Top 10 Student Trumpets To Buy

When searching for the best student trumpet for a beginner, you may be tempted to rent an instrument first, but not sure if you’ll stick with it. However, there are good reasons to buy one.

Long-term rentals add up quickly, and a year’s worth of instrument rentals can cost more than buying. When the student is ready to move on to an intermediate trumpet, a trumpet in good condition can be sold for a significant percentage of its original cost. Also, it’s nice to have a new instrument with no signs of use from a previous owner.

But how do you choose among the many student trumpets available? Which functions are the most important? Which models offer the best value? You’re about to find out!

What Should You Look For In The Best Student Trumpets?

In your search for the best student trumpet, you should evaluate both the quality and finish of the parts and the sound of the instrument. First, let’s consider the important physical properties of a trumpet.

Nozzle

Trumpet mouthpieces come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The dimensions of the different parts of the mouthpiece (rim, cup, neck, and back hole) can have a drastic effect on sound quality, ease of play, and playing comfort. of the instrument.

Size and shape are indicated by a series of letters and numbers. Most beginner trumpets come with a 7C mouthpiece that is relatively easy to play. Some trumpets have a slightly larger 5C mouthpiece.

Lead Pipe

The lead pipe (as in the leading edge) or lead pipe is the tube that connects the mouthpiece to the main tuning slide. It can be colored yellow or bronze or, in the case of professional instruments, sterling silver. Bronze, which contains more copper, is preferred because it is less prone to corrosion. Yellow brass should be cleaned more often. Bronze also gives a softer tone that might otherwise be too light.

Holes

The bore is the inside diameter of a trumpet tube. It is measured at the second valve. Trumpet bores range from approximately 0.455 to over 0.470 inches. air to produce notes. But they have a more powerful sound and are generally preferred by more advanced players.

For a new user, a trumpet with a narrower diameter of 0.458-0.460 inches is preferable because it is easier to play.

Valves

To produce each note of the chromatic scale, a modern trumpet has three piston valves that attach different short lengths of additional tubes called slides to lower the pitch of the instrument. Valves are made from a wide variety of metals.

Student instruments generally come with nickel-plated plungers because they are durable and tolerate infrequent cleaning. An alternative found in better instruments is Monel, a nickel-copper alloy that is extremely corrosion resistant. It is extremely corrosion-resistant. but requires more frequent cleaning and lubrication.

To correct intonation problems, the player can usually adjust the first and third valve spools while playing (see below).

Regardless of material, valves should work quickly, quietly, and smoothly. Sticky valves are a sign of an inferior instrument and make playing a miserable experience. Not all valves are created equal!

Bell

The bell of the trumpet projects the sound outwards. Bells differ significantly in size, material, and construction. A smaller bell creates a sharper, more focused sound. Many student bells are 5 inches wide, which is larger than many professional instruments.

Most student trumpets have yellow bronze bells. Rose brass bells create a warmer, darker tone. Silver bells are rare and only found on first-class trumpets.

The best trumpet bells are made in one piece and hammered by hand. Student and intermediate trumpets generally have two-piece welded bells that do not vibrate as freely as one-piece models.

Reinforcement

Most standard trumpets have a single vertical brace on the tuning slide to amplify it. Some student models have a stronger double strut. Pocket trumpet slides do not usually have mounts.

Finish

Trumpets generally have a lacquer finish over a polished brass surface, although some have a nickel silver finish. Plating is considered better than lacquer because the thinner coating allows the brass to vibrate more freely and produce a clearer tone.

Student trumpets typically come in a clear or gold finish. Many brands offer more exotic colors, such as black, red, or purple. A paint finish can tarnish easily, so should be cleaned frequently with gloves. it can also get scratched or worn over time. The coating is more expensive but lasts longer.

And what about the sound of a trumpet? What should you listen to?

Sound

A good trumpet has a bright tone that cuts through any musical texture without sounding harsh. As mentioned above, several physical factors affect the overall tone, including the diameter, lead and size of the bell, and the type of brass used. The best judge is your ears or the advice of a teacher with a good ear.

Intonation

A trumpet player tunes by playing middle C and adjusting the tuning slide. Intonation refers to how precisely all other notes are in tune. For various complex physical reasons, other notes are flat or sharp to some degree. A carefully designed instrument and manufactured minimizes this inconsistency.

Modern trumpets have a small slider for each valve with which the intonation can be adjusted. The player can often adjust the first and third valve sliders while playing by sliding them in or out with the left thumb and ring finger. Since this requires more hand coordination, many student trumpets have a fixed third valve.

Useful Range

The highest note that a trumpet can produce depends largely on the player’s ability to control the position and tension of the lips on the mouthpiece, also known as the embouchure. However, the range is also affected in complex and complex ways. unpredictable by the physical characteristics of a trumpet instrument. The only reliable way to determine the useful range of a trumpet is to play it.

Slot

A trumpet player can play different harmonics with a very low base note by changing the embouchure. Groove refers to an instrument’s ability to find and sustain a particular harmonic and not slide to another note. A good groove means more accurate note production.

Finally, some points to keep in mind when buying a student trumpet:

Accessories

All but the cheapest (and usually unplayable) trumpets come with a case. Hard cases usually offer better protection, but can also be heavier. Soft cases often have backpack straps to make carrying easier. to transport

Other standard accessories include a bottle of valve oil, a polishing cloth, and white gloves (for polishing). Valve oil is not usually a well-known brand, so invest in a good quality oil such as La Tromba. Some trumpets they will also include a pocket tuner, stand, or other accessories.

Guarantee

Student trumpets are generally guaranteed against manufacturing defects for 1 year. Some brands offer a 2-year warranty. A related question is how this warranty is maintained. Does the manufacturer have a good reputation for prompt customer service? get the spare parts?

Top 10 Student Trumpets On The Market Reviews

Here we check ten student trumpet models, listed roughly by increasing the selling price. These are all B-flat trumpets, the standard size for orchestras, wind bands, and popular trumpet music.

1. Glory Brass Bb

Like most student instruments, the Glory Brass Bb trumpet is made in China. It is the cheapest instrument featured here. it is very tight. Despite the low cost, the Glory trumpet holds up very well against the competition.

Fantastic appearance

First of all, it looks beautiful, with a high-gloss gold lacquer finish. And it’s lightweight, making it easy for a beginner to use. The tuning slide has a single brace strut. A standard 7C mouthpiece is included.

Overall, the build quality of the Glory trumpet is acceptable. But the valve alignment can sometimes be a little off and needs to be adjusted. As with most cheap trumpets, the valves can stick if not lubricated properly. frequency.

Some light

Overall play-wise, the response is fine, but not the easiest trumpet to produce a clean note. Intonation is generally good, although the upper register sounds a bit sharp except for the slightly flat second E line. it’s a bit weak but acceptable. The overall tone is good, but maybe too bright for some ears.

As with all instruments tested, the Glory Trumpet includes a case, valve oil, a cleaning cloth, and gloves. The valve oil is a third-party product so you’d better replace it with La Tromba oil or something else. Similarly.

Our rating: (4.2 / 5)

2. Mendini By Cecilio Golden Trumpet Bb Trumpet Standard Brass

The next of our best student trumpets are the Cecilio Mendini, model MTT-L. It is a very popular model that has received excellent customer reviews.

The MTT-L trumpet has a relatively narrow 0.460-inch bore and a 5-inch bell. The first valve spool has a thumb seat. The third valve spool has an adjustable ring. The valves have mother-of-pearl caps made by man and generally work without problems if they are lubricated frequently.

A good tone

The instrument sounds good and the overall intonation is very good. It comes with a 7C mouthpiece. A lead pipe made of red brass gives the MTT-L a beautiful sound.

A soft, sturdy bag is included with a large zippered side pocket and backpack straps. Mendini by Cecilio trumpets carry a 1-year warranty and the company has an excellent reputation for customer service. All instruments are double-tested. : once at their factory in China and once at their warehouse in California.

Our rating: (4.4 / 5)

3. Mendini Matt-30cn Nickel-plated Double-striped Intermediate Bb Trumpet

The Cecilio Mendini MTT-30CN Middle Double Arm Bb Trumpet is aimed at advanced students who have played a year or more, have developed a technique, and are interested in continuing to learn.

The MTT-30CN is a much-improved version of the Mendini MTT-L. Like the basic model, it has a .460 bore, a 5mm bell, a first valve, and an adjustable third slide lock. the trumpet has some major improvements.

Construction

The valves are made from Monel and the bell is made from nickel-brass (white cast). The lead pipe is made from red brass and creates a less harsh tone. The tuning slide has double struts for more power. notable is that it has a nice nickel-plated finish instead of gold lacquer.

The MTT-30CN also contains a plush-lined, nylon-covered hardshell bag with a large zippered pocket and backpack straps.

Quality construction

Overall, the MTT-30CN stands out among the instruments tested here in terms of processing quality. The significantly higher costs reflect this.

Our rating: (4.2 / 5)

4. Levar Btrlv100 Student Trumpet

The LeVar BTRLV-100 student trumpet is not as well known as some of the other models featured here, but it is often recommended by music teachers as a good entry-level instrument. It is more comfortable to play than most standard trumpets. for students thanks to an adjustable thumb rest.

Light stroke

It has an inside diameter of .460 inches so that a beginner can blow it without much effort. The body, bell, and lead pipe are made of yellow brass and covered with gold lacquer. The valves are made of nickel-plated steel. They are well lubricated so they don’t stick.

A sturdy soft bag is included. It has a handle but no straps.

Our rating: (4.2 / 5)

5. Hawk Wd-t313 Bb-trumpet

The next best student trumpet on our list is the Hawk WD-T313 Bb Trumpet, which comes in a beautiful silver finish. It is also available in a range of lacquer colors including black and gold.

It has a narrow .459-inch bore that makes it easy to play. The bell measures 4.85 inches. The third valve has a fixed trigger and the first valve has a thumb mount.

In general, the build quality is very good and the valves work without problems. If repairs are made, it can be difficult to find replacement parts.

What’s in the box?

The WD-T1313 includes a 7C mouthpiece and a nice soft bag with backpack straps.

The instrument produces an excellent sound in the middle and high registers. The yellow brass lead pipe and the slightly smaller bore and bell tend to produce a sharper, more focused tone that may be more suitable for jazz band music than other bands. for classical performance.

Our rating: (4.7 / 5)

6. Lj Hutchen Bb Trumpet

The LJ Hutchen Bb Trumpet, Model 4218, offers several extras that make it a serious candidate for best student trumpet.

For one thing, the lead pipe is made of rose brass, so it has a sweeter tone. The valves are made of stainless steel and offer a perfect blend of speed, smoothness, and durability. The close tolerances ensure very good intonation. Also, the tuning slide is double-braced, which makes it stronger. Interestingly, it comes with a 5C mouthpiece that is slightly larger than the 7C.

Safe and healthy

The LJ Hutchen trumpet contains an impact-resistant ABS hard case so that the instrument is very well protected in the event of an accidental fall.

Perhaps most importantly, it is the only trumpet tested here with a 2-year warranty.

Our rating: (4.4 / 5)

7. Jean-Paul USA Tr-330 Standard Student Trumpet

Jean-Paul USA is a well-known and respected brand. Their instruments are recommended by many music teachers. To be clear, the TR-330 standard student trumpet is made in China despite the company name.

The entire instrument, including the bell, main body, and lead pipe, is made of yellow brass with a gold finish. It has a narrow 0.18″ diameter which makes it easy to play. reduce weight.

Pure quality

Overall build quality is excellent, although some customers have complained of sticky valves. As with all student instruments, it pays to keep the valves clean and well lubricated.

The TR-330 contains a soft, sturdy bag with a large side pocket. It has padded straps, but no backpack straps.

Our rating: (4.4 / 5)

8. Intermediate Trumpet Jean Paul USA Tr-430

For players who have some experience and want to upgrade to a better instrument, the Jean Paul USA TR-430 intermediate trumpet is a good choice. It has a gold lacquer finish and offers some improvements over the entry-level TR-330 trumpet.

Built to last

The lead pipe is made from durable, sweet-sounding rose brass. It also has an adjustable third trigger that supports natural hand position and correct playing technique. more accurate and more durable than the beginner’s instrument.

The soft bag contains a full zip pocket. It is quite sturdy, but for the price, a hard case would be fine. The TR-430 comes with a 7C mouthpiece, valve oil, polishing cloth, and gloves.

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

9. Yamaha YTR-2330 Standard B-trumpet

Yamaha is a well-known brand of musical instruments and their YTR-2330 standard Bb trumpet is sure to meet the needs of beginners and advanced players alike. It is significantly more expensive than any of the other trumpets tested here.

This reflects both a higher level of craftsmanship and Yamaha’s reputation for quality. All instruments are made in China and tested in Japan before shipping to customers. Excellent sound projection

The YTR-2330 is made of yellow brass and painted gold. It features a .459-inch bore and durable Monel valves. A state-of-the-art manufacturing process creates the 4-7/8-inch two-part bell, which offers superior sound projection and resonance. A third valve trigger helps the student maintain a natural hand position. Two faucets are provided.

Overall, this instrument feels pretty solid. Intonation is excellent, especially in the lower register where many instruments go flat.

The YTR-2330 includes Yamaha’s TR-11B4 mouthpiece. It is very similar to a 7C mouthpiece, although the rim is slightly rounded. It also comes with a case.

Our rating: (4.5 / 5)

10. Mendini MPT-N Nickel Pocket Trumpet

And when we come to the end of our review of the best student trumpets currently available, we have the Mendini MPT-N Nickel Plated Pocket Trumpet. This was developed for musicians looking for an instrument that is compact and easy to transport in regular luggage.

The price is modest enough to be considered a student instrument. As a second trumpet, a student can continue practicing on the go.

The Mendini Pocket Trumpet, with a 0.460-inch bore and 3.75-inch bell, has the same range as a standard trumpet. It features brass lead tubing and valves that operate smoothly and quietly. high gloss looks awesome. With a trigger on the third valve, you can adjust the intonation.

Excellent answer

The sound is almost as big and full as a big trumpet with a warm sound. The intonation is fine in the mid and high keys but starts to flatten out a bit below middle C. This trumpet is easy to play, with excellent response and an acceptable groove.

In addition to an excellent soft case and the usual accessories, you will also receive a small tripod specially adapted for this trumpet, a Cecilio pocket tuner, and a booklet with fingering charts and daily exercises. The MPT-N comes with a 1-year warranty.

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

Conclusion Of The Best Student Trumpets

All of the instruments discussed here are acceptable for beginners, but some are better than others. And some would be good for an advanced student.

What is the best student trumpet you should buy?

The Best At Any Price

There is no real competition here. Among the instruments we reviewed is the

Yamaha YTR-2330 B-Standard Trumpet

It is an excellent instrument that it may take several years before a student is ready to use a professional trumpet.

The reliable Monel valves and convenient 0.459-inch bore are particularly attractive. And you have the assurance of the Yamaha name and the company’s reputation for reliability and quality control. On the other hand, this instrument is considerably more expensive than other instruments. instruments of this class.

Just a second away is the

Intermediate Trumpet Jean Paul USA TR-430

With its lead pipe made of rose gold and lower costs.

Best Price

We are particularly impressed with the: LJ Hutchen Bb Trumpet

The rose-colored lead pipe made of brass and the stainless steel valves gives it excellent intonation and a beautiful sound. Double bracing on the main tuning slide makes it strong. Its ABS hard case is the best of this bunch. And it has a full 2-year warranty.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a student trumpet is always a compromise between performance and price. A continuing student will eventually outgrow it and want something better. Therefore, a higher-quality trumpet may ultimately be a better investment.

On the other hand, a cheaper instrument is more suitable for a younger student who might get bored and stop playing after a year.

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