Playing the trumpet can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for anyone. And unlike many other skills and hobbies, all that is required to play is the instrument itself.
Whether you’re a beginning music student, have studied the trumpet for a while or are a professional player, what type of horn you play is essential. The brand and quality of your trumpet impacts how you sound and how you feel when you play, and naturally, you’ll want the best trumpet possible.
But knowing how to buy a trumpet can be a challenge, especially if you’re a beginner. The guide below has everything you’ll need, from the best trumpet reviews to additional information on what to avoid and how to buy a case. Let’s get started!
Best Trumpets
- The Allora AATR-101 Bb Trumpet AATR101 Lacquer
- 4.5" red brass bell and leadpipe
- Monel piston valves
- 1st valve thumb saddle
- Price: See Here!
- LJ Hutchen Bb Trumpet with Plush-Lined Case
- Clear lacquer finish with rose brass lead pipe for full, clear tone
- Braced tuning slide to maintain alignment
- Stainless steel valves for consistent performance and prevention aginst corrosion
- Price: See Here!
- The Mendini by Cecilio MTT-N Trumpet, Silver, Bb
- Nickel plated Bb trumpet with 7C mouthpiece
- 0.46 inch bore & 5 inch bell, 1st valve slide thumb saddle, 3rd valve slide with adjustable throw ring
- Phosphorus copper used on lead mouth pipe (found on expensive trumpets), smooth action valves, & comfortable white faux mother of pearl inlaid buttons
- Price: See Here!
Contents
- 1 What Is The Best Trumpet For Me?
- 2 Best Beginner Trumpet Reviews
- 3 Best Intermediate Trumpet Reviews
- 4 Best Professional Trumpet Reviews
- 5 What Is a Pocket Trumpet?
- 6 Best Pocket Trumpet Reviews
- 7 What is the Best Trumpet Brand?
- 8 How to Choose a Great Trumpet
- 9 What to Avoid When Choosing Trumpet
- 10 Choosing The Best Trumpet Case
- 11 Trumpet Case Options
- 12 All Things Trumpet FAQ
- 13 Concluding Summary and Making Your Final Decision
What Is The Best Trumpet For Me?
It may come as a surprise, but there are actually many different types of trumpets. In general, however, players of the trumpet play the Bb trumpet. The reason it’s called the Bb trumpet gets into music theory and can be confusing, but in general, just know that most trumpets are Bb trumpets. Within this category are the following subcategories.
Bb Trumpets
- Student or Beginner Bb Trumpet – These are for new players, which means that they tend to be more affordable but not quite as high quality as intermediate and professional horns.
- Intermediate Bb Trumpet – These are middle of the road trumpets. They are more advanced in style and design than student trumpets, but they aren’t as expensive or high quality as pro trumpets.
- Professional Trumpet – As the name implies, these are the most advanced and highest quality horns. Much time is spent in the design and calibration of these trumpets, and they are expensive as a result, but they produce a gorgeous sound.
Other Trumpets
- Piccolo Trumpet – The piccolo trumpet plays much higher notes than any other trumpet. In fact, it plays exactly one octave higher than the Bb trumpet.
- C Trumpet – This is quite a popular trumpet for orchestral playing. It has a bright tone and is slightly smaller than a Bb trumpet.
- E Trumpet – This trumpet allows for more accurate, higher playing. Naturally, higher playing can be difficult on a Bb trumpet, so this facilitates that.
- Bass Trumpet – These are pitched like trombones, so they sound lower than Bb trumpets.
- Marching Trumpet – These are more durable and have bells that project more for a broader sound.
There are even more varieties of trumpets as well, but for more details on beginner, intermediate and professional trumpets that you can buy, check out the trumpet buying guide below!
Best Trumpet Reviews
You should choose a trumpet based on how well you know how to play right now and how far you plan on going with this instrument. In general, we can divide trumpets into three main categories: Beginner, intermediate and professional trumpets.
Best Beginner Trumpet Reviews
1. The Allora AATR-101 Bb Trumpet AATR101 Lacquer
Features
- Red brass leadpipe and bell
- Super strong Monel valves
- First valve features thumb saddle and third valve features fixed finger ring for more secure grip
- Comes with molded case
Overall Value for the Money
The Allora AATR-101 Bb Trumpet Comes at a reasonable price, so it’s a great beginning trumpet for her students who are just getting started. With that being said, it’s well made and will last for years.
Conclusion
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, modestly priced B-flat trumpet for beginners, the Allora AATR-101 Bb Trumpet is your best choice. This trumpet is an excellent instrument, and the Allora brand always abides by stringent standards to result in proper intonation and comfortable playing for music students.
2. LJ Hutchen Bb Trumpet with Plush-Lined Case
The LJ Hutchen Bb Trumpet with Plush-Lined Case is another wonderful trumpet for beginners. Young musicians can easily learn without having to play on a poorly made instrument with a flawed design. All instruments from LJ Hutchen have been double bench tested for the highest level of quality.
Features
- A professional bell and bore size offers clear intonation, resonance, and sound
- Tuning slide is braced for simple alignment
- Comes with lovely lacquer finish
- Rose brass lead pipe offers a clear tone all the time
- Valves are made of stainless steel
- Comes with 7C mouthpiece
- Comes with plush lined molded hard case for easy carrying
Overall Value for the Money
As far as beginner trumpets go, this is an excellent product. The price is reasonable, and this trumpet comes with a two-year warranty from the manufacturer in the case that anything needs repair in the future.
Conclusion
LJ Hutchen makes great products, and the LJ Hutchen Bb Trumpet with Plush-Lined Case is a great example. This trumpet features all of the necessary elements that a beginner needs, and it is well made so that significant improvement can be made as students learn.
3. The Mendini by Cecilio MTT-N Trumpet, Silver, Bb
The Mendini by Cecilio MTT-N Bb Trumpet is another well-made trumpet for beginners, and this model comes at an extremely low price. With that being said, it’s an amazing deal because this is a finely made product with a one-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Features
- 5-inch bell with .46 inch bore
- First valve has a slide thumb saddle and third valve has a slide with adjustable throw ring
- Features nickel plated exterior
- Comes with carrying case and accessories, including polishing cloth, valve oil and white gloves
- Comes with 7C mouthpiece
- Available in 6 color finishes
Overall Value for the Money
Overall, the Mendini by Cecilio MTT-N Bb Trumpet is the most inexpensive beginner’s trumpet on this list. If you are looking for the most affordable version of the beginner’s trumpet, this is it.
Conclusion
When parents request an inexpensive trumpet for beginners, this is the best option on the market. Other beginner trumpets may be slightly better made, however, for those who are not completely sure whether they want to continue with music but would like to give it a try, this is a great option. The product also comes with a one-year warranty from the manufacturer.
4. Band Director Recommended Student Bb Trumpet: The “Best of Bach” Book & Band Directors Choice Bb Student Trumpet Pack
In the beginner’s category, we finally have the “Best of Bach” Book & Bb Student Trumpet Pack. According to the opinions of band directors around the nation, this is the best student trumpet on the market. The pack includes a high-quality Band Directors Choice Bb trumpet with a case and a “Best of Bach” play along book. There are also a number of great accessories that come with this trumpet.
Features
- One of the best student trumpets for serious players
- Tri-color trumpet
- Brass inside slides and nickel and silver outside slides
- Bore size of .462 inches
- Comes with “Best of Bach” play along book featuring numerous classical beginner songs
- Comes with high quality carrying case
Overall Value for the Money
This is a good beginner trumpet, but it’s slightly more expensive than some of the other models, so it’s a great choice for more serious players. The instrument is of a high caliber and will last for years.
Conclusion
The “Best of Bach” Book & Band Directors Choice Bb Student Trumpet Pack is one of the best trumpets for students who are sure that they want to continue playing this instrument. It’s great that it comes with a beginner playing book and CD pack for students to practice with even before lessons or school commences.
Best Intermediate Trumpet Reviews
5.Yamaha Trumpet Standard
The Yamaha Trumpet Standard is the best intermediate trumpet on the market. The trumpet sounds beautiful and is a great model for players who are serious about music but not yet professional. Along with the trumpet itself, you will receive either a hard or semi-high carrying case as well as a 7C mouthpiece. You’ll also get an instruction manual for care, slide grease, valve oil and a cleaning cloth.
Features
- Completely silver trumpet
- Depending on the order, comes with a semi-hard or hard carrying case
- Comes with 7C mouthpiece number TR-11B4
- Bore size is ML shape
- Bell size is YL-II
Overall Value for the Money
Of the three intermediate trumpets on this list, the Yamaha Trumpet Standard is the most reasonably priced. It’s not at the low end, but it isn’t extremely expensive either. It’s a great value for your money overall.
Conclusion
The Yamaha Trumpet Standard is an especially well-made trumpet for intermediate players. The price of this trumpet is middle of the road, so it’s a great investment even when you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars. Moreover, Yamaha is an extremely well-regarded brand of musical instruments. I highly recommend this instrument.
6. Jupiter Intermediate
The Jupiter Intermediate Trumpet is an extremely well-made trumpet for intermediate players. The price is more on the high end, but you’re getting a quality instrument here. This is a Bb trumpet with a silver plated yellow brass body. The rose brass lead pipe offers a warm sound and helps the quality of the instrument last longer for the player.
Features
- Adjustable third valve slide ring
- Silver-plated brass body in yellow brass
- Features lead pipe made of rose brass for a warm and inviting sound
- .46 inch bore
- Valves features stainless steel pistons
- Medium weight
- Custom B1 bead bell in 4.8 inches
- Comes with a wood frame case
Overall Value for the Money
Naturally, a higher quality instrument means a higher price, and that’s the case with the Jupiter Intermediate. This instrument has a number of high-end features that the other instruments in the intermediate category do not, so it sells for more.
Conclusion
The price for the Jupiter Intermediate Bb trumpet is higher than both of the other intermediate trumpets on this list. If you’re ready to invest in a higher-quality item, however, this is a wonderful choice.
7. Jean Baptiste TP483S
The Jean Baptiste TP483S is the last in our list of the best intermediate trumpet selections, and it’s an amazing instrument. Unlike the other two models in the intermediate category, this model is sold at a low price, which makes it great when you’re on a budget. Get this instrument in either silver or lacquer.
Features
- Available in silver or lacquer
- Bb trumpet
- Comes with carrying case
- Comes with 7C mouthpiece
- Features silver-plated finish
- Features a 5-inch bell
- Features a .459 inch bore or a medium to large bore
Overall Value for the Money
The overall price of this trumpet is low compared to the other intermediate trumpets on the market right now. That makes it a top choice for players who want a better instrument than is available to beginners but who don’t want to spend too much money.
Conclusion
As one of the best intermediate trumpets on the market, this trumpet is an excellent choice for any musician who’s looking to achieve a better quality sound. The price is reasonable, which makes it perfect for many who are on a budget.
Best Professional Trumpet Reviews
8. Bach 180S37 Stradivarius
The Bach 180S37 Stradivarius is the best Bb trumpet on the market for musicians, and it has been for quite some time. It’s the perfect choice for professional level trumpet players.
Stradivarius produces some of the more revered instruments on the market, and the company is highly regarded as the best maker of professional trumpets in particular. This model is no exception. It’s the absolute best choice for serious players of the trumpet.
Features
- Professional Bb trumpet
- 37 Bell at 4.8 inches
- Medium to large bore
- 1st valve saddle and 3rd valve ring
- Comes with professional carrying case
- Comes with 7C mouthpiece
Overall Value for the Money
It must be noted that the Bach 180S37 Stradivarius is expensive. There’s no doubt that the price of these fine instruments is high. But you must remember that you’re getting an amazing product here, and if you’re a serious player, you’ll want the sound that this piece can produce.
Conclusion
When professional trumpet players want a new trumpet, they turn to the Bach 180S37 Stradivarius. This is the one and only trumpet that most serious players own and play with, and that includes players in the best bands and orchestras in the world. If you want to be a professional player, you need one of these.
9. Levante LV TR6301
The Levante LV TR6301 is the perfect trumpet for professional players who don’t want to spend a lot. In fact, the price of this model is less than some intermediate trumpets on the market right now. Levante makes high-quality, great-sounding instruments, and this trumpet is no exception.
Features
- Bb trumpet for professionals
- Fine-working Monel Pistons
- From the Levante Professional Trumpet Series
- Silver plated instrument
- Bell made of gold brass
- Bell is 4.92 inches
- Excellent professional-grade trumpet at a reasonable price
- Comes with soft case
Overall Value for the Money
This trumpet is sold at an amazing price that is much lower than its competitors. It is true that other professional trumpets on the market may offer higher manufacturing quality overall and more bells and whistles, but this is a professional grade trumpet that produces a warm and beautiful tone for players. It’s a nice second trumpet to have around for pros as well.
Conclusion
I highly recommend this instrument for professional players and other serious musicians. It’s especially a great choice when you want a second instrument for practicing or to use as a backup to your primary instrument.
10. Allora AATR 125 Classic
The Allora AATR 125 Classic is the last of the best professional trumpet selections. The instrument can be a great piece to start with when you’re just starting out your musical career. It has all of the standard Bb trumpet features, including a main tuning slide with double bracing, a 1st valve thumb saddle and a 3rd valve fixed finger ring.
Features
- Professional Bb trumpet
- Medium to large bore at .46 inches
- Medium to large bell
- 3rd valve finger ring and 1st valve thumb saddle
- Comes with carrying case
- Comes with 7C mouthpieces
Overall Value for the Money
When you’re looking for a professional trumpet at an intermediate price, the Allora AATR 125 Classic is a quality option. Allora makes instruments with high standards, and this model is a great example of what they can do.
Conclusion
The Allora AATR 125 Classic offers comfort, top quality intonation, mechanical reliability and an overall wonderful sound for the most serious musicians. No matter if you’re looking to play and excel in classical music, jazz or contemporary tunes, I would highly recommend this instrument for trumpet players.
What Is a Pocket Trumpet?
Pocket trumpets are the perfect companion for serious trumpet players who are always on the go. Pocket trumpets are essentially standard Bb trumpets that have had their tubing wound especially tight. This creates the same sound as a Bb trumpet when played, but naturally, it makes the instrument itself super small.
The reason that most players have pocket trumpets is that they can then take these instruments with them while traveling. The horn can easily be folded into a suitcase or even put into a shoulder bag. Traveling musicians will appreciate this but so will professionals who may need to walk or bike with their instrument often during the week.
Many jazz players like to play these instruments as well, so if you’re a jazz enthusiast, think about getting one. Check out the best pocket trumpet reviews below for more information!
Best Pocket Trumpet Reviews
Merano WD480BL B Pocket Trumpet
The best pocket trumpet is the Merano WD480BL B Pocket Trumpet. It produces a bright sound and is easy to play. It can be great for traveling or for practicing when you’re on the go. This is not necessarily a trumpet for professional use. It’s better as a backup for travel instrument.
The color is blue and silver, and it’s silver plated. The trumpet comes with a 7C mouthpiece and a small case so that you can start using it and taking it places right away. The price is relatively reasonable.
The overwhelming opinion of the pocket trumpet reviews for this model is positive, and it is highly recommended. The instrument comes with a music stand and a metronome and tuner.
Allora MXPT-5801-BK Black Nickel
The Allora MXPT-5801-BK Black Nickel mini trumpet is an excellent model, but it’s important to note that this is the most expensive pocket trumpet on this list, so if you’re looking to save money, this may not be the pocket model for you.
This is a B-flat trumpet with a .459 inch leadpipe. The trumpet is made of yellow brass. It has a 3.66-inch bell of yellow brass as well. You will receive a size 7C mouthpiece with this instrument as well as a convenient carrying case for travel.
Again, this model is slightly more expensive than the others on this list, but this specific trumpet is made with more care and is largely more durable and long-lasting than several of the other options.
Mendini MPT-N Nickel Plated
The Mendini MPT-N Nickel Plated pocket trumpet is another excellent model. This trumpet is not as expensive as the Allora MXPT-5801-BK Black Nickel mini trumpet, but if you’re looking for something that’s more affordable, this may be just what you need.
The fun thing about this pocket trumpet is that it is available in six different colors. Choose from red, yellow brass, silver, black, green or blue to make your playing a bit more fun. Kids and young adults love this feature.
This trumpet also comes with a one-year warranty, so if anything goes wrong within the first 12 months, you can get it replaced or fixed with no hassle. When you purchase this pocket horn, you will also receive a cleaning cloth, slide grease, a pair of white gloves, a metronome and tuner and a convenient soft carrying case.
Stagg WS – TR245 Bb Pocket Trumpet
The Stagg WS TR245 Bb Pocket Trumpet is a moderate to expensively priced compact trumpet for travel and practice and playing on the go.
The instrument features a clear lacquered body as well as stainless steel pistons in the valves. The valves also have soft red felt padding on them for soft and easy play.
You will get a nice case along with this pocket trumpet. The case is extremely compact so that you can easily take it with you wherever you need to go. The case has a molded, soft-lined interior to keep your instrument protected and safe.
This horn comes with a 7C mouthpiece, but feel free to use your own if you prefer. The sound out of this pocket trumpet is pure and evenly toned. Any player will be able to achieve a lovely sound on this instrument.
Roy Benson RBPT101K
The Roy Benson RBPT101K is the final pocket trumpet that we’ll describe here. This model has a black anthracite lacquered finish and a yellow brass bell. The leadpipe is gold, which means that this trumpet is slightly more expensive than some of the other models.
The valves are made with stainless steel pistons, and there are two-point nylon valve guides as well. This helps you play as smoothly as possible. Little effort is required to move the valves softly and smoothly as you play. There are two water keys and a thumb ring on the third valve.
Along with the pocket trumpet, you will get a rectangular shaped case that can be used with a backpack for super easy carrying.
What is the Best Trumpet Brand?
#1 Jupiter
Item: Jupiter Intermediate Trumpet 1100S
Introduction to this brand
Jupiter is the first on our list and one of the best brands for trumpets. Jupiter Band Instruments, Inc. makes all types of woodwind, percussion and brass instruments. It was founded in 1980 by a parent company in Taiwan.
What It’s Known For
Jupiter is known for using special Taiwanese technology to produce amazingly crafted musical instruments that all skill levels can enjoy. There are several sub companies that are related to Jupiter under one umbrella. Jupiter produces primarily wind instruments.
General Overview of Select Product
From Jupiter, the Jupiter Intermediate Trumpet 1100S is a great choice for mid-level players and those hoping to improve and advance in their playing abilities. The Bb trumpet features a rose brass leadpipe that produces a warm sound. The third valve is adjustable and has a slide ring.
This trumpet is made of silver-plated yellow brass. Finally, it must be said that this instrument is rather expensive, so if you’re not serious about the trumpet, this may not be the model for you.
Conclusion
Overall, if you can afford a Jupiter trumpet like the Jupiter Intermediate Trumpet 1100S, go for it. This is an amazing brand that is sure to provide an awesome instrument for your playing.
#2 Yamaha
Item: Yamaha Student Trumpet 2330
Introduction to this brand
Yamaha is a Japanese company that makes tons of different types of instruments, including trumpets, trombones, saxophones, flutes, clarinets and percussive instruments as well a
s complete drum sets. In addition to manufacturing musical instruments, Yamaha also makes all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and more. The company was founded in the late 1800s by a native Japanese man named Torakusu Yamaha.
What It’s Known For
Yamaha is known for producing high-quality instruments of various kinds, and they are also known to produce amazing instrument models for a wide range of skill levels. For example, many students will use Yamaha instruments in middle school, but many professional players will use Yamaha instruments as well.
General Overview of Select Product
The Yamaha Student Trumpet 2330 is a moderately priced trumpet for intermediate and advanced players. It was manufactured in Japan.
The 2330 model is a Bb trumpet that comes with a 7C mouthpiece as well as a convenient and comfortable to carry hard case. It has a yellow brass body and a standard bell and bore size. The tone that this trumpet produces is clear and vibrant. It is easy to hold and play.
Conclusion
No matter what level you are at with your trumpet playing, Yamaha instruments are an excellent choice and should always serve you well.
#3 Roy Benson
Item: Roy Benson RBTR402C
Introduction to this brand
The Roy Benson instrument brand is an outstanding brand of trumpets. This European company has been in business for almost two decades, and they make mid-line priced, high-quality trumpets for students and professionals.
What It’s Known For
For the most part, Roy Benson is well-known for producing quality trumpets at mid-level prices. They offer German engineering in their trumpet production, which means great top spring, stainless steel piston action and amazing sound.
General Overview of Select Product
From the Roy Benson brand of trumpets, we’ve chosen to highlight the Roy Benson RBTR402C. This trumpet has a large bore and a bell rim with wire. It’s a Bb trumpet, but the great thing here is that you can use extra tuning slides that come with this special trumpet to convert it to a C model.
There are two water keys on this trumpet. The overall finish is a nickel silver, and the slides feature stainless steel pistons.
Conclusion
Roy Benson is a main producer of mid-priced trumpets, flutes, saxes and other instruments in Europe. In the United States, this brand is becoming more popular among music students and teachers as well. For mid-priced instruments, Roy Benson is highly recommended.
#4 Allora
Item: Allora AATR-125 Series
Introduction to this brand
Allora is an instrument brand that makes some great trumpets as well. This brand specializes in student instruments, so it’s not recommended for professional players.
What It’s Known For
Allora is known for making student trumpets. They primarily manufacture and sell trumpets for beginners and intermediate level players. With that being said, these instruments are quality made and built to last. In addition to producing trumpets, this company is also well known for producing great saxophones for intermediate level and professional and advanced players.
General Overview of Select Product
One of the most famous trumpet models from Allora is the Allora AATR-125 Series. this trumpet is in the key of Bb. It has a .460 inch and a 4.75-inch bell, meaning that it is medium to large and tapered for all types of playing.
The first valve has a thumb saddle, and the third valve has a finger ring. Along with this instrument, you will also receive a standard 7C mouthpiece as well as a convenient carrying case to keep your trumpet safe and protected.
Conclusion
Several brass instrument companies tend to stand out in the world of music, and Allora is one of them. For those beginners and some intermediate level players who are looking for high quality but affordable trumpets, Allora may be the brand that you’ve been searching for.
#5 Getzen
Item: Getzen 900S Eterna
Introduction to this brand
The Getzen Company is a family-owned company. They are primarily a manufacturer and wholesaler of instruments in the brass family, and they are well-known for their trumpets, flugelhorns, baritones and trombones. They make cornets as well. The company was founded in 1939 by Anthony James Getzen. It was founded in Elkhorn, Wisconsin.
What It’s Known For
Getzen is well known as one of the best producers of trumpets and other brass instruments. Moreover, they are a famous American-based instrument company. They are most well known for their Genesis and Artist lines of professional trumpets.
General Overview of Select Product
The Getzen 900S Eterna is one of the most famous trumpet models from Getzen. This is a Bb trumpet that features a yellow brass bell and a nickel silver mouth pipe as well as nickel silver inside tuning slides.
The bore is .460 inches, and the bell is 4.75 inches. The trumpet comes with a 7C mouthpiece and a strong and durable, hard carrying case for travel.
Conclusion
The Getzen Company is famous in the music world. If you want a high-quality brass instrument, going with this company is an excellent choice.
How to Choose a Great Trumpet
If you want to know how to choose a trumpet, you’ve got some things to learn because there are a number of factors that will contribute to the overall quality of your trumpet and how it feels and sounds when you play.
It is absolutely essential that you consider all of these factors as you trumpet shop. We’ll go over each one of them below so that you can get a better idea of what you need to be on the lookout for.
- Target Skill Level
First, read about the trumpets that you are considering to see what skill level they are aimed at. Some trumpets are meant for professionals while others are to be used by beginning students.
- Price
The best trumpet to buy won’t necessarily be thousands of dollars, but it stands to reason that trumpets that are only a few hundred dollars probably won’t be quite as good as those that are in the higher range. With that being said, you can still get a great sound on cheap trumpets, and don’t forget that you can buy a better trumpet over time as you improve.
- Finish
Various finish types are available for trumpets. Gold is the best, and silver plated is good as well. The finish will impact sound as well as the look of your horn.
- Intonation
Good trumpets offer quality tone and intonation even for beginning players. Try sampling different horns to see where you get the best sound.
- Overall Sound and Loudness
Trumpet reviews on overall sound can be found in reviews. Make sure that you pay attention to this part of reviews so that you can get an idea of the sound that a given trumpet will produce.
- Brand
The top trumpet brand won’t be the same for everyone. Some people are devoted to a specific brand while others find that they can use multiple brands with the same amount of success. See our brands section for more information on various trumpet brands.
- Accompanying Carrying Case
Finally, you can also consider the carrying case that comes with your trumpet. Some are better than others. Trumpet reviews of the models that you’re considering will usually have information about the quality of the carrying cases that comes with them.
What to Avoid When Choosing Trumpet
Finding the best beginner trumpet can be a challenge. And for the most part, you’ll be looking for the things that we outlined above. You’ll be looking for the factors that make a good trumpet. But you also need to know what to avoid, and that’s what we’ll be talking about here.
First, overall you’ll want to avoid trumpets that have flashy colored finishes on them if you’re serious about your playing. These can be fun for kids, but the color of your instrument will not impact the way that you sound, and the extra color may cost more.
Next, when it comes to the mouthpiece on your trumpet, make sure to go bigger when you can. A tighter, smaller mouthpiece is going to inevitably inhibit your playing ability because it inhibits air flow.
Finally, if you are truly serious about playing the trumpet, look for a brand new model, and do not buy a used trumpet. Used trumpets can cost less than brand new models, but there may be damage to a used trumpet that you will have to pay to get fixed anyway.
Furthermore, buying instruments online can be misleading, and you may be being tricked with a used model. You certainly don’t want to waste hundreds of dollars on a product that doesn’t turn out to be a quality one and has lots of defects. It’s best to purchase a brand new model from a reputable site.
Choosing The Best Trumpet Case
Naturally, once you own a trumpet, you can’t just tuck it beneath your arm to take it places!
Trumpets are expensive and delicate investments, and if you’re serious about playing, you’ll be fawning over your instrument all the time. In order to keep your trumpet safe, you’ll need a great case.
In this article, we’ll help you choose a top quality case for your trumpet. But first, let’s discuss some of the particular benefits of having the best possible case.
Benefits of Having a good Trumpet Case
- You’ll know that your trumpet is protected.
The best trumpet cases will keep your trumpet protected even in the event that it gets tossed around or dropped. There are basically two types of cases: Hard and soft. Each has its own merits and ways of protecting your trumpet.
- You’ll have room for all of the accessories that you need.
Many trumpet cases allow you to have more room to transport your trumpet accessories. Most players like to have a bottle of valve oil and a container of slide grease at the ready. You might also want to have a cleaning cloth with you, various types of mutes and mouthpieces and other accessories.
- You may be able to carry more than one trumpet in one case.
Many more expensive trumpet cases allow you to carry more than one trumpet in one case. If you plan on playing with more than one trumpet at a single location, carrying one single case instead of two can make the travel much easier.
- On the other hand, your case may offer you a lightweight and compact way to travel with your trumpet.
Putting two trumpets in one case will definitely make the case much heavier even though it can be convenient. But sometimes, a quality case is high quality because it allows you to travel lighter. There are many lightweight and compact trumpet cases that can make traveling with a trumpet less of a hassle.
- A quality case will last for a long time so that you won’t have to keep buying new cases.
The best of the cases last for a long time and have great warranties on them from the manufacturer.
- You’ll look sleek and stylish with your on-the-go trumpet case.
Finally, if want to look classy and elegant when you’re on the go with your trumpet, a sleek and stylish case will be the perfect fit to your ensemble.
Trumpet Case Options
Here are four examples of excellent trumpet cases that you may want to consider as you shop. Each one is at a different price point and features different qualities and bells and whistles, which we will outline.
1. Simpler, cheaper option: Protec STANDARD TRUMPET BAG
The Protec STANDARD TRUMPET BAG is the most basic soft trumpet case option on the list, and it is also the most inexpensive option. This case is made of a soft brush cloth on the inside and a rugged nylon on the outside. In addition to the main packet, there is also a roomy exterior pocket, and the bag has a shoulder strap.
2. Guardian CW-041-TP Trumpet Case
The Guardian CW-041-TP Trumpet Case is a relatively inexpensive hard case for trumpets. This case features a polustyrene interior with a plush, no-scratch lining and a durable ABS exterior with an aluminum valance.
3. WolfPak Polyfoam Trumpet Case, Black
The WolfPak Polyfoam Trumpet Case in black is a high-quality soft case that is made with a lightweight foam. The case features a heavy-duty bolted handle, and it can be used as an ergonomic backpack as well. Multiple added pockets make it easy to travel with necessary accessories, but this is an overall lightweight case.
4. Protec Standard PRO PAC Trumpet Case, Black
Finally, we have the Protec Standard PRO PAC Trumpet Case in black. This is a more expensive soft case that has a lightweight shock absorbing frame. There is an interior mute compartment, and a convenient built-in organizer, which can hold smaller accessories like keys, pens and valve oil. The exterior of this case is made of abrasion resistant 1680 gauge ballistic nylon.
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Finally, it’s important to note that you should buy your trumpet case as close as you can to the same time that you buy your trumpet. This is because you’ll immediately need a safe place to store your trumpet, and if you don’t have a case and you leave it out, it could easily get damaged.
Some trumpets do come with their own cases. But as you can see here, selecting individual cases means that you have more options and better features for keeping your trumpet safe.
All Things Trumpet FAQ
Here, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about trumpets and trumpet playing.
Q: What goals should I set for myself as I begin to learn the trumpet?
A: As you begin to learn how to play the trumpet, having goals is important. First, work on your breath control and on tonguing speed. Don’t tolerate bad accuracy. Make sure that you’re practicing every day and learning your scales.
Q: How do I begin to read music? What is improvisation or playing by ear?
A: It’s important to know how to read music first, and as you learn, you can begin to improvise or play by ear. Improvisation is best done when you understand music theory first.
Q: How are you supposed to breathe when you play the trumpet?
A: When playing the trumpet and many other instruments that require breath, it’s important to breathe from your diaphragm, which is a sheet of muscle at the base of your stomach. Don’t breath from your chest.
Q: Can breathing exercises be helpful when learning how to play the trumpet?
A: Yes, breathing exercises are essential when learning how to play the trumpet.
Q: What are dynamics in music, and how do I follow them?
A: Your music teacher will explain dynamics to you, but you can also find charts that denote the different types of dynamics that you will see in music online or in music books. In general, music dynamics tell you how loud or soft you should play. The terms must be memorized.
Q: I’m having trouble playing the high notes. What should I do?
A: Playing higher notes can be difficult for beginning trumpet students. It’s important to have enough wind power before attempting to play high notes or you may screw up your embouchure. To help you play these notes correctly, try to play them softly at first. It will be more difficult overall, but it will be an important lesson and will help you in the end.
Q: What is the difference between tonguing and slurring?
A: Tonguing and slurring notes does not change the amount of tongue that you use, however, the sound produced must be different. In general, slurred notes are connected. There is not a breath or space between them, so you need to continue pushing air even as you change notes. On the other hand, tongued notes may have a shorter span and contain spaces.
Q: Why is the tone of my playing raspy?
A: The general culprit if you have a raspy tone is bad vibration on your lips. This may be caused by several factors. First, you may have to tight of a setup on your trumpet embouchure. If that’s not it, your mouthpiece might be too low on your mouth, or you may be you may need to take more breaks as you play your exercises.
Q: Is there such a thing has practicing or playing too much?
A: No, you cannot practice too much as long as you are using the correct embouchure and playing form. Practicing on a daily basis is essential for improving on the trumpet, so practice as much as you can.
Concluding Summary and Making Your Final Decision
Finding the best trumpet to buy doesn’t have to be a challenging experience. In fact, it should be a fun experience! From cheap trumpets for beginners and standard options for intermediate players to professional models for serious trumpeters in orchestras and jazz bands, there are tons of options to peruse.
This guide has aimed to help you direct your needs and desires as you shop for the best trumpet. After all, there’s no way to find what you need unless you know what it is that you’re looking for.
Now, the rest is up to you. You’ve read the trumpet reviews, and you know the top trumpet brands. You should have a good idea of where you’re at competence-wise as well so that you can make your final decision.
If you’re still on the fence, however, here’s what we recommend. First, narrow your choice down to your skill level. Decide whether you want a trumpet for beginners, intermediate level players or professionals. Next, give yourself a budget. Stick to this number, and remember that there are options in all price ranges.
Finally, pick two or three trumpets that you like and read the reviews for them on this site and others. The absolute final purchasing choice may be tough, but just know that you’ve gone through all of the appropriate points in order to make an educated decision.
Good luck on your purchase, and remember to have fun playing your new instrument!