When you start learning any musical instrument, the make and model that you start on can make a huge difference to how you progress, and the trumpet is no exception to that rule. But with such a huge range of makes and models, confusing descriptions, and bewildering technical specifications, it’s difficult to know which instrument to go for.
If you’re working to a budget, it’s especially important to find an instrument that gives you value for money and the best possible quality without having extra features that you’re not going to need.
In this article, we’ll unpick some of the jargon and outline some of the key aspects to consider in buying your first trumpet, as well as review what we think is the best trumpet for beginners on the market today.
Quick Answer: The Best Beginner Trumpets
Best Rated Beginner Trumpet Reviews
Before we get to our buyer’s guide, where we’ll hopefully help to answer all the questions you might have before buying your first trumpet, here are some of our favorite beginner trumpet reviews for you to get some inspiration.
We’ve tried to include a variety of different specs and price points, so there will be something for you no matter what your budget is.
1. Bach TR300H2 American Beginner Trumpet
- The 300 Series trumpet was designed to help the student find it easier to concentrate on making music rather than struggling with the instrument.
- It also features Monel metal piston valves, precision made, with a one-point nylon valve guide for noiseless operation Bracing reinforces
- A durable double-wall case, which cushions and protects the trumpet, featuring ample storage space for accessories, comes with a shoulder strap
While most beginner trumpets will not be as good of quality as the more advanced models, the Bach TR300H2 American Trumpet is an exception. Although it is pricey, it is the best beginner trumpet on the market today. This trumpet is lightweight, making it easy to hold for beginners and giving someone who is still learning an easier time when focusing on proper technique.
This trumpet plays incredibly well for a beginner’s instrument with a high-quality design you typically see in more advanced instruments. It is durable and has an unmatched sound quality. You can use this trumpet as you become an intermediate player, so it does not need to be replaced as soon as you improve. It has a larger bore size than average, making it easier to play low notes as you start your journey of learning the trumpet.
This instrument is made of top-quality brass and will last your entire life. The playability and design are unmatched for a beginner model, and the craftsmanship mirrors that of an advanced trumpet. It is user-friendly, durable, and highly rated. If you are committed to playing the trumpet, then this investment is worth it.
However, if you are unsure if you want to stick with learning the trumpet, then a less expensive instrument might be the better option for you. As we said, this model is a bit on the pricier side and, like most beginning models, will still need to be eventually upgraded when a player becomes high-level.
2. Yamaha YTR-2330 Beginner Trumpet
Another incredible product on the market for beginner trumpet players is the YTR-2330 by Yamaha. It is lightweight and user-friendly, making it the perfect choice for those who are just starting out with trumpets.
It is ergonomically created to make it easier than ever to progress and increase your learning. This is an especially great choice for kids or those of us who aren’t confident in our finger dexterity.
The bell is made from yellow brass to create a highly durable two-piece bell. The Yamaha also makes good technique easier to achieve. Monel alloy pistons help extend the life of the trumpet, so you know you won’t wear it out quickly. This is a top-quality beginner trumpet that will last you for years. If you are dedicated to learning the instrument, then this is another great option.
Unfortunately, this model does need to be oiled rather frequently, and the valve caps may be tough for a beginner to screw. As with all beginner trumpets, it will need to be replaced as the player progresses into an intermediate level.
3. Jean Paul USA TR-330 Beginner Trumpet
- The Jean Paul Trumpet is in key of Bb
- Comes with robust contoured carrying case for ease of use transportation
- Beautiful Yellow brass body construction with Gold Lacquer finish
The TR-330 is a trumpet created specifically with new players in mind. It is built to be user-friendly and easy to play. At only 2.2 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to hold, allowing you to focus all of your effort on your learning rather than on figuring out how to hold and use the instrument properly. This also means it’s the perfect option for children.
It is priced much more reasonably than the first two on our list, so this would work best for you if you are on a budget or are still unsure if you want to continue your journey learning how to play the trumpet.
This trumpet is made from yellow brass with a gold lacquer finish. It looks great, but the lacquer can chip and flake if not appropriately maintained. It features a .459 inch bore and offers a warm tone. There is a thumb saddle for comfort. Beginners that are looking for a more affordable instrument but still want something that is excellent quality would benefit most from the Jean Paul USA TR-330.
Because it isn’t the highest-quality, it may need to be replaced sooner than other models, but it’s still a fantastic option for beginners and little children.
4. Etude ETR-100 Series Beginner Trumpet
- Features a first-valve thumb saddle and an adjustable third-valve finger ring for easy intonation adjustment and player comfort
This trumpet is known for its sturdy valves and excellent intonation, which are not always common among beginner trumpets. It can hold a tune well, and it has a strong build. The trumpet comes with a large mouthpiece, perfect for first-time players, and a hard protective case.
The bore on the Etude ETR 100 is reasonably sized, creating easy sound production and projection. It is constructed from brass with a lacquer finish and has an adjustable third valve finger ring.
Of course, it’s important to note that this instrument will need frequent lubrication. Like the LJ Hutchen Bb, its finish will not last forever and will degrade over time.
5. Mendini by Cecilio Gold MTT-L Trumpet for Beginners
- Great Trumpet for Beginners: Ideal for beginner or student musicians. This student trumpet has a copper lead (not the metal lead, but leading up to...
- Great Sound: This well-crafted beginner trumpet for adults or kids produce a crisp, loud and high-quality sound. Paired with a committed player or...
- Elegant Design: The adults and kids trumpet has a beautiful and durable brass body with 5 inch bell and .460 inch bore, phosphorus copper mouthpiece,...
The Mendini Cecilio is 6th on our list today because of its generally well-made build and had a very good sound for its price point. Many students find that it’s easy to play thanks to its lighter weight than other models and the fact that it is made with beginners in mind.
The valves are not of great quality and need some maintenance (especially over time), but the rest of the instrument is a quality product made from excellent materials. It is lightweight and easy to play. While this instrument looks great for beginners and has a fantastic price point for the value, it’s got a lacquer coating that will diminish eventually.
6. Hawk WD-T312 Beginner Trumpet
- Includes a durable case and mouthpiece
- Bb (B flat) Key
- Size: Bore size 11.66mm, bell diameter 123mm
The Hawk WD-T312 is a beginner trumpet within the mid to low price range. It comes in a variety of colors and can even be used in your early intermediate endeavors. The sound is very bright, which may be an issue for people looking to play smooth jazz. Most beginners, however, don’t play jazz as it’s one of the more complicated forms of music.
The valves are made pretty cheaply, so they may need some upkeep to ensure your instrument lasts a long time. However, the body is made from brass, and the valve casing is closer to the mouthpiece than on most trumpets, making it easy to hold and control.
7. Eastar ETR-380B Trumpet for Beginners
- ❤️AMAZING TIMBRE — The sound and timbre of Eastar Bb trumpet are pure and bright, abundant and powerful, with excellent vibration. Also a...
- 🎺RELIABLE DESIGN — Equipped with a unique valve system (1/100mm mechanical accuracy) designed by Eastar, the trumpet is highly durable during...
- ✔️EXCELLENT CRAFTSMANSHIP — The pipe (0.459'' in diameter) is made of high-quality brass and cupronickel you can trust. The valves link each...
This trumpet is one of the few beginner trumpets known for its high-quality valves. It sounds great for its price point, and your purchase comes with both a cleaning kit and a carrying case, which will prolong your instrument’s life. Plus, you won’t have to worry about going out and buying a case and cleaning materials, saving you a bit of pocket money.
This trumpet is heavier than the others on our list, so it is best for adult beginners rather than young children. However, it comes with a 7C mouthpiece that is often used for children, not adults. That being said, the weight is due to its quality materials and design, so it will last you into your intermediate stages.
8. Eastrock Beginner Trumpet
- 【FUSION OF TRADITIONAL STYLE & STATE-OF-THE-ART DESIGN】EASTROCK trumpets have a comfortable resistance and a tone that is both brilliant and...
- 【WELL SUITED FOR PLAYERS OF ALL AGES】EASTROCK Standard Trumpet has a solid and durable brass body that result in a responsive attack with a broad...
- 【PREMIUM LINE OF VALUE PRICED QUALITY TRUMPET】EASTROCK Bb trumpet features a 11.65mm/0.460inch pipe & 125mm/4.92inch bell mouth resulting in a...
The Eastrock Standard Brass Bb trumpet is a fun beginner trumpet that comes in a variety of colors. It comes with an affordable price tag and a high-quality design. It comes with a variety of accessories, including a carrying case and a cleaning kit.
This instrument has a great sound that fits all kinds of music, so no matter your preference, your music will sound pleasant. This is nice for beginners to discover which type of music is their favorite to play. Overall, it is an excellent beginner trumpet.
However, it doesn’t come with valve oil, but it does require frequent oiling. Oil isn’t a large expense, but it’s something to keep in mind, especially considering you’ll need to eventually replace your instrument with a more advanced model.
9. Eking Trumpet for Beginners
- 🎺❤️ AMAZING TIMBRE — The sound and timbre of Eking KTR-400 Bb trumpet are pure and bright, abundant and powerful, with excellent vibration....
- 🎺🎁 BEAUTIFUL APPEARANCE — With nice-looking golden lacquer, dazzling and shiny, clean and transparent color, and superb reflection, this...
- 🎺🔥 EXCELLENT CRAFTSMANSHIP — The pipe (0.460'' in diameter) is made of brass and cupronickel, with high-quality material that you can trust....
The Eking Standard Student Trumpet has a loud sound and a beginner student design. It produces a warm voice and is very budget-friendly. Your purchase includes the trumpet, white gloves, valve oil, a cleaning cloth, a hard shell trumpet case, and a size 7C mouthpiece. Additionally, it includes a 12-month warranty.
The Eking trumpet is a lot lower quality than some of the other products on our list, especially the ones near the top of the list, but if you are a beginner and plan to upgrade once you get the hang of the instrument, then it should be perfect for you. Additionally, if you are purchasing it for a child, then it is the ideal instrument at a low cost.
How To Choose A Trumpet For Beginners: A First Time Buyer’s Guide
Choosing an instrument can be a bit daunting for a first-timer. There’s a lot of information to consume, and knowing what’s important and what’s not can get confusing.
To help break it all down, we’ve written up a first-time buyer guide to help you understand everything and know what to look out for when choosing between the best beginner trumpets.
Types of Trumpets
The first thing to mention is that there are a few different types of trumpet, so it’s important to ensure you start off on the right one!
B flat Trumpet
As a beginner, you’ll want to start off on a Bb (B flat) Trumpet.
Most beginner books are written with the Bb Trumpet in mind, as it is the standard instrument used in high school bands and brass bands.
‘B flat’ simply means that when you play a written C on the Trumpet, it sounds the same as a B flat on a Piano.
Cornet
But, you might also consider starting off on the Bb Cornet.
This is an instrument that is identical to play, but some players find it easier to hold because of the more compact shape.
It can also be easier for beginners to make a good sound because of the conical tubing that gradually widens along its length.
At the beginner level, both Bb Trumpet and Cornet are interchangeable for all intents and purposes.
Pieces written for Bb Trumpet can be played on Cornet and vice versa. Many Trumpet players will start off on Cornet, moving to play both later on.
What Trumpets to Avoid
However, there are other types of Trumpet and Cornet that you should avoid, at least to start with.
Trumpets in C, D, Eb, Soprano Cornets, and Piccolo Trumpets are all smaller, higher-pitched instruments.
This will get you into all sorts of trouble when you’re playing with other musicians, as you’ll find yourselves playing in a different key!
There’s another similar instrument, the Flugelhorn, which is also often played by Trumpet players.
While it has a beautiful sound, it’s not the best instrument to start on as it’s harder to hit the higher notes.
Parts of a trumpet
There are a few main parts of the trumpet, so it’s useful to know what they’re called.
That way, you’ll understand what descriptions of different trumpet models are referring to!
Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece is a small, removable piece of brass that slots into the main trumpet. It has a narrow tube that widens into a cup shape.
As the name suggests, the mouthpiece is the part that presses against the mouthpiece, allowing the lips to vibrate and create the sound.
Related: Check out our post on the best trumpet mouthpieces here.
Leadpipe
This is the first piece of the trumpet tubing.
It’s important because this is the first place the air goes, and the sound produced by the vibrating lips begins to be changed and amplified by the trumpet.
Valves
The three valves of the trumpet are used to move between notes.
When they are pressed down, they direct the air into short extra lengths of tubing, causing the note to go lower.
Valves can be pressed on their own in combination to produce all the chromatic notes found on a piano.
Bell
The bell is the end of the trumpet where the sound comes out.
It is shaped as a gradually widening tube that flares at the end. This gives the trumpet its distinctive bright sound.
Materials and Finish
The Trumpet is traditionally made out of Brass, an alloy of Copper and Zinc that lends itself well to being bent and shaped into tubes and curves that make up the trumpet.
However, there are a few variations of material that affect how the instrument looks, sounds, and feels to play.
Lacquer or Silver Plate
The problem with Brass as a material for making instruments is that it corrodes easily in the air.
So most instruments have a finishing layer on top to seal off the brass underneath and protect it from corrosion.
The most common finishes are lacquer and silver plate.
As a beginner, you won’t find a huge difference in sound between the two, although most players feel that silver gives the instrument a slightly brighter tone.
Some instruments are made with a ‘raw brass’ finish, meaning that there is no protective layer. The advantage of this is that it gives a warmer sound to the instrument.
However, while you’re starting off, you’re unlikely to want to commit to all the extra maintenance that goes along with this option!
Rose Brass
Many beginner instruments are made with rose brass, particularly on the leadpipe.
This is brass with a slightly higher copper content that gives it a distinctive reddish hue.
Rose brass is less susceptible to corrosion, so this is an advantage in trumpets for beginners who might not be quite as conscientious regarding regular instrument maintenance!
The lead pipe is the first part of the tubing to receive air from the mouth, which will contain residue of any food or drink you’ve had recently – so it particularly benefits from this extra protection from corrosion.
Plastic
In the last few years, plastic instruments have cornered an increasingly large part of the beginner’s market.
The advantage of these is that they are cheap to produce and lighter to hold.
The sound and quality of these instruments can vary widely depending on the construction of the material.
While the better instruments can get very close to the sound of a traditional brass trumpet, the sound will often be a lot weaker, less full, and rich in tone.
Related: See our list of top plastic trumpets here.
Weight
For some players, holding the trumpet can be a little difficult at first.
The weight of the instrument, combined with how it’s held away from the body, means that the arms need to do quite a bit of working in holding the trumpet up!
There are a couple of options that are worth considering if this is an issue.
The first is to use a plastic trumpet. While the sound might not always be as good, the lighter weight means that these instruments are definitely easier to hold.
The second option is to start off by playing the cornet.
While the length of tubing and overall weight are similar to the trumpet, the shape of the instrument is different.
This means the left hand, which carries most of the weight, is closer to the body and therefore, the leverage is reduced.
Many younger players start off on cornet and then move to trumpet later on.
Mouthpiece
Although it might not be obvious, the mouthpiece is one of the most important factors in producing the sound on the trumpet.
It can make a huge difference to both how the trumpet feels to play and how it sounds.
Many trumpet players will have a collection of mouthpieces that they will switch between depending on the instrument, style, and sound that they want.
As a beginner, your priority is going to be a mouthpiece that allows you to produce notes more easily.
A mouthpiece with a shallower cup will encourage the lips to vibrate and requires less lung power to play.
A trumpet designed for beginners will often come with a mouthpiece designed for beginners.
However, it may be worth trying a few other mouthpieces to see if there is one that works better for you.
One of the most common start mouthpieces is the Vincent Bach 7C. It provides good support, responsiveness, and a bright sound.
- LEGACY: Vincent Bach was a rare combination of artist and engineer. He was constantly changing his mouthpiece designs until the mid 1960’s when they...
- FIT: Because no two players have the same lip or tooth formation, what is perfect for one player may be entirely unsuitable for another. Bach produces...
- CUP DEPTH: The medium cup of the Bach Classic Trumpet Silver Plated Mouthpiece Size 7C (Model 3517C) enables players to bring out that full, rich tone...
Your Budget
There are trumpets at all price points, so it’s worth thinking about what your budget is and what the best instrument you can get in that range.
Most quality beginner trumpets will cost between $200-$400.
Below this range, you’re likely to be sacrificing the quality of the instrument, which will affect its sound, how easy it is to play, and how durable the material and manufacture are.
But, if you’re taking your playing seriously, you can get the best quality beginner trumpets for $500-$1000, but we wouldn’t recommend spending more than that
If that’s stretching your budget too far, there are other options.
Plastic trumpets are often a little cheaper and function well enough for beginners, although it’s worth considering that the cheaper plastic instruments will have very bad tuning and sound quality.
Another option is to buy second-hand. This is a great way to get hold of a better instrument for a lower price without sacrificing quality.
Specialist music shops will often sell a range of second-hand instruments and may be able to give expert help and advice to help you make your decision.
Beginner vs Intermediate vs Professional Trumpets
Trumpet manufacturers usually market their instruments at one of three levels:
- beginner – Designed for players who are starting off;
- intermediate – For students who have been learning a few years and are beginning to progress onto more difficult pieces
- professional – Which are the highest quality and designed with extra features and specifications
Beginner instruments will often come with an adjustable finger ring on the third valve slide.
This allows the ring to be moved closer so that smaller hands can properly hold the instrument.
Intermediate and professional instruments are more likely to have a thumb rest on the first valve slide, which is used to make small tuning adjustments.
Other features may be found on professional instruments, such as custom lead pipes, braces, and tone buttons that are designed to fine-tune the sound and playing feel of the instrument.
Overall, the quality of the materials, manufacturing, and finish will be better at each level, but the price tag will also be higher.
It’s worth starting out on a cheaper instrument because you’ll only be able to properly compare the relative advantages of professional instruments once you’ve built up enough experience and expertise to really take them through their paces.
Important accessories
There are many accessories that you can get to keep your trumpet well-maintained and to create different sounds.
However, there are a few essentials that you will definitely need to get started.
Valve oil
- Pure, synthetic, long-lasting, pro-strength formula
- Non-toxic, odorless, and petroleum free
- Scientifically designed to provide long-lasting, fast valve action
You’ll need a bottle of trumpet valve oil to keep the valves lubricated.
This allows them to move freely and silently so that you can move between notes quickly and easily.
Polishing cloth
- Untreated premium suede microfiber for brass and woodwind instruments
- Ideal for cleaning and polishing
- Safe on all surfaces
Keeping your trumpet clean is vitally important to ensure it lasts.
You’ll need a lint-free microfibre cloth to keep the instrument clean. Wipe it down after each practice to get rid of any dirt, oil, and fingerprints to keep the finish cleaner for longer.
Snake Brush
- Fit For -- The trumpet cleaning kit fits for trumpet, cornet, pocket trumpet or other instrument cleaning, make cleaning and maintenance work much...
- Trumpet Cleaning Brush -- Flexible trumpet snake brush are very good for cleaning around tight bends, slides and tubing. Mouthpiece brush valve brush...
- Mouthpiece Brush -- approx.12.5 cm/ 4.9'', Valve brush: approx.12.7 cm/ 5'', Snack brush: approx.92 cm/ 36.2'', Cleaning rod:approx.34.5cm/13.6''
This is a useful device to keep the inside of the trumpet clean and free of dirt.
The snake brush is a long and flexible wire with a brush on each end and is designed to be pushed through the trumpet and get rid of any dirt inside the tubing.
Making your Decision
There’s a bewildering array of choices available to you when buying an instrument.
The first thing is to decide your budget and then look for models that fit within that.
Reading reviews is a great way to get a feel for what instrument might work for you, but if there’s no substitute for actually being able to try out a few trumpets and compare how they feel.
So if you can find a specialist music shop, it’s a good idea to go along and ask for their advice even if you then buy online.
The instrument you start on can make a big difference in how easy it feels to play, and how good it sounds, so it’s worth taking your time to find the right one for you.
Hopefully, this article has given you some good ideas of what you need to look out for.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Get?
Anyway, that wraps up our guide to choosing your first trumpet, we hope it helped.
It’s a great first instrument to start off on and is used in lots of different genres of music so you won’t have any trouble finding people to play with.
If you’re still struggling to know which one to go for, we’d recommend the Bach TR300H2 American Trumpet.
It is just as good as much higher-level trumpet but has everything a beginner needs.
If it’s a little over budget, then we’d recommend taking a look at the Yamaha YTR-2330 or the Jean Paul USA TR-330, which is a more budget-friendly trumpet.
No matter which beginner trumpet you decide to buy, just remember that starting an instrument is never an easy task.
Keep practicing and listen to as many trumpet players as you can. Happy trumpeting!
- The 300 Series trumpet was designed to help the student find it easier to concentrate on making music rather than struggling with the instrument.
- It also features Monel metal piston valves, precision made, with a one-point nylon valve guide for noiseless operation Bracing reinforces
- A durable double-wall case, which cushions and protects the trumpet, featuring ample storage space for accessories, comes with a shoulder strap
