TMEA 2026 is on! Join us at booth #745 February 11-14th at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. We’ll have an incredible selection of instruments and accessories. Are you registered yet? If not, click here.

Once again, this year we’ve partnered with some amazing vendors that will be guests in our booth: 

Just a handful of products that you can experience firsthand at TMEA are our JSV Foundation Series trombone mouthpieces, Verus Everest 2-piece horn mouthpieces, the “U.S.” configuration of Ricco Kühn 293 & 293 Innovation models, Vizi-Air tools available in 5 new colors(!), 4-Valve Trumpets and Flugelhorns by Stomvi, and the new Marcus Bonna MB-5 Flex horn case. 

Scroll down to see our extensive roster of special guests, all of whom will be available in and around our booth space. They'll be happy to share their expertise or just have a chat! 

 

French Horns

Ricco Kühn

Ricco Kühn combines traditional hand craftsmanship with modern manufacturing methods to produce instruments of exceptional consistency and refinement. Since its founding, the company has been guided by a commitment to balancing tradition and innovation, achieving the highest level of quality without compromising design or execution.

The small, highly skilled team is made up of experienced musicians whose performance knowledge directly informs every stage of construction. Through the use of modern measuring technology, advanced design tools, and close collaboration with leading players, Ricco Kühn Horns develops orchestral instruments that offer reliability, tonal individuality, and complete artistic freedom. Production remains intentionally limited, ensuring that tonal individuality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail remain the highest priorities.

Instruments available at TMEA 2026:

• 293 "Innovation" Model Double Horn
• 293 Model Double Horn
• 283 Model Double Horn

Ricco Kühn is a master craftsman the founder and CEO of Ricco Kuhn Brass. He will be joined by his son, Florian Kühn, who is also a critical member of the Kühn team. Both are specialists in horn making, development, and construction, and are directly involved in every aspect of the company’s work, from design and innovation to service and sales.

Paxman

Over one hundred years after the company was founded, Paxman is at the pinnacle of international horn playing, with Paxman horns found in the hands of top players on every major concert platform around the world. The instruments are hand-built using techniques that remain unchanged since the manufacture of the first valved horn in the 19th century, while at the same time making use, where appropriate, of 21st century technologies.

The Paxman team is committed to respecting the traditions established over the past 100 years, while continuing to develop and innovate for the benefit of modern and future horn players.

• 20 Model Double Horn - Professional
• 27 Model Double Horn - Professional
• Wagner Tuba - Professional
• Series 4 Double Horn - Intermediate
• Academy Double Horn - Student

Ian Jackman is the Company Director and former General Manager at Paxman. After studying at the Royal Academy of Music, he is now heavily involved in the management and operations of the renowned horn manufacturer. He is an expert on Paxman instruments and horn manufacturing.

Steve Flower is the Sales Manager at Paxman. He began playing the horn at eight years old, and studied at the Junior Royal College of Music and Trinity College of Music. He worked as a freelance musician in London, before joining Paxman and becoming Sales Manager in 2007. He is an expert on Paxman instruments, including the Merewether System horns.

Finke Horns

Finke Horns was founded by Helmut Finke, whose background as both a mechanical engineer and professional musician shaped the company’s commitment to precision and acoustical excellence. Since the early 1950s, Finke has focused on building high-quality brass instruments, later specializing in French horns and working closely with the Physical Technical Institute in Braunschweig to refine response, intonation, and tonal balance.

A defining feature of Finke Horns is the decision to manufacture all major components in-house. Bells, valves, and crooks are produced within the workshop, allowing for exceptional quality control and continuous development, an approach followed by only a small number of makers worldwide.

Instruments Available at TMEA 2026:

• Europa Model Double Horn
• Legacy Model Double Horn
• Legacy Model Triple Horn

Today, the family-run company is led by Johannes Finke and his wife, Argentine hornist Mariela Rodriguez Finke. Together with a highly trained team, they continue more than 70 years of tradition, producing instruments that preserve the classic German "Waldhorn" sound while meeting the demands of modern players.

Dieter Otto Horns

The three pillars of Dieter Otto Horns are Tradition, Experience, and Quality. For over 40 years, the Dieter Otto name has been trusted by horn players worldwide. Founded in 1969 by Dieter Otto, who grew up in a family of instrument makers in Markneukirchen, Germany, the company is renowned for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. In 2006, Martin Ecker, a skilled brass instrument maker, joined the company and took full ownership in 2010.

Ecker continues Otto’s legacy, combining traditional techniques with modern innovations, and offers customized instruments tailored to each musician's needs. With advanced computer analysis and close collaboration with professionals, Dieter Otto Horns consistently meet the highest standards.

Instruments Available at TMEA 2026:

• 180K-JN "Jeff Nelsen" Double Horn
• 205 "Weimar Berlin" Double Horn
  
• 201 Double Horn
• 166 Double Horn

Martin Ecker began his apprenticeship as brass instrument maker in 1995 with the Miraphone company in Waldkraiburg. He absolved his journeyman’s examination in 1998 and in 2002, he became a master craftsman. In 2004, he worked for the world-renown Kanstul Musical Instruments in Anaheim, California, U.S.A. Martin Ecker has worked for the Dieter Otto company since 2006, and he continues their time-honored tradition with new ideas and production techniques.

Trombones

Thein

Handcrafted in Bremen, Germany, THEIN Brass instruments are built with exceptional precision and artistry. Using traditional handcraft techniques combined with modern innovation, THEIN creates instruments to tolerances measured in millimeters, shaping sound through both technical accuracy and musical intuition. THEIN instruments are played by professionals around the world and are known for their consistency, flexibility, and uncompromising quality.

Thein Brass offers a wide range of instruments designed to meet the needs of today’s musicians, with models that continue to evolve through ongoing development. Thein Brass is supported by a highly skilled team dedicated to craftsmanship, innovation, and long-term player support. Major artists and orchestras value their expertise, including Brian Hecht, Zachary Bond, Ben van Dijk, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Matthias Höfs, and the New York Philharmonic.

Instruments Available at TMEA 2026:

• THEIN Alto Trombone "New York"
• THEIN Jazz Trombone "Maxim" 
• THEIN Tenor Trombone "Universal I"
• THEIN Tenor Trombone "Universal II"
• THEIN Tenor Trombone "Belcanto"
• THEIN Tenor Trombone "American 22"
• THEIN Bass Trombone "Universal 007" Personal
• THEIN Bass Trombone "BvD" Personal
• THEIN Bass Trombone "American 22"- Brian Hecht

Led by master brass instrument makers Max Thein and Olav Brandt, players can discuss the design philosophy behind each model, and find the instrument best-suited to their individual playing style. Proud to be one of the last true workshops, their hands-on experience is instrumental in the evolution of brass winds and ensembles.

Voigt

Voigt Brass represents generations of German master craftsmanship, rooted in a lifelong dedication to brass instrument making. Founded in 1988 by master craftsman Jürgen Voigt, whose training began under his uncle, renowned trombone maker Horst Voigt, the workshop combines traditional handcraft with modern expertise to produce instruments of exceptional quality. Voigt trombones are offered in distinct series, each developed around its own complete design concept to meet different musical and performance needs.

Across all series, Voigt trombones share a commitment to precision and reliability. Valve mechanisms are equipped with Minibal linkages, inner slides are chrome-plated for smooth action and durability, and all instruments are finished with a high-quality lacquer. Produced entirely in Germany under one roof, Voigt Brass instruments are recognized for their consistency, tonal individuality, and meticulous attention to detail.

Instruments Available at TMEA 2026:

• Voigt JV-142-O-M Tenor Trombone 
• Voigt JV-136 Tenor Trombone 
• Voigt JV-142-M Tenor Trombone 
• Voigt JV-180-OG Tenor Trombone 
• Voigt JV-163-FG Bass Trombone 
• Voigt Alto Trombone 
• Voigt JV-27 Tenor Trombone 
• Voigt JV-29-N Tenor Trombone 
• Voigt JV-163-HGG Bass Trombone 
• Voigt JV-188-HG Tenor Trombone 
• Voigt JV-173-H Contrabass Trombone
• Voigt JV-163-A Bass Trombone

Martin Voigt represents Voigt Brass internationally, serving as a direct link between the workshop’s long-standing tradition and today’s players. Through his close collaboration with musicians and dealers, he helps guide players toward the right instrument while continuing the company’s philosophy of maintaining close contact between those who build instruments and those who perform on them.

 

Haag

An instrument for every musician: The HAAG trombones and HAAG trumpets are designed together with you, individually adapted to each player and according to personal wishes. The handcrafted instruments are produced in a small team and direct contact with you guarantees the ideal solution according to your ideas.

Fabian Bächi has developed and built all Haag instruments since 2016. Fabian is Switzerlands' first Master Craftsman as Brass Instrument builder. He continuously further improves and refines the trombones and trumpets with full devotion: better intonation, exceptional sound characteristics and unique optical details make these instruments even more special. Every instrument is a unique artwork with limitless musicality and a one-time sound experience.

 

Rath

Rath Custom Trombones are bespoke, modular instruments, hand-crafted to the highest of standards in England - and played all over the world. Michael Rath trombones are found in almost every conceivable musical situation: in symphony orchestras and opera houses, in film and television studios, in pop and commercial music groups as well as brass bands, wind bands, big bands, jazz and funk groups, and so many more genres and ensembles. Widely acknowledged as being amongst the best instruments available, many of the world’s leading performers choose to play a Michael Rath trombone.

Versatility is the key to our instrument design across all models in the Custom range. Players’ requirements, such as concept of sound, instrument response, physical makeup, technique and approach, are different; hence creating a unique solution. A Michael Rath Custom trombone creates an instrument that is much more personal and comfortable and, consequently, much more enjoyable to play. Michael Rath trombones have earned their reputation for excellence because of the concept of flexibility, unique design and the quality of their construction. All of this simply equals excellence in performance.

Instruments Available at TMEA 2026:

• Rath R100 Bb Small Bore Tenor Trombone
• Rath R400 Bb/F Large Bore Tenor Trombone (rotary valve) 
• Rath R900 Independent Rotary Valve Bass Trombone
• Rath R11K Alto
• Rath R10 w/ Nickel Silver Bell 
  
• Rath R2 w/ Custom Finish
• Rath R10 Hagmann w/ Gooseneck, Detachable Weight, Large & Small Shank Leadpipes
• Rath R4F Rotax (Voigt)
• Rath R6 Rath Valve
• Rath R9 Hagmann in Yellow Brass
• Rath R9 Hagmann DST

Rob Hanson the director of Rath trombones, with the help of the team including Mark Good, will be present to meet with players, discuss the design philosophy behind each model, and personally assist with fittings to help musicians find the instrument best suited to their individual playing style. From the discerning professional to the every day player, Rath has a trombone for you.

Trumpets

Stomvi 

Stomvi instruments combine exceptional craftsmanship with a deep commitment to acoustic science. Rooted in Valencia, Spain, the company’s heritage in the jewelry industry continues to influence its work today, where precision, hand-finishing, and attention to detail are fundamental to every instrument.

Rather than focusing solely on external measurements, Stomvi’s design philosophy centers on the shape of the air column inside the instrument. When the internal geometry is properly aligned, the instrument resonates freely, responds easily, and allows players to use their air more efficiently across all registers. External elements such as bracing and bell treatment support this design, but sound and playability are driven from the inside out. From piccolo to flugelhorn, and mouthpieces in-between, Stomvi continues to innovate and help musicians find a their best fit.

Instruments Available at TMEA 2026:

Trumpet:

• Bb Forte Trumpet
• Bb Mambo Titanium Trumpet
• Bb Titan Bellflex Trumpet
• Bb Titan Four Valve Bellflex Trumpet
• Bb S3 Trumpet Big Bell
• Bb S3 Trumpet Big Bell - Brushed Lacquer with Gold Trim
• Bb VRII Big Bell Silver Plated Trumpet
• Bb VRII LightWeight Big Bell Trumpet
• C Forte Trumpet
• C Titan Four Valve Bellflex Trumpet
• C Master Trumpet
• Eb/D Titan Four Valve Bellflex Trumpet
• A/Bb Elite Piccolo Trumpet
• A/Bb Titan Bellflex Piccolo Trumpet

Cornet:

• Bb Titan Bellflex Cornet
• Bb Forte Cornet
• High A Titan Four Valve Bellflex Cornet

Flugelhorn:

• Bb Elite Flugelhorn
• Bb Titan Four Valve Bellflex Flugelhorn

K.O. Skinsnes is the Trumpet & Mouthpiece Specialist of Stomvi USA. Along with his extensive experience in mouthpiece making and valve alignments, K.O. has worked with brass players to solve problems and improve their playing experience since 1994. Because of his educational background and the help of several mentors, he also has broad knowledge of the science involved in the design and playing of brass instruments.

Drawing on his background in loudspeaker design and PA system optimization, and a close relationship with Meyer Sound, he brings a unique acoustical perspective to trumpet and mouthpiece design. This work led to the development of the V~Raptor and VRII Bb trumpets, along with the new Stomvi USA Flex mouthpieces.

William Wong is a Product Specialist at Stomvi USa. A versatile musician, he graduated from the University of North Texas in 2018, where he performed in a variety of ensembles ranging from Lab bands, Wind Ensemble, and small chamber groups. He won Best Brass Chamber Group in his last semester at UNT.

William has also performed in a Drum Corps International, which has toured across the country, and in a Dallas based Mariachi group. He also contributes teaching services to local high school bands during the marching season. These wide range of experiences help contribute to our ever-growing brand, Stomvi.

 

Thein

The Thein H and MH One trumpets were developed in collaboration with world-renowned  trumpet player Matthias Höfs. They provide a stable, warm sound for any trumpet player concentrating on classical playing. Like all Thein brass instruments, they are highly customizable. Hand-built with Bauerfeind valves, interchangeable leadpipe options allow the player to hone in their level of resistance and response.

Trumpets Available at TMEA 2026:

• THEIN Bb/A Piccolo Trumpet H Model
• THEIN Rotary C Trumpet "Berlin II"
• THEIN MH One C Trumpet
• THEIN MH One Bb Trumpet #7
• THEIN Sibirius Air Bb Trumpet 

Led by master brass instrument makers Max Thein and Olav Brandt, players can discuss the design philosophy behind each model, and find the instrument best suited to their individual playing style. Proud to be one of the last true workshops, their hands-on experience is instrumental in the evolution of brass winds and ensembles.

Haag

All Haag trumpets and flugelhorns are hand-made in Weinfelden, Switzerland. Trumpets feature large bell flares, french bread, and elliptical crooks and main tuning slides. Flugelhorns features a in-bell main tuning slide, and elliptical crooks, and adjustable triggers.

In the production of the master instruments, the highest demands are placed on quality, easy response, good intonation and balanced sound. The handcrafted HAAG instrument will convince you too!

Visit us at TMEA to browse & try the Haag's selection of trumpets and flugelhorns.

Fabian Bächi has developed and built all Haag instruments since 2016. Fabian is Switzerlands' first Master Craftsman as Brass Instrument builder. He continuously further improves and refines the trombones and trumpets with full devotion: better intonation, exceptional sound characteristics and unique optical details make these instruments even more special. Every instrument is a unique artwork with limitless musicality and a one-time sound experience.

 

 

Accessories

Marcus Bonna

Marcus Bonna is widely regarded as the premier case maker of the music world, known for redefining how professional instruments are protected and transported. The company began in 1990 when Marcus Bonna, following a serious spinal injury, designed a lighter, more compact, and ergonomically superior case for himself; Addressing the shortcomings of heavy, bulky cases on the market, what started in a garage in São Paulo quickly gained international recognition, leading to early exports to Europe and steady global growth. Today, Marcus Bonna Cases are handcrafted in Brazil using advanced fiberglass and carbon-fiber construction, sustainable manufacturing, exported worldwide, and trusted by leading musicians for their unmatched balance of protection, weight reduction, and refined design.

TMEA will showcase the new MB-5 Flex case, along with a variety of other models for horn and trumpet. Designed in collaboration with Houghton Horns, the Flex strives to fit any style of double horn, along with two mutes, up to 3 mouthpieces, and an ipad or sheet music; all within airline carry-on guidelines. This includes horns with taller bells like Yamaha, wider corpus like Hans Hoyer and XO, and taller rotor sections like Finke and Paxman. Other possibilities include some triple horns and custom makes.

André Bonna represents the next generation of the Marcus Bonna legacy, serving as a global representative for MB Cases. As the son of founder Marcus Bonna, he has worked closely with musicians, dealers, and institutions worldwide, sharing the company’s philosophy of innovation, craftsmanship, and player-focused design. Through his active presence at major international events and his direct engagement with players, André plays a key role in supporting artists and continuing the evolution of musical instrument cases.

 

Brass Witch

Brass Witch accessories were founded in 2022 by Metropolitan Opera hornist Barbara Jöstlein Currie and Emma Currie, inspired by a simple but transformative idea. During a visit to the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris, Barbara purchased a pencil with a small magnet embedded in the cap. At a Met rehearsal in early 2020, she discovered it would cling to her music stand—though not quite strongly enough. What began as an amusing accident quickly became a moment of inspiration.

Designed in Chelsea and made in Brazil, Brass Witch products were developed through extensive experimentation with materials, colors, and magnet strengths. During the pandemic, Barbara refined early prototypes while remaining deeply engaged with the musical community. A natural partnership soon formed with Marcus Bonna, whose expertise in high-quality instrument case manufacturing helped bring the Brass Witch to life. The result is a patent-protected, trademarked accessory that allows brass players to attach and remove a pencil quickly and securely using strong neodymium rare-earth magnets—without scratching or damaging the instrument. Brass Witch is the first product of its kind designed for all brass instruments, offering a practical, elegant solution that players quickly find indispensable.

Barbara Jöstlein Currie is a hornist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and the co-founder of Brass Witch Accessories. In addition to her performance career, she is deeply involved in education and community building, having organized masterclasses, concerts, and collaborative projects during the pandemic, including partnerships with Marcus Bonna’s Lyra Bragança program.

 

Robinson's Remedies

Robinson’s Remedies was created to solve a problem wind players know all too well: lip balms that feel slick or waxy and interfere with response, flexibility, and endurance. Traditional lip balms rely on waxes, petrolatum, and similar fillers that coat the lips without truly hydrating them; often inhibiting moisture absorption and negatively affecting playing. Robinson’s Remedies takes a different approach, creating wax-free formulations that deliver results, leaving lips soft, supple, and responsive. Some of the finest wind musicians in the world regularly use Lip Renew, the world's first true endurance creme for wind musicians.

Ken Robinson, Founder and President, has been a cold sore sufferer his entire life. As a professional trumpet player, he has had to endure these embarrassing and painful outbreaks while using his lips to make a living! Robinson was born with the natural gift of playing music, and a passionate and optimistic outlook on life. Through years of hard work and perseverance, Robinson’s multi-dimensional abilities became known to world famous musicians in different musical genres. With the help of the team, including Richard Mukamal, Robinsons has developed a catalog of products to remedy the daily or unknown struggles of every player.

 

Vizi-Air

The VIZI-AIR™ is an airflow visualization training aid for brass players, designed to make the invisible aspects of air use visible. Originally developed for younger students but proven effective for players of all ages, this patent-pending device allows musicians to literally see their airflow through the rotation of a small fan blade attached to the mouthpiece.

By showing whether a full, air-supported vibration is occurring, VIZI-AIR™ removes much of the guesswork from buzzing and airflow development. A strong, uninterrupted airstream produces clear rotation, while restricted airflow results in slower or no movement, providing immediate visual feedback. Ideal for improving air production, response, range stability, and tone awareness, VIZI-AIR™ is a valuable tool for both individual practice and teaching studios. Each unit is 3D-printed from durable carbon-fiber filament and is available in six sizes to fit the most common brass instruments.

Tony Bianchetta is a professional trombonist and educator with extensive performance and academic experience, including principal trombone work with the San Angelo Symphony and graduate and doctoral coursework at the University of North Texas. He remains active as a freelance performer throughout Texas while leading the Texas Trombone Academy, working with students at all levels.

Together with his wife Holly Bianchetta, a veteran music educator, Tony has spent over 30 years teaching and mentoring young musicians. His focus on helping students understand airflow, efficiency, and effective practice habits directly led to the creation of VIZI-AIR, an innovative training tool designed to make proper air use visible and accelerate learning for brass players of all ages.

 

Verus JSV Mouthpieces

JSV Mouthpieces are developed through a close collaboration with trombonist and educator John Sebastian Vera, combining traditional design principles with a modern, player-focused approach. The JSV line is built to deliver a true tenor voice, being clear, centered, and responsive, while maintaining depth of sound, rich overtones, and clarity of articulation. Rather than following the trend toward increasingly heavy mouthpieces, JSV models emphasize a lighter, leaner design that allows the instrument to speak freely across the full dynamic range.

Introducing at TMEA 2026, the new JSV Foundation Series brings this design philosophy to a more accessible price point, making professional-level performance available to a wider range of players. Featuring the same core concepts of balance, response, and tonal purity, the Foundation Series is designed for students, advancing players, and professionals seeking a high-quality option without frills.

John Sebastian Vera is Principal Trombone of the Pittsburgh Opera and River City Brass Band, Professor of Trombone at Duquesne University and the Cleveland Institute of Music, and founder of the Trombone Retreat. Widely respected as both a performer and educator, his extensive experience directly informs the design of JSV Mouthpieces, resulting in tools that support clarity, flexibility, and musical intention at the highest level.

 

 

On-Site Repairs

Have you been waiting to get that dent or slide repaired? Maybe your rotors are noisy or strings are loose? Come visit the booth and Houghton Horns Repair would love to fix it on the spot! Led by Chris and Ben, the shop continues a 40 year legacy of brass speciality repairs and customizations in the DFW Metroplex.

Chris Reddick
Christopher Reddick is known as “The Valve Whisperer”. A skilled craftsman, Christopher specializes in the maintenance and restoration of rotary valves. He also does bell conversions, refits bearings, removes dents, cleans horns and makes people laugh on a regular basis. Christopher’s years of experience in the shop and his love of the horn make him a valuable member of the Houghton Horns team.

Ben Allen
Benjamin Allen is a writer, podcaster, and French horn restoration artist from North Texas with over fifteen years of repair experience. Trained and mentored by Dennis Houghton, Benjamin has worked with several instrument repair shops, including the largest musical instrument repair facility in the United States. Benjamin specializes in repairing all brass instruments, and is an expert at magnetic dent removal. On occasion, he also performs minor woodwind adjustments on saxophones, clarinets, and flutes. Mr. Allen lives with his wife in Fort Worth and hosts the Apocalypse Theater Podcast.

 

We can barely contain our excitement...see you in San Antonio! 🤗