I personally handcraft each Naja system, ensuring 100% artisanal quality. All materials are meticulously sourced, with brass, spring wire, and leather from France, and nickel silver tubing from Germany.
The creation of this booster is rooted more in high-precision micromechanics than traditional instrument making. This expertise comes from my formal background; I graduated in micromechanics in 2000 while studying at the Conservatory, where I earned my Concert Diploma in 2008 (an advanced professional degree equivalent to a Master’s in Performance).
Every Naja system is a complex assembly of 12 precision-machined parts. I also handle all the engraving and lacquering myself to ensure a flawless finish.
The machining of the brass components and the cutting of the tubes are performed on a century-old Schaublin 102 lathe. I have modernized this vintage tool with a variable speed drive, which also allows me to manufacture the springs in-house. Here is a photo of me at work in my workshop.
The engraving is done using a 4-axis desktop CNC milling machine. This technology enables me to create decorative brass plates tailored for the bell crooks of trumpets and cornets, as well as the tuning slides of trombones.
The final assembly process involves precision tin soldering for the removable boosters, while the brazed versions utilize a silver-tin alloy for superior durability.
Following assembly, each booster returns to the lathe for finishing, including both left and right-hand threading. The half-moon screws require significant craftsmanship: creating the dual threads, cutting the brass tubes, soldering the screws to the half-moons, polishing, and finally lining them with leather.
Before the final lacquer is applied, the engraving is filled with a specific protective coating.
NAJA boosters represent a true labor of love and a mastery of craft.
Musically yours, Hubert VALENTE.
