Best
Trumpet
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Overall: Comes with a gig bag and mouthpiece
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Best Feature: Made With Durable Yellow Brass To Last For Years
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TedScore™: 9.3/10
Best
Trombone
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Overall: Has A 0.500" Bore For Easy Playing And Producing Good Intonation
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Best Feature: ade Of A Yellow Brass Bell That Produces A Warm, Rich Sound
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Cornet
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Overall: With Smooth Valve Action For Effortless Playability
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Best Feature: Brass Groups
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TedScore™: 9/10
For music fans, brass instruments are the lifeblood of every band or orchestra.
These instruments are unique because they produce sound through the vibration of the player’s lips. The sound is amplified through a tubular resonator, creating the distinct sound we all know and love.
From trumpets and trombones to French horns and tubas, brass instruments come in all shapes and sizes. Each instrument has its unique sound and is used in different genres of music. Jazz, classical, and marching band music are just a few examples of where brass instruments are commonly used.
If you’re interested in learning more about brass instruments, you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we’ll examine the different types of brass instruments on our brass instruments list, and their unique characteristics.
So, sit back, relax, and dive into the world of brass instruments!
Understanding Brass Instruments
Brass instruments are part of the wind instrument family, requiring air to produce sound. However, unlike woodwind instruments, which use reeds to vibrate the air, brass instruments use the player’s lips to create the vibration.
The size and shape of the cup on the mouthpiece can affect the instrument’s sound. A larger cup will produce a darker, more mellow sound, while a smaller cup will produce a brighter, more piercing sound. The shape of the cup can also affect the player’s ability to play certain notes.
Brass instruments are typically made of metal, such as brass or silver. The metal is important because it affects the sound of the instrument. Brass instruments made of different metals can produce different tones and timbres.
Some of the most popular brass instruments include the trumpet, trombone, French horn, and tuba.
Each instrument has a unique sound and is used in various musical genres, from classical to jazz.
Components of Brass Instruments
Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece is the part of the instrument that the player blows into. It’s usually cup-shaped and made of brass or silver-plated brass. The size and shape of the mouthpiece can affect the sound of the instrument.
Valves
Valves change the length of tubing that the air flows through, which changes the instrument’s pitch. Two main valves are used in most brass instruments: piston valves and rotary valves. Piston valves are the most common type on instruments such as trumpets and tubas. Rotary valves are more common on French horns.
Bell
The bell is the flared end of the instrument that amplifies the sound. The size and shape of the bell can affect the sound of the instrument.
Tubing
The tubing is the instrument’s main body that the air flows through. The tubing can be cylindrical or conical, and the shape can affect the instrument’s sound. In addition to the main tubing, some brass instruments have additional tubing in slides or valves.
Types of Brass Instruments
Brass instruments are some of the world’s most popular and recognizable instruments. Here is a brass instruments list – with pictures! – of the most common types:
Trumpet
Tuba
The tuba is the largest and lowest-pitched instrument in the brass family. It’s often used in orchestral music and marching bands. The tuba is played by blowing air through a large mouthpiece and pressing valves to change the pitch of the notes.
Horn
The horn, also known as the French horn, is a brass instrument that is often used in orchestras and brass bands. It’s a medium-pitched instrument played by buzzing the lips into a funnel-shaped mouthpiece. The horn has valves that are used to change the pitch of the notes.
Trombone
The trombone is a brass instrument often used in jazz and classical music. It’s a medium-pitched instrument played by sliding a tube in and out to change the pitch of the notes. The trombone has a large, flared bell that gives it a unique sound.
Cornet
The cornet is a brass instrument similar to the trumpet but has a slightly different shape and sound. It’s often used in brass bands and jazz music. The cornet is played by buzzing the lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece and has three valves that are used to change the pitch of the notes.
Flugelhorn
The flugelhorn is a brass instrument similar to the trumpet but has a larger, more conical bore and a mellower sound. It’s often used in jazz and brass band music. The flugelhorn is played by buzzing the lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece and has three valves that are used to change the pitch of the notes.
Euphonium
The euphonium is a brass instrument often used in the brass section of bands and orchestras. It’s a medium-pitched instrument played by blowing air through a large mouthpiece and pressing valves to change the pitch of the notes. The euphonium has a large, conical bore that gives it a warm sound.
Sousaphone
The sousaphone is a brass instrument similar to the tuba but designed to be played while marching. It is often used in marching bands and parades. The sousaphone is played by blowing air through a large mouthpiece and pressing valves to change the pitch of the notes.
Piccolo Trumpet
The piccolo trumpet is a small, high-pitched trumpet often used in orchestras and chamber music. It is played like a regular trumpet but has a smaller mouthpiece and a shorter tubing length.
Bass Trombone
The bass trombone is a large, low-pitched trombone often used in orchestras and jazz bands. It’s played by sliding a tube in and out to change the pitch of the notes. The bass trombone has a larger bore and a wider bell than a regular trombone, which gives it a deeper, richer sound.
Mellophone
The mellophone is a brass instrument similar to the French horn but designed to be played while marching. It’s often used in marching bands and drum corps. The mellophone is played by buzzing the lips into a funnel-shaped mouthpiece and has three valves that are used to change the pitch of the notes.
Soprano Cornet
The soprano cornet is a small, high-pitched cornet often used in brass bands and orchestras. It’s played in the same way as a regular cornet but has a smaller mouthpiece and a shorter tubing length.
Baritone Horn
The baritone horn is a medium-pitched brass instrument often used in brass bands and orchestras. It is played by blowing air through a large mouthpiece and pressing valves to change the pitch of the notes. The baritone horn has a conical bore and a smaller bell than a euphonium, which gives it a brighter sound.
Modern Brass Instruments
When you think of brass instruments, you might picture traditional instruments like the trumpet, trombone, and French horn. However, modern brass instruments have come a long way in terms of design and materials used.
One of the most notable advancements in modern brass instruments is using different materials.
While brass is still the most common material, instruments made from other metals like copper and bronze are becoming more popular. These materials can give instruments a unique sound and appearance.
Another trend in modern brass instruments is a move towards more compact shapes.
Instruments like the flugelhorn and piccolo trumpet are designed to be smaller and easier to carry, making them popular for musicians who must travel frequently.
In addition to new materials and shapes, other brass instruments also feature innovative designs.
For example, some instruments have valves that are easier to play, while others have a wider range of notes available. These advancements make it easier for musicians to play more complex pieces of music.
Our Top Brass Instruments
PERFECT FOR: beginners and intermediate students
FEATURES: Made with durable yellow brass to last for years
OTHER INFO: Designed with a customisable grip
Yamaha YTR2330 Student 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!
- Comes with a gig bag and mouthpiece
- An affordable student trumpet
- 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™.
PERFECT FOR: beginners and intermediate players
FEATURES: Made of a yellow brass bell that produces a warm, rich sound
OTHER INFO: Has a 0.500" bore for easy playing and producing good intonation
Yamaha YSL354E Student Trombone
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!
- With a slide made of nickel silver, which is durable and long-lasting
- Crafted with utmost precision to guarantee fast and effortless action
- Offers comfortable playing for long periods
- Slightly more expensive than other student models
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™.
PERFECT FOR: intermediate players
FEATURES: brass groups
OTHER INFO: With smooth valve action for effortless playability
Yamaha YCR4330GII Intermediate Cornet
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 gold lacquer finish for darker, more solid timbre
- Versatile intermediate model from reputable brand Yamaha
- Register for a 5-year extended warranty and 3-month Tomplay Premium
- 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™.
DESIGNED FOR: beginners and students
FEATURES: Provides a full-bodied sound and robust low-end for your brass ensemble needs
OTHER INFO: Made with yellow brass for a classic brass sound
STAGG BT235S Bb TUBA
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!
- Comes with a silver-plated mouthpiece
- Tested in Stagg's workshop for quality assurance
- Includes soft case with wheels and backpack straps
- May have durability issues over time
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™.
COMES WITH: Hard Foam Case and Mouthpiece
FEATURES: Gold Brass Body For Warm Tone
Coppergate Double Horn
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!
- Body Finish: Clear Lacquer
- Valves: 4 x Monel Rotary
- 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™.
Brass Instruments List
Summary
We hope this guide has helped introduce you to brass instruments. From the trumpet to the tuba, each instrument has a unique sound and characteristics that make it special.
Brass instruments have been around for centuries and are essential to many different types of music, from classical to jazz to pop.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, there’s always something new to learn about these fascinating instruments!
Before you go…
Explore some of the best accessories for brass players to help you keep your instruments in top condition and achieve the best possible sound in this next article!
What a fantastic article, Cai! As someone just dipping their toes into the world of brass instruments, this was like finding a treasure trove of information. I was especially drawn to the sections on the euphonium and the sousaphone – instruments I knew little about until now. The way you broke down the components of brass instruments made it much easier to understand how they all work together to create their unique sounds. And the list of instruments! I hadn’t even heard of half of them before. This has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for what I might want to learn. Thanks for putting together such a thorough guide!
hey, does anyone know if the flugelhorn and the trumpet are played the same way? they look kinda similar. kinda confused here lol.
noticed you mentioned the bass trombone but didnt dive into the unique aspects that differentiate it from the tenor trombone. its got a deeper tone and typically a larger bore size which makes it stand out in the brass section. just something that might interest readers looking to get the full picture.
Cai , your comprehensive outline on brass instruments serves as an invaluable resource not only for music enthusiasts but also for educators looking to deepen their teaching curriculum. The detailed breakdown of components such as the mouthpiece and tubing provides a solid foundation for understanding the mechanics behind the sound production of these instruments. Furthermore, the extensive list of brass instruments, from the common trumpet to the less familiar soprano cornet, illustrates the vast spectrum and potential for diversity within brass music. This article will certainly enhance our approach to teaching brass instruments and broaden our students’ musical horizons. Excellent work!
MarieK, do you think this article would be a good starting point for someone just getting into playing brass?
Totally agree with you MarieK! It’s so rare to find articles that cover everything from basics to the lesser-known instruments. Makes me appreciate the brass family even more.