Buying that first student trumpet for yourself or your child can be a daunting prospect. How much to spend? Am I getting value for money!? This guide is intended to clear some of that fog as we take you through the pros and cons of the top 11 student trumpets for beginners.
Things to look out for when buying your first trumpet
Water/Spit Key
A water key is where you let out the condensation that gathers inside your trumpet as the warm air passes through the colder piping. A more common phrase you’ll hear is ‘It’s how you get rid of your spit!’.
A trumpet that has two water keys will usually have one on the main tuning slide and one on the third valve slide. It’s not essential to have two as you can always take the third slide out to empty it but it’s certainly a time saving advantage if you do.
Size and Shape of Mouthpiece
Let’s talk about trumpet mouthpieces. The mouthpiece is the small metal contraption that’s the link between your lips and the trumpet itself. The standard mouthpiece that comes with a beginner trumpet is a Bach 7C (or a similar shaped mouthpiece from a different company).
The number refers to the cup depth of the mouthpiece whilst the letter refers to the cup design. The higher the number, the more shallow that cup will be which makes it easier to play higher notes. This comes at the cost of a much thinner tone which is why professionals will usually play with something between a 1C and a 3C.
For beginners however, the 7C is universally accepted as the mouthpiece of choice. So much so that we’ve refrained from mentioning the mouthpiece that comes with the trumpets in the following list. If you haven’t got one, get one!
Bore Size
The bore size refers to the diameter of the tubing in the trumpet. This has a big effect on how much air it takes to achieve a centered sound from the instrument. Beginner trumpet models tend to have a ‘medium’ bore which allows the production of sound without too much effort to keep the air sustained.
Large bore trumpets are extremely popular with professional trumpet players as although they require more air to fill them, they are rewarded with a broader, wider sound as a result. Personal preference can change hugely on this subject and so it’s worth experimenting with trumpets with varying bore size to see what suits you best.
Valves and Tuning Slides
A smooth valve action can make or break your relationship with your instrument. Sticky and inconsistent valves are hugely common problems with beginner trumpets (although often this has more to do with lack of care and maintenance than the trumpet itself) so it’s important to check the valve action thoroughly before you buy.
Higher standard trumpets are often fitted with monel valves, whereas nickel-plated ones appear more often in student models.
The valve itself also contains a spring which can sometimes be stiff in beginner models (although these are easily and cheaply replaced if needed).
Learning how to oil your valves properly will be essential in maintaining the responsiveness of the valves whatever they’re made out of! The valve oil I always recommend is this Ultra-Pure Professional Valve Oil, used by Wynton Marsalis, Alison Balsom, and Arturo Sandoval no less!
Top 11 trumpets for beginners
playLITE Hybrid
FEATURES: A solid build perfect for youngsters
OTHER INFO: Everything you need
- Very lightweight (only 500g!) as the body is made of plastic
- Can withstand the bumps and scrapes that sometimes come with a particularly young musician.
- Sound quality suffers due to the plastic body
- Aluminium lines valves make the valve action feel smoother than an all plastic trumpet but not as clean and fast as an all brass instrument.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
If you’re looking for the very cheapest way to create a sound, this playLITE trumpet is for you. You’ll soon find that the lack of quality in sound will stop you from progressing past a certain stage however and will then need to buy another trumpet. In the long run it could cost you more (you’ll find this theme in the review of all the plastic trumpets on this list).
The fact that they come in an array of colors can make it a fun and exciting option for young players however and if it gets them excited about playing and sets them off on their music making journey, then it’s more than worth the money.
Body Material: ABS Plastic
Valve Material: Aluminum
Bell Diameter: 130mm
Bore Diameter: 11mm
Valve Casing: Aluminum Lined Collar
Colour: Blue With White Slides
Elkhart 100TR Student Trumpet
FEATURES: A Clear Tone And Easy Response Throughout The Range
OTHER INFO: Very Reasonable price level
- Quality of sound will take you up to around Grade 4 level
- Manufactured by the Conn-Selmer corporation (who also make the famous Bach Stradivarius model). They always provide robust construction and a good quality finish
- Absence of valve felts
- Slightly weak screws and fittings
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Key Of: Bb
Bell Diameter: 125mm (4.92”)
Bell Material: Yellow Brass
Bore Size: 11.66mm (.459”)
Valves: Stainless Steel
Finish: Clear Lacquer
Waterkeys: 2
Included Accessories: Back-pack Style Case and Mouthpiece
It’s easy to see why this student trumpet is very popular with education services as well as beginner students. It’s built well and is a sturdy enough student trumpet to make it good value for money, with a clear tone and an easy response throughout the range. It has a rose brass lead pipe for durability and ease of playing. It’s a robust ‘middle of the road’ option in the context of the rest of this list.
There are certainly better trumpets out there but you’ll feel the difference in your wallet as well. The Elkhart 100TR is unlikely to let you down and won’t break the bank in the process.
Conn Selmer TR510 Trumpet
FEATURES: A Trusted Brand
OTHER INFO:Higher End price level
- Quality of sound will take you up to around Grade 5 level
- Round and pleasant tone with first and third valve tuning rings.
- Slightly more expensive than its counterparts
- Good lower and mid register but the sound deadens in the upper register (as almost all beginner trumpets do)
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Key of: Bb
Bell Material: Yellow Brass
Bore Size: .460″/11.68mm
Valves: Monel
Slide: Brass
Finish: Clear Lacquer
Waterkeys: 2
Included Accessories: ABS Case and 7C Mouthpiece
This student trumpet is made by the renowned Conn Selmer company who also make the Bach trumpets we’ll discuss later. They’re a name trusted by professionals and students alike and are the epitome of high standard trumpet making. This model TR510 has monel valves (same as professional trumpets) to ensure smooth valve action and is made from yellow brass for a versatile tone.
It’s at the high end of beginner trumpets in terms of price but still delivers value for money. For the extra spent you get the piece of mind that the tuning is consistent throughout the range and that the tone remains round (for a beginner trumpet) as you creep up the register.
Coppergate Intermediate Trumpet
FEATURES: Another Trusted Brand
OTHER INFO: Mid-Range price range
- Monel Valves and extra bracing between the lead pipe and the valve block to avoid any unwanted overtones
- There have been a few reports of problems with sticky valves
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Key: Bb
Bore Size: 11.66mm
Bell Diameter: 125mm Gold brass
Tuning Pipe: Cupronickel
Piston: Monel
Leadpipe: Gold brass
Finish: Lacquer
The Coppergate is another gear4music model – they offer 2 year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee on their instruments so it’s perfect to try before you buy (something I’d recommend with any of these trumpets). This student trumpet has a slightly thinner tone than the Conn Selmer offerings but this will differ from player to player. The valve action is smooth due to the monel valves and you can feel the resistance as you play (which can help beginner players find their feet).
If well looked after this trumpet will carry you through your first few grade exams competently and comfortably.
Yamaha YTR2330 Student Trumpet
FEATURES: Designed by The Most Famous Manufacturer
OTHER INFO: Premium price range
- Produces a vibrant, consistent tone
- A yellow brass crafted bell made by the world renown Yamaha company
- Possibly too pricey for the average beginning trumpet player valves
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Key Of: Bb
Bell Diameter: 123mm (4-7/8”)
Bell Material: Yellow Brass
Bore Size: 11.65mm (0.459”)
Valves: Monel Alloy
Slide: Brass
Finish: Gold Lacquer
Waterkeys: 2
Yamaha is one of the most recognisable and trusted brands in the music market and their trumpets are no exception. They are well-known for the clarity of the sounds they produce, and the Yamaha YTR-2330 delivers on this front particularly well for a beginner instrument.
Sound wise, it’s definitely one of the better trumpets on this list. If you are aiming for a projecting tone that’s crisp and clear, making it audible both individually and within an ensemble, then this is the trumpet for you.
The newly designed brass bell has also been made to be more light than in the previous student models. You’ll be playing this trumpet for years to come and will only need to upgrade to reach a Grade 8 or professional standard of playing.
PRICE LEVEL: Very Cheap
MADE FROM: 100% Plastic And Virtually Indestructible
pTrumpet Plastic Trumpet
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Low price bracket
- Easy to clean and you don’t need to worry about getting your trumpet wet- go ahead and play in the rain!
- You’ll need to upgrade to a brass trumpet to progress past grade 2
- Sound quality suffers
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Key Of: Bb
Bell Diameter: 4.75” (120.65mm)
Bell Finish: Patented Plastic
Bore Size: 0.460” (11.68mm)
Valves: Fully Interchangeable Bottom Sprung Plastic
Slides: Adjustable Main, 1st and 3rd
Finish: Patented Plastic Yellow & Black
Waterkeys: 1
This pTrumpet is a fun option which has ignited curiosity and excitement in many young brass players already- so deserves its place on this list. Made from 100% plastic, the tone suffers as a result but the price tag makes it an accessible starter trumpet. Add to this the lightweight feel, the varying colours and the fact that you can’t really ‘dent’ plastic, it’s become one of the go to trumpets for large workshops intended to get young starters involved with brass playing. Many then stick with it for a while, having fallen in love with their fun looking instrument, but inevitably if they’re serious about developing their skills then it will need to be replaced by a brass one.
In my own experience these trumpets are quick to have valve trouble and the thin tone is so different to a real trumpet that it can cause more harm to the musical development of the student than good in the long run.
PRICE LEVEL: Higher End
MADE BY: A Popular And Trustworthy Brand
Bach TR650 Trumpet
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Red-brass lead pipe, two water keys and stainless steel valves
- Will take you right up to conservatoire level
- Higher price bracket (although still good value)
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Key Of: Bb
Bell Material: Yellow Brass
Bore Size: .460″/11.68mm
Bell Diameter: 4.69”/119mm
Valves: Stainless Steel
Slide: Brass
Finish: Clear Lacquer
Waterkeys: 2
An extremely popular brand of trumpets with professionals as well as students. Bach’s are always well manufactured and are trustworthy instruments. The TR650 is designed for all but the highest levels of playing and is an excellent option to set you off on your brass playing journey. With consistent tuning and tone throughout the range it would be my go to trumpet if I was starting all over again, especially as it’s a bit cheaper than the Yamaha!
It’s still expensive, but you get what you pay for with a trumpet which is built to last and produces a warm and round tone, which is so rare in beginner trumpets.
PRICE LEVEL: Premium
BUILD QUALITY: A Well Engineered And In-Tune Trumpet
Jupiter JTR700Q Trumpet
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Lead pipe and tuning slide made from rose brass (achieving a much darker sound)
- Outer slides are made from nickel sliver (more resistant to corrosion)
- Slightly thinner sound than the Bach for example
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Key Of: Bb
Bell Diameter: 4.69″/119mm
Bell Material: Yellow Brass
Bore Size: 460″/11.68mm
Valves: Stainless Steel
Slide: Brass
Finish: Clear Lacquer
Waterkeys: 2
For the price there are better options out there but the Jupiter JTR700Q is still an in tune, dependable and high quality intermediate trumpet. The company is younger than its competitors but have been gaining a reputation for their reliable beginner trumpets over the past few years and the dark tone of this Jupiter trumpet could tick all your boxes.
As the most expensive option on this list it doesn’t quite have the quality of sound to justify the price tag but is nevertheless an excellent beginner trumpet that will take you up to grade 7 standard at least.
PRICE LEVEL: Mid-Range
INFO: Goes Somewhat Towards Addressing The Issues Mentioned Above With The pTrumet
pTrumpet hyTech Trumpet
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Lightweight and easy to clean
- Difficult to damage the plastic body of the trumpet
- The plastic bell is not as resonant as a brass one
- You’ll need to upgrade to a fully brass trumpet eventually
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Key Of: Bb
Lead Pipe: Patented Hybrid Leadpipe Design
Bell Diameter: 128mm
Bore Size: 11.65mm
Valves: 3 Top Sprung Precision Milled 304 Stainless Steel Sleeved Pistons with ABS core
Waterkeys: 2
A main body of plastic with a metal valve block, valves and leadpipe. This is the bridge between plastic and metal which goes a slight way towards addressing the issues of a plastic trumpet tone, but not fully. The valves of the pTrumpet hyTech are most notably different. The unreliable pTrumpet valves are replaced by smoother, more consistent stainless steel pistons. The weighty metal valve caps make the movement quick and responsive.
Combined with the fun element that a range of colours can add this is a great way to have the benefits of a plastic trumpet without losing too much in sound quality. It should take you comfortably up to Grade 4 standard.
PRICE LEVEL: Higher End
INFO: Reasonably Priced Instrument For The Quality
Besson BE110 New Standard Trumpet
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- You can feel the resistance- useful for beginners
- Tuning is consistent throughout the range
- Slightly on the expensive side but worth the money in the long run
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Key Of: Bb
Bell Diameter: 123mm
Bell Material: Yellow Brass
Bore Size: 11.68mm
Valves: 3 Top Sprung Stainless Steel
Slide: Brass
Finish: Clear Lacquer
Waterkeys: 2
Besson is another well respected and trusted brand within the brass world. This entry level trumpet is engineered well and produces a focused and bright sound due to a smaller bore than most professional models.
It’s reasonably priced for the quality of instrument and has a wonderful clear lacquer finish. The valve movement is smooth despite the springs being slightly stiff. Good value for money that will take you up to grade 6 at the very least.
PRICE LEVEL: Higher End
INFO: Really Easy To Hold
Stagg TR245S Pocket Trumpet
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Compact- easy to hold and to store.
- Has the ‘cute’ factor which young students love.
- Can be more easily taken on holiday to ‘keep your lips in shape’.
- The quality of sound suffers greatly due to the size
- You’d need to upgrade to a full sized trumpet to complete a grade exam
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Key Of: Bb
Bell Diameter: 105mm
Bell Material: Yellow Brass
Bore Size: 11.66mm
Valves: Piston- Stainless Steel
Slide: Brass
Finish: Clear Lacquer
Waterkeys: 2
This Stagg TR245S pocket trumpet is great for very small children to learn how to produce a sound and to play some pre-grade pieces. It’s seen more as a novelty toy than an instrument but has it’s place for those who can’t yet hold a full sized trumpet. The sound quality suffers as you’d expect but it’s size makes it easy to transport as well as hold.
I don’t recommend you keep playing this trumpet once you’re able to hold a full sized trumpet but in the meantime it could be the perfect stepping stone to catapult your child down the path of brass playing.
Best beginner trumpet for a small budget
If your budget is small then look no further than the playLITE Hybrid Trumpet by Gear4music. For under £100 you will have an instrument to get you started, and one that will withstand the inevitable knocks and bumps that happen when you are getting used to caring for a musical instrument. You could also try the gear4music beginner trumpet.
Best beginner trumpet for a child
The Elkhart 100TR Student Trumpet is an excellent choice when it comes to beginner trumpets for children. This model is trusted by music education organisations the world over, and you can see why when you consider the build quality and reasonable price tag.
Best beginner trumpet for an adult
As an adult beginner you are most likely looking for quality from the outset, without a huge initial investment. The Conn Selmer TR510 Bb Trumpet really fits the bill, has great playability, and is an instrument that combines good quality with a reasonable cost. It’s certainly suited to orchestra playing, which is what many adult beginners aim for.
Trumpet Warranty
How long is the warranty for?
Every manufacturer has its own warranty policy, and some stores offer their own too. You should check with the store you are buying your trumpet from to find out how long the warranty is on the model you are interested in before purchasing, because peace of mind is important when spending money on a musical instrument.
It’s worth mentioning that if you buy from our favourite supplier, Gear4Music, they offer an excellent, standard 2-year warranty & 30-day money-back guarantee on all product – just to make your life a little easier…
What does the warranty cover?
Most warranties cover defects from the manufacturing process, for a limited time such as one year. Some manufacturers offer longer warranties. The amount of cover and level of service depends on the manufacturer, so it is worth finding this out about your preferred model before you part with your cash!
Accessories for your trumpet
The beauty of buying a brand new beginner trumpet is that many of them are sold as an “outfit”, which generally includes a bundle of items and accessories with the instrument itself. The most common of these is a carrying case, and it is unusual for a beginner musical instrument to be sold without one.
Some other accessories that you’ll find useful are:
Finally, get yourself a music stand! This may sound obvious, but it’s amazing how many beginner musicians you see balancing their sheet music on a chair or open case.
I particularly like this stand below – it’s not expensive, but is an excellent investment.
INCLUDES: Light | Carry Case | Sheet Music Clip
FEATURES: A carrying bag and a sheet music folder
Cahaya Portable Music Stand
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Amazing complete kit
- Has everything you need
- Strong, yet transportable
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Lastly, every musician should have a great metronome that can last for years. It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner or the world’s best trumpeter, we all need a good metronome, and this Korg MA-2 is the best in the business!
COMES WITH: A larger and more easily readable display
FEATURES: Timer, enhanced volume, and a useful 'sound-out' mode
Korg MA-2 metronome
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Has a Tap Tempo function, making it super easy to use
- Earphone jack with adjustable volume
- Stylish display
- Compact - so easy to travel
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Hire and loan schemes
If you can’t decide between the various beginner trumpets you have seen, then a hire or loan scheme is the perfect opportunity for you to get to know the instruments before you commit to buying one.
These schemes can be operated for a customer by music stores, or sometimes by your local music education organisation for music students.
Top 11 Trumpets For Beginners
Summary
I hope that by breaking down the key points of each of these options you’re now a little clearer as to the best beginner trumpet that will suit you or your child. By thinking carefully about what you want from your first instrument and comparing that to the tips in this list you’re doubling your chances of making the right choice from the get go and avoiding having to fork out for another trumpet sooner than you’re expecting.
Please share this article if you’ve found it useful and feel free to comment below if you have any thoughts or questions about what you’ve read.
Best Overall Quality
Yamaha YTR2330
The Yamaha YTR2330 Student trumpet really feels like a stepping stone between beginner trumpets and a professional model. Let’s call it a beginner plus trumpet. An extremely well known brand who have a track record of producing high quality instruments, this one doesn’t let them down, with its renowned intonation.
Best Value for Money
Bach Trumpet
When you think of a trumpet brand, you think Bach. The iconic manufacturer have produced an excellent beginner model in the Bach TR650 and priced it in an affordable and reasonable bracket. It’s not the cheapest by a long way but this trumpet is built to last and will take you all the way through to grade 7 or even 8. Fantastic value for money.
Best For Early Starters
pTrumpet
Although the quality of sound suffers, the pTrumpet line of instruments have proven to be hugely popular with young musicians and the ‘easy clean’, ‘indestructible’ taglines are undoubtedly a pull for parents alike. The range of colours on offer make the pTrumpet an exciting and fun way to begin their trumpet playing journey.
I always wanted to play the trumpet and with this article, I finally started my journey! Is there any more tips you could provide for a beginner such as myself?
Henry – glad you are interested in buying a trumpet. Do let us know which one you chose.
As for other articles and tips that may be useful, here are a few:
Beginner’s Guide
Top 10 Tips
Trumpet Buying Guide
Hope that helps…