Best Trumpets

It is said that the trumpet was created over 7000 years ago and has been said to be made out of various materials, such as wood, bamboo, clay and metal. The trumpet was even used by ancient Greeks and Romans to announce royalty and herald attacks of opposing armies hence why most royalty nowadays uses trumpets in bands at events to announce them. Trumpets are used varieties of music such as jazz, blues, pop, orchestras, and so many more genres. So if you want to play this royal brass instrument you only need a passion for music and some practice.

We’ve composed this buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision when selecting a trumpet. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of trumpet,

• See useful tips about that type of trumpet,

• Select the right brand of trumpet,

Find accessories you may need for your trumpet.

Types of Trumpets:

• Piccolo Trumpet:

  • This is the smallest trumpet.

  • They are most commonly found in the key of A and B♭.

  • Almost all of the piccolo trumpets have 4 valves instead of three like the other trumpets.

• Pocket Trumpet:

  • This trumpet, like many others, is pitched in the key of B♭.

  • The bell and tubing are smaller and wound more tightly to reduce the size of the trumpet, but because it is not standardized the size differs with different manufacturers.

• Slide Trumpet:

  • These trumpets were first trumpets to be used in the Christian churches.

  • It is tuned in the key of B♭ but has a slide instead of valves.

  • The slide trumpet is very similar to a slide trombone.

• Bass Trumpet:

  • Due it being at the same pitch of a trombone, the bass trumpet is usually played by a trombone player.

  • Bass trumpets are usually pitched in the key of C or B♭.

  • The bass trumpet has music written for it in the treble clef despite being a bass instrument.

• Soprano Bugle:

  • The soprano bugle is named after their adaptation from military bugles.

  • The soprano bugles are pitched in the key of G.

  • Soprano bugles are usually found in drum and bugle corps.

• Herald Trumpet:

  • This is a long trumpet with a neck that stretches far away from the trumpeter which allows a flag to be hung from it.

  • The herald trumpet is usually used at parades or fanfares.

Tips for Consumers :

• Bore:

  • Many instrumentalists prefer to use a bore that is 0.458” to 0.460”.

  • The larger to bore the more power you can play with but it also means that it requires more effort.

  • If you are a beginner musician, it is better to use a smaller bore, to begin with as it is easier to play and still has a good tone.

• Mouthpipe:

  • The mouthpipe is also known as the leadpipe.

  • The mouthpipe is used to connect the mouthpiece to the main tuning slide.

  • Instrumentalists prefer to use a mouthpipe made of red brass rather than yellow brass or sterling silver as it is less likely to rust and corrode.

• Valves:

  • Valves or valve pistons can be made from:

    • Nickel plated pistons

      • Better used for students as they are hard, durable and easier to clean.

    • Monel pistons

      • They require more cleaning and lubrication but take longer to rust and corrode.

    • Steel pistons

      • Good make and most found in professional and intermediate horns.

• Bell:

  • Bells are made from different materials that have different materials:

    • Yellow Brass Bell:

      • This is the most common type of material and is mostly used for students.

    • Rose Brass Bell:

      • This is also a common type of finish.

      • Gives the horn a warmer and darker quality to its sound.

    • Silver Bell:

      • This type of finish is less common and are usually only find in beginners horns.

    • Nickel Plated Bell:

      • This was a once common bell but is seldom seen nowadays.

• • Bells can all be made differently which impacts the sound:

    • One Piece Bells:

      • This bell is considered to be a higher grade of quality when it comes to tone.

      • It is often hand made with smiths hammering the bell onto a mold.

• • • Two Piece Bells:

      • This is like the one piece but uses two sheets and is used more for cheaper horns and beginners.

      • It does not produce the sound quality of a one-piece bell.

• Finishes

  • Lacquer:

    • This is the cheaper and more commonly used finished.

    • It does not impact the sound in any way.

• • Silver-plated:

    • This is more expensive and used more by professionals.

    • It is thinner than lacquer and thus allows the metal to vibrate more making it sound brighter.

Items that Can be Used with Your Trumpet:

• Valve Oil:

  • This is oil used to ensure, that your valves on your trumpet do not get stuck and remain well lubricated.

• Trumpet Case:

  • This is a specially designed case that you can store your trumpet in for easy travel with damaging it in any way.

• Brass Mouthpiece Brush:

  • This is a brush used to clean your mouthpiece of any dirt, saliva or substance and keep it clean and rust free.

• Polish Cloth:

  • This is a cloth that you can use to clean your trumpet and keep away fingerprints and smudges.

Different Brands of Trumpets:

• Getzen:

  • Started in 1939 the Getzen Company, Inc. was started by T.J. Getzen. From humble beginning fixing band instruments to actually manufacturing a large array of instruments, Getzen is truly a success story. They are currently located in Elkhorn, Wisconsin.

• Kaizer:

  • Kaizer supplies student instruments with good value for money and high quality. They are an American company with American standards. They are currently located in Chino, California.

• Egger:

  • Founded in 1940 by Adolf Egger, the company began as a manufacturer of brass instruments. Today they create the highest quality trumpets, true to the historical structure to be played by historically trained professionals. They are currently located in Basel, Switzerland.

• Allora:

  • Allora aims to create affordably priced and good quality instruments for all those interested in learning about music and becoming musicians. They are currently located in Thousand Oaks, California.

• Cecilio:

  • Cecilio Musical Instruments aim to inspire musical talent by creating instruments of good quality and value. They are currently located in Rancho Cucamonga, California.

• Kanstul:

  • Founded by Zigmant Kanstul in 1981, Kanstul is a producer of an array of musical instruments such as trumpets, cornets. French horns, trombones and many more. They are currently found in Anaheim, California.

• Merano:

  • Merano was established in 2000 and provide instruments for beginner, intermediates and professionals whether it be string, brass or wind. They are located in the United States of America.