David Staff (Staffy), a renowned cornetto player, period trumpeter, and natural trumpet maker, passed away at his home in Suffolk, England, in September 2026.

He was a founder member of His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts (formed in 1982), a long-serving principal trumpet in Frans Brüggen’s Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century, and a much-in-demand freelancer who worked at the forefront of the ‘early music revival’ of the late 20th century. He performed and recorded Johann Sebastian Bach’s second Brandenburg Concerto (BWV 1047) on numerous occasions; his high-register playing was sublime and his interpretation, vocal approach to playing, and understanding of period style and symbolism were exceptionally refined.

He was a vibrant character who touched many lives, and his energetic personality, brilliant sense of humour, and insatiable enthusiasm for so many things, including bird watching, bird guiding, cooking, cornetto playing, mushrooming, music, fishing, storytelling, CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), cameras, and of course trumpet playing and making, was infectious.

Throughout his career he worked at various London conservatoires, and he taught at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester for several decades. He subsequently taught at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. The Early Brass course he led alongside Sue Addison at Dartington International Summer School was a perennial favourite. He taught, mentored, and refined a great many students and was very proud of those who became his colleagues: he changed many lives as a result.

Michael Laird introduced David Staff to the natural trumpet and sackbutt maker Francis Tomes (1936–2011), and Staffy became his apprentice around 2009. David played on trumpets made by Frank Tomes for many years, and had helped Frank (initially from a player’s perspective) to develop well-made replicas of trumpets by Johann Leonhart Ehe III and William Bull. After Frank’s death, David took over the workshop and continued to perfect his craft, with particularly valuable input from his dear friend and fellow instrument maker, Graham Nicholson. David’s former student and colleague Russell Gilmour, who was apprenticed to him over a decade ago, continues the tradition of natural trumpet making in the Tomes–Staff lineage.

In later life, David concentrated on instrument making and guiding visitors as a volunteer for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Working at the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve on the Suffolk coast, David expertly guided countless visitors and was known for his inimitable style, charisma, and exceptional knowledge of the natural world.

Staffy was one of life’s great enthusiasts and he will be remembered for the music he cherished, coached, performed, and recorded; the great pride he took in his former students; the instruments he carefully crafted and refined; guiding at his beloved RSPB Minsmere; and, most of all, the vibrant and generous friendship he extended to so many. He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca, who shares his love of the natural world and lives off-grid in the woods in Sweden.