Best Overall
Jazz Trumpet
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Overall: 9.5/10
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Best Feature: Monel valves for smooth and reliable action
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TedScore™: 9.5/10
Best Jazz
Trumpet
for Students
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Overall: 8.5/10
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Best Feature: Silver plating for a bright and clear sound
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Best Professional
Jazz Trumpet
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Overall: 9/10
-
Best Feature: Light response with unparalleled versatility
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TedScore™: 9/10
Ready to dive into the world of top-notch jazz trumpets? Whether just starting out or a seasoned player, choosing the perfect jazz trumpet can totally transform your music.
We’re exploring the world of trumpets that have shaped jazz as we know it. Think about famous players like Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong—each note they played came to life with the perfect instrument.
Come with me on this journey to find the trumpets to help you hit the high notes and make your jazz dreams come true. So, grab your favorite drink, sit back, and let’s get started!
Buying Guide for Jazz Trumpets
If you’re a beginner looking for the best trumpet for jazz, it can be overwhelming to sift through all the options available. Here are some things to consider when looking for the perfect jazz trumpet:
Sound Quality
When it comes to jazz, the sound quality of your trumpet is crucial. Look for a trumpet with a warm, rich tone that can project well in a jazz setting.
Consider the instrument’s versatility in producing both bright and mellow tones. A trumpet with good sound quality can help you express yourself better and give you more confidence in your playing.

Construction and Materials
The construction and materials of your trumpet can affect its sound quality, durability, and overall playability. Look for a trumpet made of high-quality brass, silver, or gold materials.
The thickness of the metal can also affect the sound quality, so consider this when purchasing. Also pay attention to the valve construction and the overall build quality of the trumpet.

Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece is an essential component of the trumpet and can significantly affect the sound quality and playability of the instrument. Consider purchasing a 3C mouthpiece, which is a popular choice among jazz trumpet players.
It provides a good balance between sound quality and ease of playing. However, it’s important to note that not all mouthpieces work for everyone, so trying out different options is essential to find the best fit for you.

10 Best Jazz Trumpets
Many great jazz trumpets are on the market, but some stand out above the rest. Here are some of the best trumpets you can use to play jazz music:

and intermediate players
FEATURES:
- Silver plating for a bright
and clear sound
- Monel valves for smooth
and responsive action
- Adjustable third valve slide
for precise intonation
Hawk WD-T313 Bb Trumpet with Case and Mouthpiece, Silver Plated
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!
- Excellent sound quality
- Durable construction
- Comes with a case and mouthpiece
- May require frequent cleaning
- Higher price point compared to some other intermediate trumpets

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™.

FEATURES:
- Clear lacquer finish for a
traditional look and feel
- One-piece hand-hammered bell
for superior resonance
- Monel valves for smooth
and reliable action
Bach Stradivarius 18037 Trumpet, Clear Lacquer
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!
- Unmatched sound quality
- Exceptional craftsmanship
- Widely used by professionals in all genres of music
- Higher price point than many other trumpets
- May require frequent maintenance to keep in top condition

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™.

and serious students
FEATURES:
- Light response with
unparalleled versatility
- Hand-hammered one-piece bell
for superior resonance
- Monel pistons for smooth
and reliable action
- Reverse lead pipe design for
easy playing in all registers
Yamaha YTR8335 Xeno Trumpet, Lacquer
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!
- Includes a 16C4 mouthpiece and a TRC-800E double case
- Widely used by professional musicians worldwide
- Higher price point than many other trumpets

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™.

and serious students
FEATURES:
- Stainless steel pistons for
smooth and responsive action
- Adjustable third valve slide for
precise intonation
- Rose brass leadpipe
for warm and rich tone
Jupiter Intermediate Bb Trumpet 1100S
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!
- Affordable price point
- Durable construction
- Suitable for a wide range of musical styles
- May require frequent cleaning
- Sound quality may not be as exceptional as higher-end trumpets

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™.

FEATURES:
- Yellow brass bell for
bright and clear sound
- Stainless steel pistons for
smooth and reliable action
- Adjustable third valve
slide for precise intonation
Levante by Stagg TR6301 Bb Trumpet, Silver Plate
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 play
- Comes with a case and mouthpiece
- May not have the same quality of sound as higher-end trumpets

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™.

FEATURES:
- Gold-plated trim for
a unique and stylish look
- Stainless steel pistons
for smooth and reliable action
- One-piece hand-hammered
bell for superior resonance
Blessing BTR-1460G Student Bb Trumpet, Silver-Plated with Gold Trim
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!
- Affordable price point
- Durable construction
- Comes with a case and mouthpiece
- May not have the same quality of sound as higher-end trumpets

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™.

FEATURES:
- Bb pocket trumpet
with 7C mouthpiece
- 0.46 inch bore and 3.75 inch bell, comfortable
white faux mother of pearl inlaid buttons
- Phosphorus copper is used on
lead mouth pipes
(found on expensive trumpets) & smooth action valves
Mendini MPT Brass Bb 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!
- Includes Cecilio 92-D chromatic tuner, case, a bottle of valve oil, soft polishing cloth, & a pair of white gloves
- 1-Year warranty against manufacturer's defects
- Small size may be uncomfortable for some players

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™.

FEATURES:
- Clear lacquer finish for
a traditional look and feel
- Stainless steel pistons
for smooth and reliable action
-Yellow brass bell for
bright and clear sound
Besson BE111 New Standard Bb Trumpet, Clear Lacquer
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!
- Suitable for a wide range of musical styles
- Lightweight and easy to play
- Comes with a mouthpiece and case for convenience
- May not be suitable for advanced players who require a more nuanced and refined sound

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™.

FEATURES:
-Produces warm, centred sounds
- Features silver plated finish
& gold brass lead pipe
-Hand-hammered one-piece bell
B&S Challenger 1 Trumpet, Silver Plated
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 classic design and quality construction
- Includes lightweight backpack-style case + 1.5C mouthpiece
- More expensive compared to other professional-grade trumpets

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™.

FEATURES:
-Silver plate offers better tone and projection
-Stainless steel pistons for
smooth, fast action
-Rose brass to sweeten your tone
Jupiter JTR700SQ Bb Trumpet, Silver Plated
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!
- Includes lightweight case and mouthpiece
- Budget-friendly
- May not have the same quality of sound as higher-end trumpets

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™.
Learning to Play Jazz Trumpet
If you’re interested in playing jazz trumpet, you’re in for a treat! Jazz trumpet is a fun and exciting genre that allows you to express yourself creatively while playing some of the most iconic music in history.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Develop Basic Trumpet Playing Skills
2. Learn the Scales
3. Practice Jazz Articulation
4. Listen to Jazz Music
5. Play with Others
6. Have Fun
Jazz Trumpets: Final Thoughts
Choosing the best jazz trumpet is about finding an instrument that resonates with you. Sound quality, playability, and craftsmanship are essential things to think about.
For example, the Yamaha YTR-8335R is a fantastic choice for professional players.
Famous musicians like Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong show us that the right trumpet can take your music to the next level. Whether you’re just starting or a pro, there’s a perfect horn out there waiting for you!
So, go ahead and pick up a jazz trumpet today. You never know where it might take you!
Before you go…
Spice up your jazz ensemble with the ultimate dynamic duo – the trumpet and trombone!
In this next article, we’ll explore the best trombones for jazz, which can add a new level of excitement to your performances.
Check them out here: Best Trombones For Jazz
FAQ's
The most commonly used trumpets in jazz are the Bb trumpet and the C trumpet. The Bb trumpet is used for most jazz styles, while the C trumpet is used for more classical jazz pieces.
The best trumpet key for jazz is Bb, the most versatile and commonly used key in jazz music. It allows for a wide range of expression and is well-suited for improvisation.
A jazz trumpet would differ from other trumpets in its tone quality, which is typically brighter and more focused.
Jazz trumpeters often use extended techniques like growling, flutter tonguing, and lip trills to create unique and expressive sounds.
Improvising jazz music on a trumpet can be challenging, as it requires a strong understanding of music theory, a mastery of technique, and a deep knowledge of jazz vocabulary.
However, developing the skills necessary to improvise effectively on the trumpet is possible with practice and dedication.
Fascinating overview on the role of the jazz trumpet across different styles. However, I’d argue that the influence of trumpets in R&B warrants further discussion. The trumpet’s brassiness adds a unique layer of soul and depth that has been pivotal in the genre. It’s these nuances that have allowed the instrument to transcend traditional jazz boundaries, making an impact on broader music trends.
Someone told me jazz is all about improvisation. So I threw away the trumpet’s valves to be more ‘free’. Now, I can only play in C and whistle.
hey i’m kinda new to jazz trumpet. got any tips for someone just starting? also, what’s the best trumpet that’s not too pricey?
Welcome to the world of jazz! For beginners, Yamaha and Bach have some great student models. Remember, it’s more about how you play than what you play on. Keep practicing!
Really loved the segment on Jazz Trumpet in Popular Culture, Toby Coles! It’s fascinating to see how the sound of the trumpet has evolved over time and permeated so many different genres. The mentions of ‘Hot Five and Hot Seven’ and ‘Birth of the Cool’ are spot on. These records not only define the versatility of the trumpet but also its significant impact on the jazz genre. Would love to see more about how contemporary artists are shaping the future of jazz trumpet.