Playing the trumpet requires more than just puffing your cheeks and blowing hard; even a musical prodigy needs the right gear to avoid sounding like a strangled goose.
This ultimate list of trumpet accessories, from mouthpieces to practice gadgets, will quickly turn your playing from amateur to virtuoso.
Mutes
The Sound Shape Shifters
Trumpet mutes come in various types, each with its own unique effect. Common mutes include the straight mute, which gives a piercing and edgy sound, and the cup mute, which provides a darker, more muffled tone.
There are also harmon mutes, known for their distinctive ‘wah-wah’ effect. Any serious trumpeter should have an arsenal of these sound-shaping marvels.
The mutes I love and use on a daily basis are:
Yamaha SB7X Silent Brass System for Trumpet
DESIGNED FOR: noise-sensitive environments
FEATURES: Boasts a Brass Resonance Modeling technology for maintaining natural tone and timbre
OTHER INFO: Allows for quiet practice
- Has a Personal Studio belt pack with room and hall reverb types for more enhanced sounds
- Connects to an external amplifier using the output jack
- Includes a headphone amp and earphones
- Allows you to practice your trumpet whenever and wherever you like
- Higher price range compared to other straight mutes on the market
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™.
Denis Wick DW5531 Adjustable Cup Trumpet Mute
DESIGNED FOR: trumpets and cornets
FEATURES: Free-blowing, comfortable and easy to play
OTHER INFO: Offers a wide range of tones for different musical styles
- Lets you customize the amount of muting sound according to your needs and preference
- Provides the highest levels of craftsmanship and quality
- One of the more expensive cup mutes on the market
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™.
Mouthpieces
Your Sound's Best Mate
Different mouthpieces cater to various playing styles. A deep cup can produce a richer, fuller sound, perfect for classical music, while a shallow cup is ideal for jazz, giving brighter, more piercing tones.
The mouthpiece might be small, but it packs a punch in shaping your sound. It’s the magical interface between the player and the instrument.
My mouthpiece that I love is:
Bach 3C Trumpet Mouthpiece
FEATURES: a medium cup and a medium-wide rim
OTHER INFO: it produces an all-round even response and reliable intonation across all registers
- Produces a better embouchure development and aids intonation
- Applicable to almost all brass players
- No Cons!
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™.
Valve Oil
The Elixir of Life for Trumpets
Valve oil keeps your trumpet’s valves moving smoothly, like a fresh cup of tea in the morning. Skipping oiling is like neglecting your morning caffeine fix—disastrous.
Regular application prevents sticking and ensures swift valve action, essential for fast-paced passages. Different types of valve oil exist, with synthetic oils lasting longer and being more stable across temperatures, while traditional oils may need more frequent application.
Keeping your trumpet well-oiled is key to worry-free playing and a happy, harmonious life.
Again, the valve oil that I recommend to all my students is:
BACH VALVE OIL
FEATURES: Made with non-kerosene based synthetic oil and swiss clock oil
OTHER INFO: Comes with a locking cap to prevent leaks
- Easy to apply with immediate results
- None
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™.
Cleaning Kit
The Trumpet Spa Treatment
Every trumpet deserves a bit of pampering, and a cleaning kit is like a spa day for your instrument. These kits usually include brushes to reach every nook and cranny, ensuring no grime is left behind.
Valve oil, a staple in the kit, helps maintain smooth valve action, preventing unwanted squeaks and squawks. Mouthpiece brushes tackle those hard-to-reach places, keeping the part that meets your lips sparkling clean.
Regular cleaning enhances performance and extends the life of your trumpet. Investing in a comprehensive cleaning kit ensures your trumpet gets a proper clean rather than a rushed rinse.
If you want a recommendation, this cleaning kit is super:
Ultra-Pure Trumpet Care Kit
DESIGNED FOR: trumpets, cornets, and flugelhorns
COMES WITH: with an instruction manual
FEATURES: Includes professional valve oil acclaimed worldwide by artists With flexible snake to clean difficult areas Brushes have plastic-coated tips to prevent scratching
- Easy to use
- Includes everything you need to maintain your instrument
- Professional valve oil is used by world-class artists
- None
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™.
Polishing Cloths
Shine Like a Pro
A polishing cloth helps your instrument look as good as it sounds. These soft, non-abrasive cloths are made to wipe away fingerprints, dust, and smudges without scratching the surface.
Regular polishing keeps your trumpet shining bright and adds a layer of protection to the finish. A gleaming trumpet isn’t just for show; it reflects the care you put into your music and might even earn you some extra fans or envious glances.
The best (and I’ve tried many!) cloth to make your Trumpet look amazing is:
Bambu Microfibre Multi-Instrument Polishing Cloth
FEATURES: Attracts dust and dirt and oils
OTHER INFO: Provide more absorption than conventional fibres
- Efficiently bring a stage-ready look to your instrument
- Polish a variety of instruments
- No cons!
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™.
Heavy Caps
A Little Extra Weight Goes a Long Way
Heavy valve caps are like giving your trumpet a little workout. They help create a focused sound, improve intonation, and reduce unwanted vibrations.
Heavy caps can also make fast passages easier to play. Adding these caps is a cheap way to boost your instrument’s performance without spending much money.
The valve caps that I suggest, and in fact have on my instrument, are:
Bach 1810G Heavy Weight Trumpet Valve Caps
FEATURES: Outstanding focus and projection by dampening vibrations
OTHER INFO: Precision-machined nickel silver
- Set of 3 precision-machined nickel-silver bottom valve caps
- More focused sound with less tonal distortion
- None!
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™.
Straps and Harnesses
Hug Your Horn
Straps and harnesses are lifesavers for lengthy practice sessions or gigs. They distribute the weight of the trumpet, preventing shoulder and back pain.
With padded designs, they ensure top-notch comfort. Adjustable straps fit all body types. They’re easy to attach and detach, ensuring you spend more time playing and less fiddling with gear.
Perfect for marching bands or extended gigs, your shoulders will thank you!
I don’t personally use straps, but when I have a student who needs one, I tend to suggest:
BG Trumpet/Cornet/Flugelhorn Flex Strap
FEATURES: Design for maximum freedom of movement
OTHER INFO: Convenient sling attachment for easy connection
- Suitable for both male and female musicians
- Enables musicians to play with ease and comfort
- None!
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™.
Silent Brass Systems
Practicing Without Annoying the Neighbors
Late-night practice and thin walls? It’s not a problem with silent brass systems. This nifty gadget lets you blow your horn without your neighbor’s patience.
Silent brass systems combine a mute with electronic sound processing. You insert the mute into your trumpet and connect it to a small module with headphones.
Perfect for city living or shared households, this upgrade keeps practice noise at a minimum while letting your skills shine.
This is a game changer for me, living in a small apartment in London – and I’m totally in love with:
Yamaha SB7J Silent Brass System
FEATURES: Brass resonance modeling technology
OTHER INFO: Includes earbuds and an auxiliary cable
- Brass practice system for quiet practice
- Pickup mute silences your sound
- No cons at all!
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™.
The Brass-Tacks
Trumpet players know their gear can make or break their playing experience. From the trusty mouthpiece to the essential valve oil, every item on the list adds value.
Whether polishing or tuning your trumpet, having the right tools is a game-changer.
These accessories aren’t just add-ons; they are essentials. They elevate your playing, save you from unnecessary headaches, and keep you looking professional. Plus, some of them look cool.
So, if you’re serious about your trumpet game, ensure your kit is up to scratch. Your music will thank you!
Cleaning kit, the trumpet spa treatment – love the analogy! Next, we’ll be seeing trumpet yoga for better performance and flexibility 😉
those silent brass systems tho, game changer for late night practice. anyone else think so?
I must commend your comprehensive outline of essential trumpet accessories, Toby Coles. I’ve been playing for over a decade, and I can affirm the significance of each item listed. Particularly, the section on valve oil resonated with me. It’s indeed the elixir of life for trumpets. I’d like to add that finding the right valve oil can make a significant difference in the instrument’s performance. Cheers for the informative read!
Absolutely, BrassMasterJay. The right valve oil not only enhances the performance but prolongs the life of the trumpet. Any brand recommendations?
hey, just started playing the trumpet and I’m super confused about what mutes I should get. any suggestions for a newbie? 😉 And oh, awesome article, Toby Coles. It’s like a treasure map for trumpet care lol.