Anthony Plog on Music
Conversations with performers, composers, and entrepreneurs
Bob Malone: The Internationally Respected Instrument Designer and Builder - On Craft and Kaizen
Anthony Plog, hostEddie Ludema, producer
Date posted: Apr 25, 2025
Bob Malone has quite literally helped shape the sound of modern trumpet playing around the world. He's been designing trumpets for nearly 40 years and is widely recognized as one of the premier trumpet designers in the world. His instruments are played in major orchestras across the globe, and his influence can be heard through the artistry of many of the finest trumpet players of our time. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Bob for almost 50 years, and watching his evolution—from passionate trumpet player to visionary instrument designer—has been nothing short of inspiring. So it was a real pleasure to sit down with him and explore the journey that has defined his life’s work.
Part 1
In Part 1, we kick off our conversation by diving into how Bob has applied the Japanese concept of Kaizen—the philosophy of continuous improvement—to his work over the years. From there, we go back to his early days as a trumpet player and explore how his passion for the instrument led him to the world of design and craftsmanship. He shares how key figures like Larry Minick and Tom Stevens mentored him and helped shape his path, leading to the founding of Bob Malone’s Brass Technology, and eventually, his pivotal role at Yamaha Corporation. Bob also recounts his first major design collaboration with trumpeter Bobby Shew—a project made possible through the support of his close friend, Kenzo Kawasaki.
Become a Contributing Listener to enjoy more from Tony's interview with Bob!
In Part 2 [Subscriber Content], we get into some of Bob’s experiences working with a remarkable roster of trumpet luminaries, including Håkan Hardenberger, John Hagstrom, Allen Vizzutti, David Bilger, Chris Martin, Tom Rolfs, Wayne Bergeron, Bo Nilsson, and conductor Andris Nelsons. His stories are a fascinating glimpse into the minds of these incredible musicians and the collaborative process behind great instrument design. And since Bob has spent so much of his career on the road, we also talk about his favorite travel destinations, memorable meals, and how he manages the inevitable jet lag that comes with a global career.
Find out more / LoginLinks
- Yamaha Trumpet Special Site. Contains videos of David Bilger, Wayne Bergeron, Eric Miyashiro, Boston Brass and others and lots of photos, including some Bob took of Wayne at East-West Studios. It has the development story of Xeno Trumpet Development including historical photos. Photos include, Kenzo Kawasaki, Hiro Okabe, Tom Stevens, Renold Schilke, Armando Ghitalla my and John Hagstrom, Tom Stevens, Tom Rolfs and the Boston Symphony Trumpet section as well as others.
- Bob's Instagram
- Bob's Facebook
- Bob's interview with Larry Powell
The podcast theme music, Four Sierra Scenes, written by Anthony Plog, is taken from Crystal Records S205, copyright ©1980 Crystal Records Inc., and is used by permission. Unauthorized duplication is not permitted.