Van Laar OIRAM-Light
Bb medium-large-bore trumpet · professional · current
Much more than a brand name, OIRAM is a concept with a minimalist approach that reflects the philosophy of the famous words of Bauhaus architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe: “Less is More” and “Gott steckt im Detail”. Mario Garzaniti creates stylistically neutral forms, which are charged with emotional and symbolic imagination, thanks to an elegant design based on dependable materials and structural perfection. The OIRAM light trumpet is lightweight, sleek and ergonomic. The structural stability of the instrument is ensured by two longitudinal braces that allow the suspension of the bell and the leadpipe to the valve block. The stop screws on the first and third slide serve to stabilize the slides. Visually, this simplified configuration intensifies efficacy of the airflow. The principle of the twin-tube leadpipe refines the shape and also reinforces the awareness of continuity from the mouthpiece to the bell. The valve casing recalls the design of the OIRAM flugelhorn. The technical and mechanical elements that are not in direct contact with the moving air are made of alpacca, while the elements that transport the air and which create the “sound” are made of brass, according to the acoustical requirements. The OIRAM light is available with three different bells (OIRAM light I, II and III). in a church in Limburg, not far from Margraten where the Van Laar company is located. Hub himself attended the concert and after the performance we met up in a bar opposite the concert venue. Hub shared a critical comment about the V-Flow trumpet. The problem was that he couldn’t hear me from the back of the church. I seemed to disappear in the quintet, he said. From the furrows on his brow I could see that he was thinking of how to solve this problem. Just for the record: It is absolutely necessary that a good musician blends in well and practically disappears within the collective sound of the ensemble. However, if one has a melody to play, or an improvisation, then things are a bit different and one must rise distinctively above the other musicians. I have to tell you that Hub developed the V-Flow with me in mind and that I have been completely satisfied with it for many years now. In whatever combination, this instrument did exactly what I wanted, and it is really special that the V-Flow trumpet is so wonderfully expressive when I play in the mid-low register. But apparently this could be bettered. WOW!!! One year later I received a telephone call from Van Laar. Something new had been built and I should come by. Without further ado, as is his manner, Hub laid a trumpet with the name OIRAM light in my hands. OIRAM light??? Well, I must admit that it was really much lighter, and normally trumpets with the word “light” in their name sound lighter and thinner too. Actually that was something I really didn’t care for. But that was merely my initial impression…. Fine, I took the OIRAM light from Hub, and I must say it is really much lighter than my V-Flow. I began to play and with the very first notes my wife almost fell off her seat in astonishment. There was an enormous difference between the V-Flow and the OIRAM light, and the difference was in favour of the OIRAM light. My wife was not the only person who noticed the difference. Anyone with professional, or even non-professional, ears experiences this. Strangely enough, this phenomenon is based on something that is ‘no longer there’. It is as though certain elements of sound, those which are not necessary, have been eradicated on the OIRAM light. I can’t really describe it any differently, but the essence, the soul of the sound, remains and contributes to a ‘lightness of playing’. Thanks to this lightness I feel much freer, my virtuosity increases, and I can express myself much more creatively. Compared with the V-Flow, the OIRAM light obtains more sound while expending less energy. And what a fantastic sound it is!!! , this sound is reflected in all the dynamics. But what is most special is that even when you play extremely softly, the full resonance is preserved. Views differ about the sort of resistance a trumpet should have. I know trumpet players who prefer to ‘blow against a wall’, as it were. Personally, I prefer it if my trumpet has less resistance and lets me blow through it more easily. This is certainly the case with the OIRAM light. As with all Van Laar trumpets, the valves move very smoothly and if you can’t play with virtuosity, this is certainly not because a problem with the valves. Just one drop of oil each day, and the sounds will flow out like a babbling brook. The OIRAM light is available in two finishes: brushed, raw brass and gold-plated. For me, pink and gold are the most beautiful colours, and that the OIRAM light is not available in pink … :). By the way, I had my mouthpiece gold-plated immediately, and it looks really cool! There are a couple of nice touches: The ring on the third slide and the pinky ring on the lead pipe are a little thinner than on the V-Flow, and the slide stop screws for the first and third slide are made with a vertical downwardly directed rod. As is usual, the waterkey is fitted with a cork, but has an elongated lever rearwards. It is a slender and elegant trumpet, which sounds as good as it looks and is a bull’s eye as far as I am concerned. The OIRAM light is an all-round instrument, whether you play classic, jazz, pop and big band or world music. This trumpet has got it all! My grateful thanks go to Hub, Heidrun and the whole team. The Van Laar company has outdone itself once again, and with the OIRAM light you have created a truly fantastic instrument. Like myself, many other musicians and listeners will be filled with joy on playing or hearing this trumpet.
| Type | trumpet |
|---|---|
| Key | Bb |
| Bore class | medium-large |
| Bore size | .461″ |
| Valve type | Piston |
| Valves | 3 |
| Bell diameter | 4.807″ |
| Bell material | yellow brass |
| Bell construction | one-piece hand-hammered |
| Finish | gold-plated; raw brass |
| Level | professional |
| Era | current |
| Country | Netherlands |
Features: Maker's bore designation: ML (11.7 mm); bore_class follows the figure. Piston inferred: Van Laar never states valve type. No prices published.
Known players
Christoph Titz, Eric Vloeimans, Hans Verheij, Joost Verbraak, Koen Smits, Marc Huynen, Mario Garzaniti, Markus Tappe, Olivier Laisney, Pierre-Antoine Savoyat, Quirijn Vos, Rike Huy, Robert Hootsen
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