Before I get into commenting on the trumpet, I want say that the service from Thomann was excellent ? fast and helpful. I ordered a B-stock Thomann flugelhorn 1 year ago and I have been very pleased by its sound. I wondered what it was like to play a trumpet again (not having played one for 40 years), and I found this one quite easy ? light in weight and free blowing. Good sharp clear sound on the upper register but a bit wobbly on the lower notes. The mouthpiece that these Thomann-branded instruments come with are not that great in my view, so I will be getting a wider bore Denis Wick mouthpiece instead which will hopefully give a warmer more jazzy sound. Changing the mouthpiece for my Thomann flugelhorn transformed the tone. The Thomann brass staff are always happy to advise and they are real enthusiasts. The 1st valve stuck a little but is moving OK now providing I oil it daily. I love the look of the black finish and bright silver valves. I am not ashamed to say that the look of brass instruments is important to me ? I have three trombones in silver, gold and brass and along with my copper-finish flugel horn and this black trumpet, they look stunning in my music room. Build quality and overall value for money is excellent.