Adrien Jaminet – Luthier and brass maker

Ile-de-France  – 1990

Adrien Jaminet‘s passion for the trumpet developed from a young age, fostered by his father. He studied at the Boulogne-Billancourt Conservatoire for 4 years and an internship introduced him to brass instrument making. In 2010, he set up his own instrument restoration business, quickly attracting top international soloists. He opened a workshop in Brétigny-sur-Orge in 2011 and a second one in Lyon in 2019. AJ Atelier des Cuivres has now 8 employees. In 2020, responding to professional demand, he began manufacturing trumpets, including a modernized recreation of the 1950s Alfred model. Adrien went on to collaborate with the Garde Républicaine and created the TOMA model for Ibrahim Maalouf. 

While the French brass instrument making industry boasted thousands of works in the early 20th century, it has declined significantly, with most instruments now produced in the US and Japan. Nowadays, there are only three workshops remain in France. AJ Atelier des Cuivres is recognised as a market leader, with clients including artists such as David Guerrier, Romain Leleu and the Orchestre de l’Opéra de Paris. 

2021 – Laureate of the Fondation Banque Populaire

2021 – Laureate of the EY Foundation  

2021 – Laureate of Réseau Entreprendre Essonne

2022 – Joins the Bpifrance Savoir-Faire d’Exception accelerator 

2024 – Laureate of the Fabriqué en France exhibition – exhibition at the Elysée Palace

Research and innovation. 

Adrien’s aim is to revive French trumpet production. Drawing inspiration from the heritage of France’s renowned brass makers, he incorporates technical innovations to meet the needs of contemporary musicians. 

Transmission 

Adrien is passionate about sharing his know-how, and in a spirit of transmission, he welcomes trainees and apprentices to his workshop. Adrien is a member of the Chambre syndicale et de la Facture Instrumentale (CSFI) and a member of the commission for reviewing programs in collaboration with the French Ministry of Education. His commitment has led to the opening of a NVQ dedicated to brass instrument making at ITEMM (Institut Technologique Européen des Métiers de la Musique). Adrien also regularly speaks at conferences and workshops and has created the “French brass” podcasts. 

Adrien Jaminet approached the Fondation Rémy Cointreau for his project to research and develop the Piccolo trumpet. Reviving this iconic instrument, made famous by Maurice André and a symbol of the excellence of French craftsmanship, responds to a growing demand and focuses on preserving France’s trumpet-making heritage.