio trumpet playing. The lightweight construction gives the bell a quicker, more sensitive response, while the standard round brass-wired bead stabilizes the rim's vibration and keeps the overtone character bright, focused, and even across all registers.
Main Tuning Slide
Crafted from yellow brass, the dual radius design uses two smoothly curved radii to minimize airflow turbulence and deliver a response that feels open and immediate. A single loop brace provides structural stability while allowing the instrument to vibrate freely
Chicago Benge Leadpipe
Crafted from yellow brass and inspired by the classic Chicago-era Benge leadpipe design, the .346" Venturi pairs with the .464" Meinlschmidt valve block to deliver the responsive, free-blowing feel that made original Benge trumpets the choice of jazz and studio professionals for decades.
Hardware and Small Components
Yellow Brass Z-Braces
Hand-fit yellow brass cast Z-braces connect the mouthpiece receiver to the bell bow and the leadpipe to the bell stem, keeping the instrument's resonance free and open in the tradition of the great Chicago-era brass instruments.
Weighted Stop Screws
Precision-sized stop screws on the 1st and 3rd slides control slide travel safely while contributing to enhanced overtones and richer harmonic resonance. Fine tune the response of the horn by tightening or loosening the screws.
Optional Ergonomic Configurations
Finger Rings, Finger Hooks, and Saddles
Optional ergonomic configurations, including finger rings, finger hooks, and saddles, tailored to each player’s comfort and performance preferences.
Playing Characteristics
Inspired by the Benge 3X - one of the most storied professional trumpets ever made. The Pro II delivers a bright, focused tone with excellent projection and precise intonation, maintaining the versatility that made Benge instruments the choice of jazz, orchestral, and studio musicians from the 1940s through the 1980s.
Built in Kansas City
Every Pro II is built by hand in BAC's Kansas City, Missouri workshop and includes a Pro-Tec case.
Artists
Arnetta Johnson
