The trumpet is a versatile instrument that is commonly heard in jazz. Trying to find a good instrument for playing jazz may take a little more effort than just picking up any cheap or old trumpet that may not have the features that you’ll need.
A trumpet that has the ability to produce vibrant sound is rather important to be able to create the warm jazz feel when you perform. There are trumpets with the ideal specs for jazz that are intended for all levels of playing from a student right up to a professional instrument.
These ten trumpets are all tried and true options for performing jazz at varying skill levels so that you can easily choose your next instrument.
Our Top Recommended Jazz Trumpets
- Jean Paul USA TR-330
- high quality sound
- suitable for beginner to intermediate trumpet players
- Price: See Here!
- Mendini by Cecilio Student Trumpet
- includes a foldable trumpet stand
- high quality student instrument with satisfaction guarantee
- Price: See Here!
- Eastar ETR-380
- good air tightness
- quick rebounding valves
- Price: See Here!
Contents
List of 10 Best Jazz Trumpets on the Market:
1. Jean Paul USA TR-330
Jean Paul USA TR-330 is the best jazz trumpet due to its versatility. It’s a student trumpet that is considered a great choice for beginners and intermediate players alike.
With a price tag of under $250 whether you choose a gold or nickel-plated trumpet, this is an instrument that really gives almost anyone what they need.
The robust sound is beautiful for jazz players and you’ll only have to upgrade from your Jean Paul USA TR-330 if you choose to get a professional trumpet one day.
Whether you’re just starting on the trumpet, picking back up an old hobby, or just want a quality new trumpet appropriate for performing jazz, Jean Paul USA TR-330 is a solid choice.
Which features of the Jean Paul USA TR-330 make it a desirable jazz trumpet?
- The TR-330 is a great choice for most people which is one of the major reasons that it tops this list. Being a high-quality yellow brass trumpet for beginner to intermediate musicians, it’s a solid choice that most people choose to keep on hand for the entirety of their career.
- Jean Paul USA TR-330 produces the heavy robust sound that’s needed to put emotion into a jazz trumpet performance.
- The price and quality make it risk-free investment especially when you factor in the fact that they have some of the best customer service in the industry.
What do experts think of the Jean Paul USA TR-330?
Experts love the TR-330 as a back-up instrument for themselves personally and consider is a quality option for new trumpet players looking to get the most bang for their buck. The sound is comparable to instruments that are double to triple the price so this trumpet really aims to please.
What are the pros and cons of the Jean Paul USA TR-330?
- high quality sound
- affordable
- suitable for beginner to intermediate trumpet players
- will need to be upgraded for advanced musicians
- valves can be a little sticky
Is it worth it?
The Jean Paul USA TR-330 is one of the best investments for a beginner jazz trumpet player.
There are higher quality instruments for intermediate or professional musicians but purchasing this trumpet early is a great way to get an affordable jazz trumpet that will last you until you’re ready for a professional instrument.
It’s one of the longest-lasting for the price making it a perfect jass trumpet for the student musician.
2. Mendini by Cecilio Student Trumpet
Mendini by Cecilio Student Trumpet is available in 8 different colors that each cost under $150. It’s one of the cheapest student trumpets that produces a quality sound so this is a great choice for the beginner jazz musician.
This fun student trumpet allows you to test the waters without making a large investment. The quality makes it so that learning isn’t negatively affected by instrument but you don’t have to be overly concerned about the price point.
What features make the Mendini by Cecilio Student Trumpet desirable for jazz musicians?
- Mendini by Cecilio Student Trumpet is best suited for aspiring jazz musicians.
- The price allows you to try it out but the quality will make you desire a higher quality instrument for intermediate level performing.
- It’s one of the highest quality beginner instruments for the price and the satisfaction guarantee can reassure you that Mendini stands behind their instruments.
What do experts think of the Mendini by Cecilio Student Trumpet?
Experts enjoy this as one of the better beginner trumpets for jazz musicians. It comes highly recommended by jazz band instructors for their student musicians.
Arguably the best first trumpet to buy based on the quality to price ratio is the Mendini by Cecilio Student Trumpet. Some experts even think of this as a nice personal back-up instrument.
What are the pros and cons of the Mendini by Cecilio Student Trumpet?
- under $150
- available in 8 different colors including classic and unique choices
- includes a foldable trumpet stand
- high quality student instrument with satisfaction guarantee
- will need to be upgraded for intermediate level performing
- sticky valves
- okay sound quality but nothing to brag about
Is it worth it?
If you’re looking for a cheap starter instrument, this is one of the best options. The Mendini by Cecilio Student Trumpet comes with satisfaction guaranteed and a 1-year warranty to ensure everything is right with your instrument. The sound is decent and will work beautifully for beginner ensembles.
3. Eastar ETR-380
Available in the classic colorations of gold lacquer or nickel-plated, the Eastar ETR-380 produces a clean sound. It’s designed for beginners with ease of play at mind. The trumpet comes with a full cleaning kit as opposed to just a cloth which is the common option.
The ETR-380 is one of the best beginner trumpets for jazz musicians that will run less than $150. It has some of the quickest rebounding valves among affordable student trumpets to really help you play some of the more intricate passages in jazz pieces.
What features make the Eastar ETR-380 a desirable jazz trumpet?
- The quick rebounding valves kick up the ease to play. The ETR-380 also has good air-tightness to enhance sound quality.
- This sturdy trumpet is a surprisingly great value for a student trumpet and creates the bright sound that’s needed to play jazz music.
What do experts think of the Eastar ETR-380?
Experts are shocked by the quality of Eastar’s ETR-380. It has a lot of the features that student instruments often overlook and plays like a much more expensive instrument. It’s a beautiful choice for the early stages of jazz musicianship.
What are the pros and cons of the Eastar ETR-380?
- good air tightness
- quick rebounding valves
- produces bright clean sound
- student instrument will need upgrading before performing in intermediate or professional settings
- plastic valves not super durable
Is it worth it?
This is one of the student instruments that are easiest to play so get those young hands started on the ETR-380. It also has some of the cleanest sounds when compared to similarly priced trumpets for beginners.
Learn to play jazz on a quality instrument that makes the process simpler with the Eastar ETR-380.
4. Kaizer TRP-3000
Kaizer TRP-3000 comes with a 45-day play trial so you can get your jazz on risk-free with this student trumpet.
While it’s advertised as solely a student trumpet, many are raving that the quality is appropriate for intermediate ensembles as well due to the quality construction and sound of the TRP-3000.
Plus the lifetime warranty can reassure you in this beautiful jazz trumpet as Kaizer will always send free replacement parts should you ever need them.
The gorgeous construction of the Kaizer TRP-3000 is predominately gold in coloration but also has some nickel-plating and rose brass. This gives a classic look for ensembles but is quite distinct when you’re up close and personal with this jazz trumpet.
What features make the Kaizer TRP-3000 an ideal jazz trumpet?
- The Kaizer TRP-3000 has valves that rebound quickly for good playability. The sound quality is beautiful especially considering this trumpet costs less than $250.
- It’s beautifully crafted and in perfect alignment unlike many of the similarly priced trumpets with lesser quality control.
How do experts feel about the Kaizer TRP-3000?
Many instructors are impressed by the tonality of the Kaizer TRP-3000. It creates a full-bodied sound and has quick rebounding valves. The TRP-3000 is a beautiful trumpet for the student jazz musician.
What are the pros and cons of the Kaizer TRP-3000?
- long-lasting – suitable for beginner and intermediate jazz musicians
- bright sound
- 45-day play trial and lifetime warranty
- valves can be a little sticky
- low-quality case may need replacing
Is it worth it?
The Kaizer TRP-3000 is a good jazz trumpet for beginners to early intermediate musicians. It looks classic with modern touches to make for a gorgeous instrument that produces high-quality sound.
Though it’s unlikely you’ll need it, there’s truly nothing to lose with the included 45-day play trial included with this trumpet. The quality instrument and customer service from Kaizer are just added bonuses when you choose the TRP-3000.
5. Mendini by Cecilio MTT
Mendini by Cecilio MTT is the best jazz trumpet for student musicians. It’s available in 8 different colorations for less than $200 to enhance the individuality of the jazz musician behind the instrument.
The MTT includes some extras that aren’t typically included such as a tuner/metronome, booklet of exercises, and a foldable trumpet stand which will be helpful for the training jazz trumpet player.
The MTT is beautifully designed with beginners in mind with lightweight construction and slightly beveled keys for more comfortable playing. This student jazz trumpet is great for learning on and allows you to go for a classic or more individual look so you can be as unique as your playing style.
What features make the Mendini by Cecilio MTT preferable for a jazz trumpet?
- The included tuner/metronome are great tools when learning jazz pieces.
- Plus the trumpet stand will come in handy if you play multiple instruments when performing.
- It’s a good trumpet for the price and to get started on.
What’s an expert’s opinion of the Mendini by Cecilio MTT?
Mendini by Cecilio MTT is an average beginner trumpet. It looks unique and is made to cater to beginners but the sound quality isn’t as full-bodied as what’s desirable for jazz performance.
The lightweight instrument is great for comfortable learning but a lightweight instrument creates lightweight sound.
What are the pros and cons of the Mendini by Cecilio MTT?
- designed to be easy to learn on
- includes lots of extra tools for optimal trumpet experience
- beautiful appearance
- sticky valves
- really only suitable for beginners
Is it worth it?
Mendini by Cecilio MTT is a beautiful student trumpet. It’s great for learning making it a good choice for the aspiring jazz musician more than the experienced one. The MTT gives you extra tools to help learn in addition to the construction modifications to ease your experience.
Your musical instrument also needs the best Your tool also needs the best trumpet valve oil so that they never let you down.
6. Yamaha YTR-2335
Yamaha YTR-2335 is the classic jazz trumpet. Known for making some of the highest quality instruments, you get what you pay for with a Yamaha. With the high-quality robust sound, your jazz will sound as authentic as possible across just about any other student instrument.
Valves are fast and responsive on the YTR-2335. This trumpet is sleek and offers ease of play in all registers that remain unrivaled by almost any other brand.
What features make the Yamaha YTR-2335 an ideal jazz trumpet?
- The beautifully bright sound of the Yamaha YTR-2335 and the valve responsiveness of the trumpet make the jazz easily more expressive.
- It’s easy to play and creates some of the highest quality sound available on an instrument intended for students.
- This trumpet may be marketed as a beginner but can be compared to cheaper intermediate instruments as opposed to student ones.
What do experts think of the Yamaha YTR-2335?
If you’re willing to spend on a student instrument, almost every instructor and professional will recommend a Yamaha. Between the sound quality and playability of these top-notch instruments, there are few options that come to an expert’s mind faster than a Yamaha.
The Yamaha YTR-2335 is no exception with its rich tonality. It’s among the best jazz and all-around trumpets you can get.
What are the pros and cons of the Yamaha YTR-2335?
- high-quality full-bodied sound
- fast and responsive valves
- easy to play in all registers
- made to last
- appropriate for beginners to intermediate performances
- expensive
- may need to be upgraded eventually if you need a professional trumpet
Is it worth it?
A Yamaha YTR-2335 will last a lifetime if cared for and you may never desire an upgrade from this top-quality trumpet. If you’re looking for a beginner instrument, you will struggle to find better than the YTR-2335.
Price is the only concern with the instrument so maybe not the best choice if you’re just trying out the hobby. Once there’s some level of commitment though this is the best jazz and all-around trumpet for a student musician.
7. LJ Hutchen Trumpet
LJ Hutchen Trumpet is a beautifully crafted instrument for less than $300. Like most trumpets, the LJ Hutchen comes with valve oil but this one gives you the top quality Yamaha oil to ensure sticky valves are never an issue.
Plus there’s an included 2-year warranty that helps to reassure that your investment is safe.
LJ Hutchen Trumpet is crafted with student musicians in mind. It’s designed to be an affordable option with high-quality sound that’s appropriate for the jazz trumpet player. The manufacturers stand behind the instruments and will ensure every musician is happy with their jazz trumpet.
What features make LJ Hutchen Trumpet ideal for playing jazz?
- LJ Hutchen Trumpet produces some of the fullest sound when compared to other student trumpets or even some intermediate trumpets.
- The instrument is well crafted and the company wants to be sure you’re fully satisfied with their product.
- LJ Hutchen is arguably the best trumpet you can buy for under $300.
What do experts think of the LJ Hutchen Trumpet?
Many are hesitant about the LJ Hutchen Trumpet at first due to the hit or miss quality of most off-brand student trumpets. However, once they hear the sound quality, there are many that will even recommend this for their students. The sound is comparable to some of the brand name instruments even according to the ears of a professional.
What are the pros and cons of the LJ Hutchen Trumpet?
- warm and bright sound that’s full-bodied
- quality crafted trumpet that’s comparable to much more expensive brand name ones
- Yamaha branded valve oil to help avoid sticky keys
- amazing customer service from a company that wants to ensure you’re satisfied with the trumpet
- needs upgrading before performing intermediate ensembles
Is it worth it?
LJ Hutchen is one of the best quality beginner trumpets you can get for a student jazz musician. The full-bodied sound is out of this world especially when you remember the investment is less than $300. It’s a trumpet most students would enjoy through all of their school years.
8. Glory Trumpet
Glory Trumpet is the best trumpet ever if you want to test the waters. You can get the classic gold lacquer for under $100 or get one of the four more unique colorations for less than $150.
Glory Trumpet is one of the only solid brass jazz trumpets that comes at such an affordable price.
Glory Trumpet is lightweight so it’s ideal for young jazz musicians who may not be able to comfortably transport or play something a little heavier. The sound is okay but this instrument may need early upgrading if you want to perform in ensembles.
What features make Glory Trumpet a good choice for jazz musicians?
- Glory Trumpet is ideal for the aspiring jazz musician who may not be completely sure yet.
- It’s a cheap solid brass trumpet so it’s got quality to learn on that’s better than the similarly priced plastic instruments.
How do professionals feel about Glory Trumpet?
Glory Trumpet is hit or miss in quality. You can get a great deal on a decent instrument or one with intonation issues that can’t be fixed. The trumpet is gorgeous but it’s a risky investment.
What are the pros and cons of the Glory Trumpet?
- lightweight
- super cheap solid brass trumpet
- 5 different colorations to choose from
- hit or miss quality
- sticky valves
Is it worth it?
If you’re an aspiring jazz musician on a budget, this may be a sound investment. If you’re experienced and know you’ll be sticking with it, you may want to choose a trumpet from a manufacturer with more consistent quality control. Glory Trumpet is fine for the early stages but will need earlier upgrading than most beginner trumpets.
9. Etude ETR-100
Etude ETR-100 is arguably the best trumpet for playing jazz music under $300. The yellow brass instrument is complemented by a red brass lead pipe to help with sound projection while looking uniquely classy.
Great for students and hobbyists alike, the Etude ETR-100 is a quality student trumpet. It’s a solid investment for a first trumpet that will last through the early years of playing jazz music.
What features make the Etude ETR-100 a good choice for jazz trumpet?
- Etude ETR-100 is an average student trumpet for the price of a cheap knock off.
- It’s easy to play and produces decent quality sound especially for the price.
- The ETR-100 is designed to make sound projection simple which is an important factor for jazz musicians.
How do experts feel about the Etude ETR-100?
Many jazz band instructors choose to keep these on hand for student use. It’s an affordable trumpet that gets the job done. The sound is heavy enough for putting on student-level jazz performances.
What are the pros and cons of the Etude ETR-100?
- affordable price
- decent sound quality
- designed for easy sound projection
- sticky valves
- included valve oil is low quality
- loose-fitting screws
Is it worth it?
The Etude ETR-100 is a solid choice for student jazz musicians. It’s perhaps best-suited for younger trumpet players but it sufficient for jazz hobbyists as well.
10. Hawk WD-T313
Hawk WD-T313 is available in 9 unique colorations that each cost less than $200. Young jazz musicians are raving that this trumpet lasts past the beginner years and remains appropriate even as their peers upgrade to intermediate-level instruments.
The sound quality is pretty good and it’s easy to project on this lightweight trumpet. The Hawk WD-T313 is easily worth twice what you pay for it.
What features make the Hawk WD-T313 an ideal choice for a jazz trumpet?
- The Hawk WD-T313 is elegant and bright so your instrument is as individual as your music.
- It’s a long-lasting student jazz trumpet that people of multiple skill-levels are enjoying.
- This trumpet makes it easy to produce decent sound across all registers.
How do experts feel about the Hawk WD-T313?
It’s an amazing student trumpet that’s especially shocking for a colorful instrument. It can arguably be used as an intermediate instrument to put off the need to upgrade. The only downside is that being a lightweight instrument, the sound isn’t as heavy as some would desire for a jazz trumpet.
What are the pros and cons of the WD-T313?
- great intonation
- beautiful trumpet
- lightweight
- easy to play in all registers
- sound is lightweight and a little airy
- color may chip off of the instrument
Is it worth it?
The Hawk WD-T313 is a sturdy and lightweight jazz trumpet with a lot of potential. This instrument comes at an amazing deal and is well-constructed. It’s a unique-looking trumpet to go with your unique sound.
Choosing Your Jazz Trumpet
What you want in a jazz trumpet is an individual choice based off of your needs and skill level. Sound quality and construction are some of the most important things to keep in mind but things like weight and price point may also be considerations for you.
Think about which factors you consider to be of highest priority and the choice will fall into place for you.
The Time Is Now
Now you have all the information you need to choose the best jazz trumpet for you. It’s time to pick the ideal instrument and get playing the sweet music from your heart. There are so many great trumpets for you to learn jazz on but these are some of the best choices you can find