Just got my new Carol Brass Pocket. I'm EXTREMELY impressed with the overall fit and finish on the horn. It rivals every other horn in my small collection, which includes examples from Yamaha, Getzen and Jupiter. In fact, I would go so far as to say Carol Brass has outdone all of the above in this regard.
Mine is in silver-plate finish and the quality is flawless!

The way it plays is extremely good as well. It does exhibit a bit more resistance than a standard trumpet, and overall requires very little extra effort with regards to intonation.

The gold-brass bell provides for great feedback and resonance as well as projection.
Valve action on this horn is ultra smooth and fast...perhaps as good as on my Getzen.

The most interesting item is getting used to where the bell is in relation to your ears as it is MUCH closer.
My wife cannot tell the difference in sound between the Carol Pocket and my standard trumpets.
The folks at Carol Brass got this one right.

As Siskel & Ebert used to say..."Two thumbs up!"

TD, The Carol's have been getting good reviews, probably the best out there short of the Benges...........Buck