Anthony Plog on Music

Bob Malone: The Internationally Respected Instrument Designer and Builder - On Craft and Kaizen


Listen Later

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.

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.

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.

Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!

As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:

  • Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners.
  • Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students.
  • Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions.
  • The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music!
  • Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely!
  • Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.

Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Anthony Plog on MusicBy Anthony Plog (host), Eddie Ludema (Producer)

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

24 ratings


More shows like Anthony Plog on Music

View all
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! by NPR

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

38,597 Listeners

Radiolab by WNYC Studios

Radiolab

43,808 Listeners

This American Life by This American Life

This American Life

90,794 Listeners

The Other Side Of The Bell - A Trumpet Podcast by Bob Reeves Brass Mouthpieces

The Other Side Of The Bell - A Trumpet Podcast

189 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

111,507 Listeners

Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast by Joshua Weilerstein

Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast

2,077 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

56,163 Listeners

Interesting Times with Ross Douthat by New York Times Opinion

Interesting Times with Ross Douthat

6,644 Listeners

Post Reports by The Washington Post

Post Reports

5,441 Listeners

The Trombone Corner by The Brass Ark & Bob Reeves Brass

The Trombone Corner

27 Listeners

The Open Bell by Bryan Appleby-Wineberg, William Stowman, Joey Tartell

The Open Bell

54 Listeners

The Ezra Klein Show by New York Times Opinion

The Ezra Klein Show

15,337 Listeners

Speaking Soundly by Artful Narratives Media

Speaking Soundly

112 Listeners

Political Currency by Persephonica

Political Currency

111 Listeners

The Recipe with Kenji and Deb by Deb Perelman & J. Kenji López-Alt

The Recipe with Kenji and Deb

451 Listeners