In addition to being a private violin teacher and having a degree in music from USC, Alecia started writing music-related articles and product reviews six years ago and has enjoyed this experience greatly. She likes to learn new instruments and write new compositions in her free time.
Marcus has a vast experience in digital audio and sound design. Thanks to his knowledge, he actively helps musicians with technical problems, improving their audio quality and promoting their tracks so that thousands of listeners can enjoy really good music.
Last updated: September 29, 2024
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Whether your child is just starting out or if you want to pick up your next hobby through an instrument, having the proper tools to learn can be just as important as the lessons themselves. If you’re looking to choose the right instrument fit for you or your child’s level or if you want to pick out the best student trumpet on the market, this guide can help you sort out not only the best brands but also a guide to help you through the buying process.
There are so many different kinds of benefits to having a special or specific trumpet for the various playing levels. Not only is matching a trumpet with a playing level important because of the ease of playing, but it can also help solidify or begin a love for the instrument if done the right way. In our review today, we’ve highlighted the various features that we have considered in our review that can sort out one trumpet from the next. These features—from the key each trumpet plays in to its warranty information to the bell and bore sizes and finish—all play an important role in the quality of the instrument and the choice.
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Through hours of research looking up various products used from different level players, we’ve come up with a side-by-side comparison table listed with the best ten student trumpets on the market. You can also read on for in-detail reviews of each product and a buying guide to help you choose which is best for you.
The Bach TR300H2 is our Editor’s Choice for the best student trumpet on the market.
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With a clear lacquer finish, this student-friendly trumpet design helps the beginner or intermediate student truly concentrate on the music instead of learning the intricacies of the instrument.
Designed to play with much less resistance than other trumpets on the market, the Bach TR300H2 has features like Monel metal piston valves which are made with precision and have a one-point nylon valve guide for noiseless operation to help your student focus more on the music.
Backed by a 5-year warranty, the Bach TR300H2 is a great investment for the beginner student who is just embracing his or her love for the trumpet. Especially since it comes with features like a reinforcing bracing which helps sturdy the main tuning slide. Its adjustable 3rd slide ring helps smaller hands hold the instrument without much trouble, which is great news for a beginner.
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Coming with a durable double-wall case capable of holding multiple accessories in storage, the Bach TR300H2 makes it easy to transport to and from your lessons. The Bach TR300H2 also has a first slide thumb hook and an adjustable slide ring, making learning much easier than other student trumpets out there.
Why did it make our list?
Comes included with a carrying case and strap
Produces balanced tones that are rich in sound
Has high-quality Monel pistons
What is not ideal about it?
For a student, these valves come with a learning curve
The Yamaha YTR-2330 is a silver-plated trumpet that lives up to its standard as a trumpet not only best for learning students but more geared in particular to college students with bigger hands.
Backed by a 5-year limited warranty, the Yamaha YTR-2330 is the latest and most updated version of the student trumpet from the world-renown Yamaha brand. Especially since the name is known worldwide as a great assistance in the development of young musicians, Yamaha has a reputation to back up in this latest edition.
The Yamaha YTR-2330 has a two-piece bell, which is crafted with state-of-the-art production methods—this holds the trumpet accountable to delivering a consistent, vibrant tone, every time you play.
From its balanced weight and adjustable third valve trigger, the bigger hands of a college student can hold on to the trumpet naturally and play properly—even as a beginner.
In general, the Yamaha YTR-2330 boasts a natural ease of use and overall easy playability feature. Since it is both durable and lightweight, the Yamaha YTR-2330 boasts optimal playability, simple transportability and is great for the promotion of technique and endurance.
Why are we impressed?
Thin and light, comes with case for great portability
The Jupiter XO 1602S is a great upgrade pick if your child or you are turning into a more advanced student. If you’re looking for high-quality, the Jupiter XO 1602S has the brand that backs up its product—which is also backed by a 10-year limited warranty.
The Jupiter XO 1602S trumpet comes with features included like elliptical and rounded tuning slides, pearl inlaid and metal finger buttons, and regular and light-action spring sets that truly set this trumpet apart from others of its caliber on the market.
Included with the Jupiter XO 1602S is also an XO Series Tourlite Case that can ease transportation and make carrying the trumpet not only to and from lessons simple but also carrying it to concerts a breeze.
Constructed with performance in mind, the Jupiter XO 1602S is labeled as a professional class trumpet that comes with a level of customization that most advanced or professional players normally look for. The .459-inch bore and a 4.8-inch one-piece hand-hammered bell are designed to up the game on response and also tone.
The trumpet also comes with the option of having both rounded and elliptical main tuning slides as well as regular and light action spring sets. This can help the player become one with the instrument.
If you want bigger and better sound, the Jupiter XO 1602S has a standard and weighted bottom valve cap to add some mass and projection.
What are its best features?
Is backed by a decade guarantee
Professional sound and play
Tone and projection are also high-quality
What could be improved?
Might be a bit bulky for smaller hands and fingers
If you‘re looking for the next upgrade fit for your student trumpet, the Blessing BTR-1460G truly is a blessing. From its features to its performance, this trumpet is not only backed by a 5-year warranty, but it also has smooth slide action to make playing and learning a breeze, which can be great when learning more complicated pieces.
The Blessing BTR-1460G has features like a 60 bore, 5-inch bell, a 2-piece hand-hammered bell, and Monel Pistons with a first valve thumb hook and third slide ring that can make playing simple for a beginner or an advanced student.
The Blessing BTR-1460G also has lever water keys, a 7c mouthpiece, and even the case included for simple transport.
Especially if you are a more advanced student, you‘ll definitely love the heavier valve, which is intended to target the more practiced player, delivering an open and broad sound. You’ll also like the feel and responsiveness of the hand-lapped pistons. The Blessing BTR-1460G delivers a smooth action and sound, which is great when playing a difficult piece.
If you want to get the most out of the 5-year limited warranty, the Blessing BTR-1460G also has a sturdy foundation and design to last you all that time.
If you‘re more into jazz music and the certain sound it gives off, the Bach 19037 Stradivarius could be a great selection for your playing and learning journey.
Backed by a 5-year warranty, the Bach 19037 Stradivarius has certain features that set it apart from other student trumpets on the market. From its operational center in Elkhart, Indiana, the certain parts of the trumpet have a unique charm and unrepeatable legacy.
With its 50th year running, the Bach 19037 Stradivarius is the 19037 Stradivarius 50th Anniversary Model. Not only is it a celebration of tradition, but it also shows that you don’t have to stray far from the original.
The great part of ordering a Bach 19037 Stradivarius? You can either order it with a lacquer finish or with silver plating. With a reputation of the name Bach as one of the most popular trumpet designs ever, you not only get the years of traditional design, you also get features like a .459-inch medium-large bore and a one-piece hand-hammered yellow brass bell.
From two-piece valve casing with nickel balusters and wide sculpted bracing, you can get an advanced model at an affordable price. You can also enjoy the anniversary wood shell case.
Especially if you are planning on joining band this year, the Jean Paul USA TR-330 can be your ticket in. Not only can your playing level and skill help you land a spot on the squad—this instrument can help you deliver the sound you need to fit right in.
Playing in the key of Bb, this is a great student instrument for a beginner, especially for students who want to learn a band instrument affordably. Included with your purchase is not only a 1-year warranty for that school year, but also a robust, contoured carrying case to carry to and from your lessons.
The Jean Paul USA TR-330 is designed with a yellow brass body construction—finished with a top of gold lacquer. Not only does the Jean Paul USA TR-330 comes with a carrying case, but it also comes with valve oil, a cleaning cloth, and a mouthpiece.
If you or your child is a beginner band student, the generous bore on this trumpet makes playing not only easy but also accurate. The Jean Paul USA TR-330 specializes in producing warm tones that are normally strange for a beginner to be able to play. You’ll also be able to produce a high-quality sound projection, perfect for being one sound in a band.
What are our favorite features?
Perfect for beginners for optimal performance and little practice
More features: stainless steel pistons, third slide ring adjustable, solid yellow brass construction, 7C mouthpiece, includes case and cleaning kit, inlaid pearl key buttons
The Kaizer TRP-1000NK is a great student trumpet if you’re buying one for a younger child—with its build and construction, it makes it easy to play no matter the size of the player’s hands and fingers.
For novice players, the Kaizer TRP-1000NK has a 0.464″ large bore and 5″ bell construction with rose brass lead-pipe. The sound of the trumpet is designed to play perfectly with a dynamic response for classical, jazz, school band, and marching band players.
For a younger, student player, the Kaizer TRP-1000NK comes with a standard 7C mouthpiece, allowing for other mouthpieces to also be attached depending on the preference of the player.
The adjustable 3rd valve slide ring of the Kaizer TRP-1000NK also makes it easy for beginner students because of its easy and better gripping, as well as its intonation control. With your purchase, you also get a molded case, valve oil, polishing cloth, and a pair of gloves.
Since most younger students are a bit clumsier with their instruments, the design and high-quality build of the Kaizer TRP-1000NK makes it pretty solid and durable. It is also designed with stainless steel valve pistons to minimize friction and to be corrosion resistant.
Why are we impressed?
Great for school bands
Comes with case and starter package
Produces high-quality sound
Durable construction and improved design for younger players
What negatives must you be aware of?
Although has a lifetime-limited warranty, the nickel of the trumpet wears off
The Jupiter JTR700 is rated as our Most Universal student trumpets on the market for a great, all-around play.
With a foundation of a high-quality build, clean lines, and great intonation, the 10-year limited warranty speaks for itself.
The Jupiter JTR700 has a focused, centered tone that is a great beginner trumpet or a secondary, upgrade pick. Designed with an adjustable third slide ring and stainless steel pistons, the Jupiter JTR700 is free-blowing and performs with a focused, centered tone.
Backed by a valuable reputation, the Jupiter 700 series has a quality brand and is built with a great horn for high-performance sound. With most upgrade trumpets, you might run into unpleasant surprises with valves that stop functioning, however, the Jupiter JTR700 is guaranteed to keep on working.
The silver-plated finish gives the Jupiter JTR700 the look you might be looking for not only while you‘re performing solo but also to stand out in the crowd when playing in a band. The bell has a measurement of 4.8 inches, with a bore that is measured at almost half an inch.
The stainless steel pistons also guarantee its lasting play quality.
If you’re on a budget but still want to get quality performance, the Eastar ETR-380N can be a great choice for a beginner. Finished with clear lacquer, the sound of this instrument is just as good as it looks.
With high-quality timbre, the trumpet gives off a bright, powerful, and penetrating sound and leaves a vibration to rival the professional trumpet.
With its nickel finish, the clean and transparent color looks highly professional. Not only does it look good—it also has the features to give it a reputation for high-performing sound, like a first valve slide thumb saddle and a third valve slide with adjustable throw ring.
For a comfortable fit, you can also enjoy the ease of play with the Eastar ETR-380N‘s white faux mother of pearl inlaid buttons. Although it takes a bit of cleaning and attention to maintain, the Eastar ETR-380N is just as good as any other non-budget choice on the market.
There seems to be absolutely no air leakage and users have not mentioned any difficulty in playing, which is great news for beginners.
For a great starter package, you will be able to enjoy the trumpet and all the accessories it comes with, including white gloves, cloth, valve oil, a trumpet cleaning kit, a 7C mouthpiece, and a hard case.
The Eastar ETR-380N is backed by a 12-Month Product Warranty.
The Allora MXPT-5801-BK is our last trumpet on this guide as our best pocket trumpet for transport—especially to and from lessons!
Boasted as a fun instrument to play at any level, the Allora MXPT-5801-BK comes finished off with a professional look with a sharp black nickel plate finish.
With its compact size, not only is the Allora MXPT-5801-BK great for beginners and smaller players, but it‘s also a great travel trumpet that is great to bring to performances and when traveling to and from lessons.
Since the original buying package includes a case, this makes it all the easier to be complete with the entire transportation. Although its smaller than most other trumpets on the market, that doesn‘t mean that the sound quality is compromised—the Allora MXPT-5801-BK still performs with high-quality sound.
Not only is it compact, but it is also truly comfortable for any level player—from its features including the yellow brass lead pipe and the 7C mouthpiece.
Although it has a 3-year limited warranty, if you advance quickly in your musical career, you might want to consider upgrading your trumpet.
Why are we impressed?
Compact and small, perfect for traveling
Black Nickel Finish sets it apart from other
What negatives must you be aware of?
Doesn’t deliver full-scale performance
Perfect for amateur and beginner—needs to be upgraded for more advanced players
Now that you’ve been introduced to a few of the best student trumpets on the market, you’ll most likely need help deciding which is best for you—not only by your level but also by your price and what you plan in your near future.
For example, if you want to become a much more advanced player, you’ll definitely want to consider a more or reliable trumpet that can last a few years and grow as you grow.
We would also suggest for you to take a look at this buying guide to truly get acquainted with the various features and what makes them important.
When is it time to upgrade to a student trumpet
Especially as a beginner, the entire world of music might be completely new to you.
Even though you might be taking lessons, knowing when you’ve surpassed the capabilities of your beginner trumpet is quite important—especially for the evolution of your music and trumpet-playing abilities.
A “student trumpet” can be classified into three different levels—from beginner models to student models.
Although a beginner trumpet set themselves apart from more advanced types by adhering more to the needs of smaller or younger trumpeters, a student trumpet still is classified by its ease of use and a bit more availability for the learning musician.
In general, a beginner trumpet is easier to control. Especially since very young players might be holding the trumpet, these trumpets are also built with durability that can receive a few bumps and bruises—especially when being transported to and from lessons.
The beginner trumpet is also generally using standard B flat—which is where every player will start. After learning and taking lessons for a while, a player can then change to other, more specific keys that would be much more complex than just the B.
A student trumpet will then be sufficient to help a player carry on with their lessons to become more and more advanced as they learn and practice.
Generally, student trumpets are generated by machine (not generally by hand like other beginner or professional models). This might make the price much cheaper but can lead to less precision in playing.
Obviously, professional models will be much more expensive, but can be more precise and are normally more hands-on when in production.
How much does brand matter?
From Bach to Jean Paul, the brand can mean just about everything when it comes to a musical instrument.
Although they might not be handcrafted, a student trumpet from a house-name brand like these, can mean the difference between buying a reliable instrument that will last you years and getting one that needs to be replaced quickly.
The sound of price
You should first try and define your goals as a musician before you go investing in thousands of dollars on a student trumpet. On this guide, you can find our budget option, like the Eastar ETR-380Npriced as low as $150 to our number one option, the Bach TR300H2covered with an investment of close to about $1,000.
Of course, deciding between investing in a new trumpet and a used one can also make a huge difference in price (as well as quality). You’ll want to outline your goals and plan if you’re going to be investing in a trumpet. Make sure you’re getting the quality for your money.
Choose the best student trumpet by the following features
Before you go out and pick on a whim, you want to consider diving in a bit deeper to the details of each instrument.
When doing your research (or just checking out our choices from up above, make sure you take a look at these important features:
Trumpet type
As we mentioned before, the level of player you are can make a difference in what type of trumpet you’re going to want to look for.
The most common type of trumpet across the board will be the BB trumpet. Fortunately, when you take a look at the Bb trumpet, you’ll notice that ALL our trumpets on this guide are labeled as under this type.
If you’re thinking of joining a marching band, as well, you’ll want to consider the Bb trumpet, since it is adapted to most songs and band-use.
Although we’ll just be offering Bb trumpets here on this guide, there are other types available, like the C trumpet, Bass Trumpet, a Piccolo Trumpet, an E Trumpet, and many others.
Listen to the sound
As for having an expert ear, you’ll need your teacher or professor to have a listen to the trumpet that you’re about to buy. This can help you decide on whether or not the trumpet will fit the sound you‘re looking for.
A few minutes can make a huge difference! Once the person has invested in listening to the sound of the trumpet, they can usually tell whether or not it’ll be a good choice for your playing level, ability, and goals.
Bore diameter
The bore—which is the inside of the tubing—can be different from one trumpet to another based on the width and diameter of it. Most of the trumpets here on this guide will be less than .5“, usually ranging from .44-.49”.
The bore will impact the sound of the trumpet on some level but it’s not the most important factor when looking to invest or choose a trumpet.
The bigger the bore, the louder it will be, the bigger volume it’ll have, and actually—the more difficult it’ll be to play.
If you’re a student that is still struggling to advance, you’ll want to look at the smaller scale of trumpets, like the ones featured here at .459”.
Keys
As we previously mentioned, trumpets come in a variety of different keys. The most common trumpet keys sold (especially at the student level) will be Bb and C.
The Bb trumpet is a standard, common trumpet that tailors to most written music. In other words—if you’ve got a Bb trumpet, you’ll most likely have no problems with playing music.
Considered as the “modern’ trumpet”, you’ll have a lot of versatility to work with and will be able to practice and try out a wide variety of music.
The C trumpet is less common than the Bb. The C tends to give off a bright and light tone, which is commonly found in an orchestra or one that is played by a professional.
Materials and finish
When taking a closer at the foundation of the student trumpet, they are generally all made out of brass. However, it’s not uncommon to see a finish of lacquer or silver-plated, like the Eastar ETR-380N and the Bach 19037 Stradivarius.
This type of color and finish is normally chosen based on preference, but the student should keep more of the price and the sound quality in mind when choosing a trumpet, rather than just the finish.
Mouthpiece importance
However, what is important is the mouthpiece.
If you’re a beginner, you’ll want to start with a smaller rim and a C cup—the standard of most beginner trumpets.
If you’re a bit more advanced and at the student level, you’ll want to stay with the smaller rim and C cup until you’ve really advanced. Fortunately, investing in a trumpet that has a longer warranty can help you advanced without having to invest in another trumpet.
Accessories
Some accessories generally included with a trumpet purchase normally are traveling cases but can also include a general package, like the Kaizer TRP-1000NK, which comes with a molded case, valve oil, polishing cloth, and a pair of gloves.
Taking a look to see what the trumpet comes with when purchased can help also save you money in the long run from buying extra accessories before you begin playing. You might already have some of these accessories at home, so it’s also possible that you might not need to spend the extra money on the trumpet with the starter package and go for the solo trumpet purchase.
Valves and slides
After purchasing or if you’re able to check out the trumpet in your hands before you purchase it, you’ll want to check out the valves and the part of the trumpet around it.
Especially if you’re investing in a used instrument, you’ll want to check for dents, marks or rips in the valves.
If these valves move at all, this is a sign of damage that might want to make you consider purchasing this particular trumpet.
You’ll also want to make sure to see that the slides can be completely closed. The adjustments on the trumpet should also be able to be moved easily without much struggle.
Make sure there’s also a rubber stopper of some sort that keeps the third ring from sliding out—which is especially important if you want to play error-free.
Bell
The bell is also an important feature of the student trumpet. The two factors that you’ll need to check out would be the material and how they were manufactured.
Although most student trumpets will be made with a yellow brass bell, you can also find them in rose brass and in silver. The type of material can play a role in the sound being played.
The yellow brass is the most affordable—however, it is still very durable! Red brass will be giving off a much lower and warmer tone. Silver will are generally much more expensive, require more maintenance, and are of higher quality—which means they work best for professional or highly advanced players.
Warranty
Since you’re not only investing in your instrument as a student but potentially a career, you’ll want to check out if there’s a warranty that backs up the quality of the instrument and the product.
On this guide, you’ll find trumpets that range with a backed warranty of 45-days to just nearly 10 years. Check this with the manufacturer before you buy. If you’re planning on investing in a used model, ask the seller to provide them with the original receipt or purchase details to check up on with the manufacturer. This information can also be found online. However, most trumpet owners will keep a record on the warranty for the particular trumpet.
Trumpet playing tips to sound professional
Although you might be playing at just the student level, you can engage in a few tips on how to improve your tone quality.
Before you start on your instrument-learning journey, pick a trumpet player to aspire to, this can help you develop your sound.
Make sure you practice! Even if that means you have to continuously do your tone quality exercises, this can help you get a clean sound.
Focus on your mouthpiece. Although this is a controversial subject, you can just practice plying something on the mouthpiece alone that can help you train your ears and breathing.
Make sure you’re using the right equipment—remember, bigger and more expensive isn’t always better.
For more tips, check out this following video:
FAQ
To help you on your trumpet-learning journey, check out these answers to the most FAQs:
Just like with anything in life, it depends. Obviously, with a proper instructor, you’ll be able to get personalized lessons and have someone correct your own mistakes. However, learning the trumpet on your own is not impossible.
To help you make a good trumpeter career, you should try looking into finding a proper mentor to help you while you’re learning. We would also suggest you to play with people who want to play with you. Your enthusiasm grows when you’re having fun! And lastly, practice, practice, practice!
Yes, they can! However, at one point, you’re going to reach a level that outgrows your trumpet’s playing capacity. At that point, you’re going to want to consider investing in something more advanced.
Our Verdict
If you’ve decided to skip over our product reviews and buying guide, here is a summary of the best three student trumpets on the market:
Our Editor’s Choice is the Bach TR300H2, playing in key Bb (as all the other trumpets listed here) and with a bore of .459”. The Bach is “Bach”-ed by a 5-year limited warranty and has a variety of great features that can make playing fun.
Our Runner-Up is the Yamaha YTR-2330, which is best for college students who are playing at a bit of a higher level. This silver-plated trumpet also includes a case for carrying to and from concerts and performances.
Our Budget Pick is the Eastar ETR-380N, designed with clear lacquer for an optimal finish—meaning you can get the look without having to dish out the extra money! Although it‘s only backed by a 1-year limited warranty, it comes with a few extra accessories that will be worth your price and while, including the case and cleaning kit.
We hope this guide has helped you pick the best student trumpet for your level and price range.
