KATOHORN

1990

All brass wind instruments are made of sheet brass.

The brass sheets are welded and rubbed round on a steel mold. Then lead is poured to bend the pipe. 

The lead-filled straight body is bent with a sturdy wooden board with holes of different diameters. It demands great strength and precision. The lead itself is a few kilograms. Wrinkles appear on the inside of the bend, they must be hammered flat before they overlap. The tube becomes oval when bent. It is beaten round with a "Auspochstock". 

Body is perfectly round and has the right dimensions. So the whole thing is heated and lead melts out.

Valve assembly is pure precision work. The running surface must work smoothly, but still be airtight. You need experience and good planning, because a second attempt can irreversibly damage all airtight fittings.

Body and valves come together. Is an instrument ready. The instrument is accepted for exam when it is only polished.

Mr. Armin Leyener was a successful trombonist. He previously had a well-paid job at Opera in Switzerland.
Nevertheless, he really wanted to build brass instruments, so he knocked on the door of Master Schneider. He is also one of idealists.He often took me to concerts where he played. That was the circle of top brass wind talents in Germany. Mr. Leyener built a bass trumpet for exam.

Today you can even see this finish in industries with a different name. But maybe in 1990 I was the first? In any case, I am not looking at anyone. The idea came from myself. Science / physics is my favorite subject!

The trigger of KATOHORN is constructed on the side. You can play like a saxophone.

Main bell brace and special tuning system. I forged brace from wire.

A hook for the neck strap insread of ring. I turned on the lathe and forged. We have to master a lot of techniques from different professions. I've already made some jewelry for girlfriends. Even Mr. Jürgen Schneider builds small locomotives that you can sit on and ride with. He makes all the parts at home in his work shop. There's rich knowledge.

I used precious wood instead of pearl. I think wood is warmer and more humane. I also love the scent of some wood when I turn them on the lathe.

KATOHORN by Tomomi Kato