The 10 Best Pocket Trumpets In 2024

Looking to buy a pocket trumpet but not sure what the best ones are? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Choosing a pocket trumpet isn’t exactly simple as there are quite a few different factors that will affect which one will be best for you.

In this post, we discuss everything you need to know before hitting buy as well as review some of what we think are the best pocket trumpets on the market today. Let’s get started.

Quick Answer: The Top Pocket Trumpets

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Best Rated Pocket Trumpet Reviews

Before we get to our buyer’s guide to help you have a better understanding of the important factors and features when choosing pocket trumpets, here are our pocket trumpet reviews to help you narrow down which one might be best for you.

1. CarolBrass CPT-1000 Mini Pocket Trumpet

The CarolBrass CPT-1000 truly mini pocket trumpet is an excellent choice for beginners and kids alike! Wound even tighter for an even more compact build, this mini pocket trumpet is great for practicing, traveling musicians, and children. It is the world’s smallest trumpet and weighs less than 2 pounds.

It includes everything you need to get started: a slim plastic mouthpiece, valve oil, polish cloth, Ultra-Pure tuning slide lube, gig bag, and booklet. With this set, you’ll be playing the world’s smallest trumpet in no time!

The lightweight quality of the mouthpiece helps reduce pressure on your lips as you play while also increasing the integrity of the vibrations you transmit to the instrument. The plastic material also allows beginners to learn correct positioning for more comfortable and confident playing.

This Bb trumpet is under two pounds, with a 4.72″ bell that projects, and stainless steel valves that will keep you playing smoothly for years to come. Don’t let the tiny size fool you: the CarolBrass Mini may look like a toy, but it plays like a full-sized trumpet!

2. CarolBrass CPT-3000-YLS Pocket Trumpet

In at number two, we have the CarolBrass CPT-3000 which is an ideal choice for intermediate and professional players looking for an affordable pocket trumpet. This lightweight version of the larger CarolBrass pocket trumpet gives a bright, brassy sound to match its small but sassy appearance.

The set comes with the mouthpiece, T2 valve oil, and Ultra-Pure tuning slide grease. There’s also a tidy-looking black carrying bag to keep all your accessories, including a polishing cloth and booklet, organized in one place. 

The valves on this mini CarolBrass pocket trumpet are stainless steel and durable, with a yellow brass lead pipe and a clear lacquer finish. This professional-model big bell also features a Lee II Amado water key for better projection and easier maintenance. 

With a 4.724” bell diameter, this pocket trumpet is well-suited for stage playing and will supply you with an extensive and broad quality of sound. You’ll get great, cost-efficient performance out of this smart-looking pocket trumpet and it’s a great option for an intermediate to advanced player looking for a higher quality instrument.

3. Stagg WS-TR248S Pocket Trumpet

Next we have this Staff Pocket trumpet in Bb which pairs a sleek appearance with an elegant sound for the ultimate musical statement. It weighs a little over 4 pounds it’s a lightweight choice for more novice trumpeters and those looking for a fun accent pocket trumpet.

Along with the instrument, the set comes with the mouthpiece, two waterkeys, a soft case with straps for easy transportation that you can trust to keep your pocket trumpet safe.

This brass leadpipe trumpet features stainless steel valves and a brass thumb saddle on the third valve slide. With a 7C silver plated mouthpiece, this pocket trumpet is sure to hold up well and last you for years under the proper care.

The bell diameter is 4.13”, making for a great and highly portable trumpet from which you can still get a big, clear sound. The makers have workshop tested the design and functionality of this trumpet to maximize its efficiency, and it shows! 

It also is fully coated in the buyer’s choice of black, blue, red, or white lacquer to create an eye-catching finish, this pocket trumpet will be sure to turn heads and open ears! 

4. Bach Prelude PT711 Pocket Trumpet

Both flashy and efficient, the Bach Prelude PT711 is a fun pocket trumpet that has a two-toned body and is just like a full-sized trumpet in terms of sound and performance. This little beauty is available in multiple two-tone lacquer finishes and comes with a 7C mouthpiece and zippered nylon carrying case for easy transportation.

This Bb trumpet has a 5″ yellow brass bell, projects well, and responds well to even the lightest of touches. Its rose brass leadpipe is durable, and its stainless steel pistons corrosion-proof, adding to the instrument’s longevity and smooth playing.

At a total of 10” in length, this pocket trumpet is great for travel weighing in at just over 4 pounds while still giving you the sound and performance that a full-sized trumpet offers. Check it out below.

5. Stagg WS-TR245 Pocket Trumpet

Next, we have the small and sweet Stagg WS-TR245 pocket trumpet which is great looking and affordable, coming in a set with the silver-plated mouthpiece and traveling case with straps. It’s a good choice for beginning players looking for a basic practice instrument.

At its small size and with its 4.13” diameter bell, it’s the perfect size for traveling, which is the very reason many people select this pocket trumpet. Like its Stagg-made cousin on this list, the 245 features a thumb saddle on the third valve and two waterkeys. In Bb key, the brass leadpipe and stainless steel valves make this trumpet durable and capable of smooth, nearly effortless sounds. 

The ease of playing afforded by this pocket trumpet makes it the perfect instrument for students or for players looking to get back into the craft after years away. For either, this is a lovely little trumpet that will give back all the love you put into it.

 6. Mendini MPT-L Pocket Trumpet

In at number 6 we have the Medini MPT-L pocket trumpet which is an affordable option and a perfect starter instrument for beginners. It has a beautiful gold lacquer finish paired with the faux mother of pearl inlaid valve buttons makes for a snappy, classy-looking pocket trumpet that will get you noticed!

Perfect for students and beginners, this set comes with a plush-lined and hardshell case, a compact stand, chromatic tuner, a pair of gloves, a copper mouth pipe, a cleaning cloth, and valve oil. It even comes with a one-year warranty.

The mouth pipe has the same style as more expensive, full-sized trumpets for a realistic playing feel and instrument response. The 3.75” bell is one of the smallest on our list, but it can still pack a punch! Comfortable and smooth to play, this Bb pocket trumpet is best-sounding with warmer notes instead of brassy tones.

While the trumpet itself is made of lower quality materials, is heavier than average at 5 pounds, and produces a lower sound quality, the full package of accessories at an affordable price makes it the perfect first instrument.

7. Eastar ETR-330N Pocket Trumpet

You get the complete package with this sweet little Eastar pocket trumpet. The set comes with gloves, cleaning cloth, valve oil, 7C mouthpiece, cleaning suit, and a hard protective case. The golden lacquer is shiny and dazzling, ensuring that your audience sees and hears you simultaneously.

The timbre on this pocket trumpet stands out from the rest; it handles even the lightest vibrations with superb accuracy and precision. The resulting sound is bright and powerful, capable of filling the room just as well as a full-sized trumpet. 

Eastar’s patented valve design guards against any valve sticking or air leakage that would make playing choppy or difficult. With inlaid faux mother of pearl buttons, this little trumpet’s design is in it for the long haul, both for classy appearance and durability.

 8. Mendini MPT-N Pocket Trumpet

This sibling to the other Mendini-made trumpet on our list is extraordinarily cost-efficient and also one of the smallest you’ll find! Included in the set is a chromatic tuner, polishing cloth, pair of white gloves, valve oil, and a hard carrying case with backpack straps that make it easy to tote this instrument wherever it needs to go.

This classy-looking nickel-plated brass pocket trumpet features a faux inlaid mother of pearl, and a 7C mouthpiece gives it a sophisticated and elegant look. Its mouthpiece also features a copper lead composition comparable to the most high-quality full-sized trumpets. This feature complements its smooth action valves as well.

At 3.75”, the bell is small but mighty. This Bb trumpet meets the high standards of the manufacturer’s playtesting and provides the big-trumpet sound that you’d pay much more for in a larger instrument.

9. Sky Music Pocket Trumpet

One of the most beautiful and unique-looking pocket trumpets on our list, the Sky Music Bb pocket trumpet gets points for both style and functionality. It comes with a plush-lined hard case, cleaning cloth, pair of white gloves, a bottle of valve oil, and a 7C mouthpiece.

This instrument provides incredibly smooth airflow, facilitated by its beautiful round tubing. The use of phosphorus copper for the instrument’s body also contributes to the high-quality, professional, expensive-sounding and looking nature of this instrument. 

The dual-tone exterior is also seamless, adding to this trumpet’s rich sound and durability. Its quality and performance make this an excellent choice for beginners and experienced players alike, and its striking appearance is sure to make it envied by all.

10. EastRock Pocket Trumpet

This classic, nickel-plated brass pocket trumpet is the perfect replica for a full-sized trumpet—only smaller! This set includes a polishing cloth, cleaning kit, 7C mouthpiece, pair of white gloves, and a hardshell case with backpack-style straps and a zipper pocket. There is also a no-hassle manufacturer’s warranty covering the instrument. 

The 3.98” bell is a perfect size: not too big and not too small. And the sound it makes is even more perfect! The uniform composition and tightness of the keys contribute to a powerful, bright, and penetrating sound that trumpet enthusiasts will swoon over.

This Bb mini trumpet is subjected to two tests before it leaves the manufacturer, so you know that you’re getting a quality instrument created with precision. Although easy to handle, it’s durable and rugged and will hold up for years of practicing and playing if maintained correctly. 

How to Choose a Pocket Trumpet: A Buyer’s Guide

Most people have heard of a trumpet and can picture its look and sound, and can even recall specific famous pieces of music where they can identify trumpet solos. Fewer people are aware of the pocket trumpet.

True to its name, this is a smaller version of the standard Bb trumpet most people know and love.

While the two are similar in many ways, there are reasons why the pocket trumpet was invented and makes a good choice for a variety of trumpeters.

Here is a complete guide to buying a pocket trumpet.

Why You Might Want a Pocket Trumpet?

The primary reason why musicians decide to buy pocket trumpets is that they are compact in size and slightly lighter in weight.

This is desirable for a wide range of trumpeters and for a variety of reasons.

Due to their small size it makes them easier to handle for children. It is the ideal instrument for musicians who travel.

The pocket trumpet takes up less space for those traveling by plane and wishing to bring the trumpet in their carry-on luggage, rather than their checked bags, in order to keep it safe.

It is also great for those traveling with multiple instruments.

Due to its lightweight portability, the pocket trumpet is also a popular choice as a rehearsal instrument when preparing for orchestral performances and other gigs where a regular trumpet is preferable for showtime.

Pocket Trumpet Vs Regular Trumpet

There are equal numbers of similarities and differences between the pocket and regular trumpets.

Having a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences will help you decide when it is time to add a pocket trumpet to your collection.

It will also help you choose the right pocket trumpet for your individual needs.

Sound Quality

Due to some of the size and construction differences between the two instruments, the pocket trumpet, and the regular trumpet also exhibit differences in sound quality.

While they both play in the key of B flat and therefore can play all of the same notes, the regular trumpet will always win in terms of tone and volume.

The pocket trumpet produces a thinner sound, a shorter range of tone adjustment, and a quieter volume than the regular trumpet.

Size and Construction

True to its name, the pocket trumpet is smaller and lighter than the regular trumpet.

Both instruments have the same length of piping, which is why they both play in the key of B flat, but the piping of the pocket trumpet is wound more tightly.

The bell of the pocket trumpet is smaller than that of the regular trumpet, so mutes are not interchangeable between the two instruments.

The pocket trumpet also has shorter slides, which are the portions of piping that can be expanded and contracted in order to tune the instrument.

The smaller bell and shorter slides account for the differences in sound quality mentioned above.

Both instruments have three piston valves, the cylindrical constructions containing the keys that are depressed in various patterns to play different notes.

The pocket trumpet piston valves and regular trumpet pistons are constructed equally and are identical in size.

Mouthpiece

In terms of size and fit, the pocket trumpet mouthpiece is also the same as the regular trumpet mouthpiece, and therefore can be used interchangeably.

However, most trumpeters only do this when convenient or when they have no other mouthpiece.

The reason is that the reduced sound quality described above can be tempered by using a mouthpiece that is designed to produce a brighter sound and higher volume.

Materials Used for Pocket Trumpets

All trumpets are composed of a wide variety of materials.

No two trumpets are made the same, and there are key reasons for each material selected.

There are similarities and differences between the materials used for pocket trumpets versus regular trumpets.

Brass

The majority of pocket trumpets have brass bodies just like the majority of regular trumpets.

Brass offers a steady combination of durability, beautiful aesthetic, and good tone quality while also remaining a very affordable material.

Even when there are other material components, the bell is often made of brass for these reasons.

Nickel and Stainless Steel

Also similar to regular trumpets, the slides and piston valves and mouthpieces of pocket trumpets are typically made of nickel.

Nickel is less aesthetically pleasing than brass, but it is more durable and therefore ideal for these smaller pieces of the instruments that sustain a lot of friction.

Sometimes, entire pocket and regular trumpets are made out of nickel as cheaper options and more durable options for new players and children.

Stainless steel is another common material for the pistons on account of its durability.

Silver

Silver is another common metal used in the construction of both pocket and regular trumpets.

Its use can range from accent pieces to the majority of the body of the instrument.

Silver is still durable but more aesthetically pleasing and better for tone quality than nickel. It is more expensive than brass or nickel.

Gold

While less common, many trumpeters also enjoy gold accents, and on the even more rare occasion, predominantly gold pocket and regular trumpets.

A softer metal, gold is much less durable, but musicians enjoy the warm tone it produces.

It also produces a softer tone, making it less common and more of an accent metal in pocket trumpets, which already struggle to produce bright sounds and higher volume.

Gold is the pricisest of the materials.

Plastic

Few trumpeters will choose plastic trumpets as their main instruments, but they do have some distinct advantages as practice instruments.

They are durable, very light, and the most inexpensive options.

In addition to practice instruments, they also, therefore, are good choices for traveling and for children.

Children also like them because they come in an infinite array of colors.

Given that the main advantage of plastic trumpets is that they are lightweight, they are less common among pocket trumpets, which in and of themselves are often chosen for their lighter weight.

The distinct disadvantage of plastic trumpets is the lack of tone quality.

Lacquer

Most trumpets are coated in some sort of finish. Many are gold or silver plated, and many others are coated in lacquer.

Those who want the durability of a lacquer finish can choose between clear and colored lacquer.

Some enjoy a deep black lacquer for its dramatic aesthetic.

Others like a colored lacquer, especially if they want to sport team colors.

Weight

Pocket trumpets weigh an average of between 2 and 5 pounds.

The weight is largely determined by the material. Gold is the heaviest of all the metals listed above.

For the reasons mentioned, pocket trumpets are likely to have little if any gold as part of their composition.

Brass is a very lightweight option but, plastic trumpets are going to be the very lightest option, with the tradeoff being the worst tone quality.

Price

Pocket trumpets, like all instruments come in a wide variety of different prices.

They don’t tend to get as expensive as the top of the line trumpets but are in a similar sort of ballpark to the best beginner trumpets in the the range of between $100 and $1000, depending on materials used.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy? 

In all, we’ve compiled a list full of great pocket trumpets with features to rival their full-sized counterparts.

From aesthetics to ease of use and bright and big sound to complete and ready-to-play sets, we’ve covered it all. But which one is the best of the best?

For serious trumpet players who will be playing often and using their instrument constantly, the CAROL BRASS CPT-3000-GLS-Bb-BG is the clear number one choice. 

CarolBrass is a notable and respected trumpet manufacturer with rigorous factory standards, so you can be confident that you’re getting a great product when you purchase from them.

Although the CPT-3000 is one of the more expensive options on our list, we’d say that it’s worth it!

While some trumpets on this list are less expensive, they won’t prove to be as durable and long-lasting as this one.

The hand-lapped valves and the Amado-styled waterkey are innovations that will keep your trumpet functioning smoothly for a long time to come, so they’re worth paying a little extra money to purchase.

This trumpet is also worth its price for its big, brassy sound.

Although many on our list can produce quality sound, none can rival the CPT-3000 for its stage performance-ready tone and projection.

All in all, the CarolBrass CPT-3000 is the best pocket trumpet overall in terms of style, performance, and value.

However, whichever pocket trumpet you decide is the best fit for your needs, when you head out to purchase your trumpet, let us know what you think!