Standing Wave Efficiency (SWE)
Imagine playing longer with less fatique and higher with perfectly clean attacks at any dynamic level. Because we integrate the principles of physics into every design, Harrelson Trumpets are considerably more efficient than other custom horns. Higher efficiency means you make more sound with less effort. From near trombone-dark to sizzling bright, the sound in your mind's ear is now an acoustic reality.

Take your playing to the next level today by upgrading the SWE factor of your equipment. Harrelson SWE Trim Kits are designed to improve the efficiency of any instrument, regardless of the original design. This is a simple cost-effective way to upgrade the performance of your current trumpet, cornet or flugelhorn.

Harrelson SWE Mouthpiece Modifications also improve SWE by preserving energy at the source of the vibrating surface (the lips) and transmitting more energy to the leadpipe and trumpet. You will notice an immediate improvement in attacks at all dynamic levels with a simple modification to your mouthpiece or purchase a new Harrelson Mouthpiece in almost any size.

How Does SWE work?
Standing Wave Efficiency (SWE) Technology is a physics-based design method that preserves energy in the sound wave as it travels through a tube or instrument.

In a traditional trumpet, energy in the standing wave is lost in the form of vibration as it travels through the trumpet. The further the wave travels, the more energy is lost. To make things more complicated, the higher the note on the trumpet the greater number of nodes and anti-nodes. These nodal points vibrate the tubing wall and braces robbing even more energy from the wave. And it doesn't stop there! A common side-effect of nodal points involves Excessive Vibration Interference (EVI) between fixed points (trumpet braces) separated by vibration-prone material (thin and/or stiff tubing).

EVI is present on all traditional trumpets especially along the leadpipe and bell, which results in intereference with the original sound wave. The EVI effect becomes more noticeable in the upper register of any brass instrument. This is due to the greater number of anti-nodes and nearly proportional number of spans measuring EVI. Difficulty in the upper registers of the trumpet is mostly due to the EVI effect. Reduce the EVI with SWE technology and the upper registers respond and sound much like the low and mid-registers.