If you’re considering learning to play the trumpet, it may be difficult to navigate choosing an instrument especially if it’s your first. Playing an instrument can be a rewarding lifelong hobby if you stick with it but it can be hard to want to spend astronomical amounts before you’ve gotten started.
Choosing the best beginner trumpet can be a gamechanger. Student level instruments come in varying qualities at varying price points to ensure you can find the one that best fits your needs.
Whether you already play other instruments or the trumpet will be your first, the best trumpet for students can make an impact on how easy it is for you to pick it up and really start playing.
Our Top Recommended Trumpets for Beginners
- Mendini by Cecilio MTT
- Package includes a 7C mouthpiece, a pair of gloves, cleaning cloth, and a bottle of valve oil.
- Available in Red lacquered, Black lacquered, Nickel plated, Gold lacquered, Blue lacquered, and Purple lacquered.
- Price: See Here!
- Jean Paul USA TR-330
- Included Accessories: Carrying Case, Valve Oil, Gloves, Cleaning Cloth, and Mouthpiece
- Beautiful Yellow brass body
- Price: See Here!
- Eastar ETR-380
- Package - Golden Lacquer Trumpet, White Gloves, Cloth, Valve Oil, Trumpet Cleaning Kit, 7 C Mouthpiece, Hard Case
- The sound is clean and bright. Easy to play.
- Price: See Here!
Contents
List of 10 Best Student Trumpets for Beginners for the Money:
1. Mendini by Cecilio MTT
Mendini by Cecilio is among the best trumpet brands for beginners. Their MTT is a popular student trumpet due to the sound quality to price ratio. For less than $150, you get some of the essential trumpet supplies for your new instrument.
The sound quality of the Mendini by Cecilio MTT is easily equivalent to an instrument of double the price which is why so many students and beginners love this trumpet. It’s a great trumpet to learn on and the company’s satisfaction guarantee takes the risk out of this investment.
Why choose the Mendini by Cecilio MTT?
Students often love the colored instruments and Mendini is one of the only quality-focused companies to produce these.
They offer the classic gold for those who want their instrument to blend in, bold black for a classy but unique instrument, and a variety of bright colors for the eccentric musicians who are looking to stand out. The MTT also comes with:
- nylon-covered hard carrying case to keep your trumpet safe – includes backpack straps for easy transportation and storage pocket
- trumpet stand
- valve oil
- polishing cloth
- white gloves
The Mendini by Cecilio MTT includes both a satisfaction guarantee and a 1-year warranty to take the risk out of your trumpet investment. The company stands behind its high-quality student trumpet.
What do experts think of the Mendini by Cecilio MTT?
Experts are shocked by the quality of the MTT. It’s a stunning instrument that plays like a trumpet that would be worth double the price which makes it a great choice for beginners.
This is an instrument that a seasoned player may use as a back-up which is a testament to the quality of the Mendini by Cecilio MTT.
If you do choose to perform, you may eventually need to upgrade to an intermediate or professional trumpet but this is a great instrument for beginners and those who just play as a hobby.
Is it worth it?
The Mendini by Cecilio MTT is absolutely worth it. The sound quality of this sturdy brass trumpet is astronomical for what you pay. It’ll last you for years and you may never feel the need to upgrade from this beautiful and economical trumpet.
2. Jean Paul USA TR-330
Jean Paul USA TR-330 is a quality trumpet made in the USA that comes with the amazing customer support of a domestic company. For less than $250, you can get a classy trumpet in your choice of gold or nickel that’s considered appropriate for beginners and intermediate players alike.
The sound quality of the Jean Paul USA TR-330 is beautifully robust. Being designed with both beginners and intermediates in mind, this trumpet is made to last.
What’s unique about the Jean Paul USA TR-330?
The Jean Paul USA TR-330 is one of the only student trumpets designed for beginners and intermediates which allows for performing without having to upgrade for many years.
It’s appropriate for first-year trumpet players as well as college students in music school so the quality of this investment is amazing.
Jean Paul is one of the only quality American manufacturers of wind instruments so the customer service provided is beyond just about any other company should you need assistance.
The TR-330 comes with all that you need to get started including:
- carrying case
- valve oil
- cleaning cloth
- gloves
What do experts think of the Jean Paul USA TR-330?
The Jean Paul USA TR-330 is one of the best beginner trumpets you can find. It’s made to last a lifetime and only needs eventual upgrading if you go on to desire a professional instrument.
The clean sound produced by the Jean Paul USA TR-330 has experts keeping this trumpet as a back-up. It’s a high-quality instrument that pays for itself through the years of rewarding enjoyment it brings.
Is it worth it?
The Jean Paul USA TR-330 is arguably the best investment for an aspiring trumpet player. Quality of this instrument makes it be the go-to trumpet possibly for your entire career as a musician.
3. Eastar ETR-380
Eastar ETR-380 is one of the best quality trumpets available for students. Designed with beginners in mind, the valves are super durable and the springs rebound quickly. For less than $150, this solid brass trumpet is a steal.
The ETR-380 comes in your choice of the brilliant classic colorations of gold lacquer or nickel-plated. With everything you need to start playing included, Eastar’s ETR-380 is a beautiful starter trumpet.
Why choose the Eastar ETR-380?
Eastar ensures their ETR-380 has good air tightness which is one of the most common issues people run into with other economically priced student trumpets.
The instrument produces a bright sound and is designed with ease of play in mind. Along with this trumpet, you can also expect to receive:
- hard case with pocket
- cleaning kit – cloth and brushes
- valve oil
- gloves
What are experts saying about the Eastar ETR-380?
Experts think this is a quality instrument for beginners. It works beautifully for those just starting out. The design is truly catered to student musicians and the price is right.
It’s strictly a beginner instrument so it will need to be replaced with an intermediate or professional grade trumpet if you choose to advance within a career but it’s a decent quality student instrument.
Some would recommend this trumpet for marching bands do to the amount of wear it puts on an instrument and the quality construction of the Eastar ETR-380.
Is it worth it?
The Eastar ETR-380 is a great first trumpet. If the trumpet is your first instrument or at least your first brass instrument this one comes highly recommended.
If you’re certain you’ll be sticking with the trumpet and have experience playing other brass instruments, there are some instruments that are likely a better choice for you.
This trumpet will need to be upgraded early in your career if you’re a seasoned musician who may outgrow a student instrument relatively quickly.
4. Glory Trumpet
Glory Trumpet is a solid brass budget student trumpet available in 5 colors all under $150. This instrument is ideal for those who just want to test the waters.
While the price is hard to beat, the quality of these trumpets can be hit or miss. It’s an okay instrument for initial practicing but be prepared to upgrade pretty quickly if you choose to stick with the hobby.
Why choose Glory Trumpet?
Glory Trumpet is an economical choice to start with. It’s ideal for those who are unsure about sticking with the hobby. This trumpet is one of the cheapest solid brass options so the sound is superior to fake plastic instruments.
Glory Trumpet is available in 5 different classy colorations so you can pick a unique trumpet without looking overly flashy. The elegant beginner trumpet also includes:
- hard case
- valve oil
- cleaning cloth
- gloves
How do experts feel about Glory Trumpet?
Glory Trumpet is good for the short time that you’re feeling out the idea of learning an instrument. However, the quality is inconsistent so be prepared to upgrade early on if you choose to perform on the trumpet.
Overall, it’s a sound investment if you’re unsure but if you know that you’ll be sticking with the hobby, there are higher quality student trumpets that will last you for much longer.
Is it worth it?
This trumpet is the best choice for those who will be self-teaching and aren’t fully committed yet. It’s a cheap option that allows you to test the waters.
Glory Trumpets sometimes have intonation issues so it’s not one that’s recommended for students starting band. Overall, it’s a mixed bag as to what you get. You may get a great trumpet or a mediocre one due to a lack of quality control.
5. Kaizer TRP-3000
Kaizer TRP-3000 is a sturdy student trumpet that will run you less than $250. It’s an elegant looking instrument with gold, nickel, and rose gold colorations that make for a unique-looking trumpet that still blends in well in a group.
The solid metal construction allows for the good sound quality on this beginner trumpet.
Kaizer TRP-3000 has beautiful sound quality for the price. Kaizer stands behind their quality trumpets so you can be assured that your investment is safe.
Why choose Kaizer TRP-3000?
Kaizer TRP-3000 comes with a 45-day play trial and a lifetime warranty so you can be reassured that this is a risk-free investment in this rewarding hobby.
You’re guaranteed to enjoy your TRP-3000 and it’s even better if you get a higher quality mouthpiece to play this trumpet with. A Kaizer TRP-3000 also includes:
- case with shoulder strap
- set of trumpet valve guide replacements
- valve oil
- polishing cloth
- gloves
What do experts think of the Kaizer TRP-3000?
Kaizer TRP-3000 is a trumpet that is great for early levels of learning. It’s not the most advanced student instrument, but it’s a good choice for the early years. Those who play just for hobby enjoy the TRP-3000 though it isn’t a favorite among professionals.
One of the great things about the Kaizer TRP-3000 is that it’s a pretty standard student instrument.
The quality is sufficient enough that if you don’t need an intermediate or professional instrument at any time in your career, you will still get quality sound from your trumpet and if you do choose to upgrade later, you’ll have gotten a decent amount of use from your TRP-3000 prior to the upgrade.
Is it worth it?
The Kaizer TRP-3000 is a good choice for a first trumpet. It wouldn’t be appropriate to a mid or higher level student performing as it would likely be outgrown relatively quickly.
The only downfall to this trumpet is that the valves can be a little sticky but this can often be fixed with minimal work on the instrument.
6. Etude ETR-100
Etude ETR-100 is among the best budget trumpet options that’ll cost you less than $300. It comes highly recommended for band students due to the high-quality sound at a sensible price for students. The trumpet comes with a hard case to keep it protected.
The ETR-100 is a classic-looking trumpet designed with ease of play in mind so beginners can have some comfort in learning their way around this new instrument. While it’s in no way an intermediate or professional instrument, it’s one of the best choices for students.
Why choose the Etude ETR-100?
Etude ETR-100 is among the best choices for students. The intonation is spot on, the instrument in easy to play, and tonality is beautiful for a beginner instrument. It comes with a protective case to keep the trumpet safe as it’s transported.
What do professionals have to say about the Etude ETR-100?
Professionals don’t typically keep this instrument personally but highly recommend it to young students. It plays easily but is sturdy and makes a decent quality sound.
Instead of spending astronomical amounts on a brand-name instrument that a child has the ability to destroy or lose interest in, the ETR-100 is a good compromise between price and quality.
Is it worth it?
The Etude ETR-100 is a trumpet that’s best suited for students. Most would say it’s well-suited especially for young students due to ease of play being kept in mind but this means it’s also great for a hobbyist with joint issues as well.
If you plan on performing in intermediate or professional groups, this may not be an instrument you choose to keep but it’s a nice start for playing the trumpet.
7. LJ Hutchen Trumpet
LJ Hutchen Trumpet is the best trumpet to buy for a beginner. Costing less than $300, this trumpet is made from quality brass to ensure that the sound resonates beautifully.
The dimensions are made to be comparable to that of a professional instrument so if you ever choose to upgrade there will be minimal changes as you adjust to a new instrument.
LJ Hutchen Trumpet is made to be a quality instrument that’s easily playable with the needs of student musicians in mind.
What’s unique about the LJ Hutchen Trumpet?
The amazing customer service and included 2-year warranty can put you at ease when it comes to the quality of this student trumpet.
It’s made from top quality brass to better the playing experience of beginners and encourage the lifelong learning of this hobby. LJ Hutchen Trumpet comes with Yamaha valve oil and a sturdy plastic case with a plush inside.
What are experts saying about the LJ Hutchen Trumpet?
The sound quality of this trumpet is amazing especially when you consider the price. LJ Hutchen Trumpet is often compared to instruments that cost double or more.
Students and teachers are loving the LJ Hutchen Trumpet and the fact that the company stands behind their instruments 100%.
Is it worth it?
This is a great trumpet for students and beginners of all ages. LJ Hutchen Trumpet is ideal as a student or early intermediate so it’s a beautiful instrument that you’ll be able to enjoy for many years to come.
8. Le’Var BTLV100
Le’Var BTLV Student Trumpet is an ideal trumpet for beginners. It’s considered appropriate for early ensemble performances and makes a good instrument for the casual hobbyist. The construction is solid brass and the sound resonates well.
The sound quality is passable for early ensembles but if you plan to move on to later beginner or intermediate level performing, the BTLV100 will need to be upgraded for prior.
If you’re looking for a trumpet for your child, it’s a favorite for elementary to middle school level ensembles but often by high school, your child and their instructor will likely be asking for a higher quality instrument.
Why choose the Le’Var BTLV100 Student Trumpet?
The BTLV100 is a solid choice for beginning on trumpet. It’s an economically sound choice running less than $150. The sound quality is high enough to make learning enjoyable and the price is less than what would typically be spent on a rental instrument. Le’Var BTLV100 also comes with:
- hard case
- valve oil
- polishing cloth
- gloves
What do experts think of the Le’Var BTLV100?
The trumpet is sturdy for the price. This makes it ideal for early learning but shouldn’t be expected to last if you’re sure that you’ll be sticking with the hobby.
If someone is just casually trying to learn the trumpet, then the Le’Var BTLV100 Student Trumpet isn’t a bad choice but it’s not a sound investment for musicians who know they’ll be moving forward with the instrument.
Is it worth it?
The price and sound quality are right for someone trying out their first instrument. Young students and adults trying to learn basic trumpet are the ideal audience for the Le’Var BTLV100 Student Trumpet.
Expect this trumpet to last through the early years as a low-risk investment and to upgrade if you decide to perform in more advanced ensembles in the future.
9. Hawk WD-T314
If you’re looking for a good beginner trumpet, Hawk WD-T314 is the way to go for under $200. The sound quality of this solid brass instrument makes it a solid student instrument that’s appropriate for kids through their school years or adults just interested in the hobby.
The price for the quality of the WD-T314 makes it a low-risk and long-lasting choice.
The tonality of the Hawk WD-T314 is a little lighter than what’s desirable but the ease to play is part of what makes this an ideal instrument for beginners. It’s also available in 9 different colors which are appreciated by many student musicians who want a unique trumpet.
Why choose the Hawk WD-T314?
The Hawk WD-T314 is designed to be light and easy to play which makes it great for beginners and marching bands.
It works well for the duration that the average student performs and will only need upgrading if one decides to move on to intermediate level ensembles. Included with the trumpet are a hard solid case and some valve oil.
How do experts feel about the Hawk WD-T314?
The lightness to the sound is the biggest complaint among experts. Valves can also be a little sticky but that’s a manageable issue. It’s a fine starter instrument but a heavier sound is more desirable in ensembles so this trumpet’s life is dependent on the instructor’s take on the light sound.
The Hawk WD-T314 does well in a beginner’s hands due to how easy it is to play and get a decent sound out of. The intonation is right and there are no complaints among those who play for a hobby.
Is it worth it?
It’s a good choice for early learners especially if the trumpet is their first instrument overall. The Hawk WD-T314 is more forgiving than many cheap student trumpets in terms of getting early sound from the instrument.
The only downside is that how long you can perform on this trumpet may be more in the hands of the instructor than the user.
10. Yamaha YTR-2330
Yamaha YTR-2330 is widely regarded as the top quality trumpet that you can buy for beginners. The vibrant sound and solid construction are truly unbeatable. Yamaha is one of the top-selling brands for instruments across all levels for a reason.
The chief complaint about the Yamaha YTR-2330 is the price but you get what you pay for. The base model will keep you under $800 but upgrading to a nickel-plated trumpet brings the figure closer to $1500.
Yamaha YTR-2330 is made to be the standard for student instruments but is of higher quality than a cheap intermediate.
Why choose the Yamaha YTR-2330?
If you can afford it, there’s not a single reason not to purchase the YTR-2330. It comes with the highest regards and those who play a Yamaha are almost always loyal to the brand.
The Yamaha YTR-2330 is made to last and is the kind of solid instrument that can be passed down through generations. It’s the kind of instrument that can be kept as a back-up for intermediate and professional musicians.
The brilliant sound quality will win your heart the second you play this trumpet.
What do experts think of the Yamaha YTR-2330?
There isn’t a single reputable professional who wouldn’t recommend the YTR-2330. Most suggest it even if this trumpet is outside the budget of many beginners. It’s easy to play and has arguably the best tonality of any student trumpet on the market.
Is it worth it?
This is absolutely worth the investment. The Yamaha YTR-2330 is an amazing quality student trumpet that’s near impossible to beat.
If there are hesitations about whether or not the hobby will stick, it may not be the soundest investment but the quality of the YTR-2330 will also improve the learning experience so it’s a bit of a trade-off.
However, if you can afford this gorgeous trumpet, it will give you an advantage over playing a low-quality to mid-quality instrument.
Making The Choice
Now that you’re in the know on the 10 best trumpets for beginners, you can decide which is the appropriate investment for you. The best student trumpet is the one that most closely aligns with your wants, needs, and budget.
Trumpet Time
There’s no better time than now to start playing the trumpet. This hobby can be rewarding and have lifelong benefits. The best trumpet for beginners is the one that works for you so make your choice and be ready to dive in headfirst.
