TRUMPETS FOR BEGINNERS – The different types on the market

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All you will ever need to know on the different sizes, keys, sounds, and types of trumpets for beginners

Everyone knows what a trumpet is these days.

Either you are a beginner in the brass world, or you are a person that has no idea how to create a single note, the word ‘trumpet’ would certainly ring a bell. The deal is that most people know what a trumpet is, but are not aware of the different trumpet for beginners types.

To be honest, it would be a bit hard to tell the difference between two trumpets if their major difference is as subtle but vital, as the key they produce.

There are tons of wind instrumentalists that just can’t get enough of the number of trumpets there is to choose from. Trumpets are available in several types, but one major distinction between them is the key they play on. Although there are several ways to differentiate between the types of trumpets, we would focus on their keys first.

 

Trumpet Key Types

The most common trumpet for beginners types are the B-flat and C types trumpets. Others are not often seen being used by trumpeters, and they include the D, E-Flat, E, F, G, and A types. All these letters are the keys (that is; the pitch at which they sound) at which they sound best. There are other classifications of trumpets, but we would get to that also as soon as we can.

A lot of individuals might wonder why a trumpet has such a large number of types and categories – I mean, it’s just a trumpet Right? Wrong! Any musical instrument loved dearly by someone isn’t ‘just’ an instrument. The sophistication of the trumpet is enough to get some respect from you. But let’s get back to the discussion –

Trumpets are divided according to:

✅ Size

✅ Material

✅ Quality of sound delivered.

 

It is going to be quite a challenge for most people to spot the difference in these types, but a lover of the instrument – which I believe you are – would most definitely tell the difference! These subtle and major differences are what would determine the way and the event at which you would use the trumpet.

 

Common Use of The Trumpet

One other point we have to clear off our chest is identifying the locations that trumpets are used. This should help ease our understanding of the different trumpet for beginners out there.

 

We all know jazz music or have at least heard it once in our lives – irrespective of our music choices. In jazz music, the trumpet is a very vital instrument and is considered the most important in some cases. However, it is important to note that the most common type of trumpet used in this genre of music is the B-flat trumpet.

 

B-flat trumpets

Glory Brass B flat trumpetB-flat trumpets are cheap and easy to play. Another great thing about them is their popularity. Learning to play an instrument that is common and easy should be easier than playing an instrument that is in the rare category.

 

 

 

 

The C trumpet

C Trumpet Another common type of trumpet is the C trumpet. It is shorter and able to deliver high-quality sounds. It might not be the number one option for jazz music, but it is used by professionals performing in orchestras and other similar events.

Common manufacturers still produce the other forms of trumpets in the business. However, they are quite scarce to find in most music stores. For those new to the trumpet blowing life of an instrumentalist, it is best not to try these trumpet for beginners types for a start.

These trumpets are designed for special types of music and would cause a lot of struggle for a beginner who doesn’t even know the basics, and not to mention a specific music genre of interest!

 

All Trumpet Types

We have discussed the different trumpet types based on the sound they produce and where they are used. Now let us widen our scope! These trumpets are just subdivisions of trumpets on a larger scale.

There are five other forms of trumpets, and some of these trumpets are quite capable of playing several keys, while others are designed for just one key. The great thing about these forms of trumpets is that lots of professionals also recognize them. Let’s have a look, shall we?

 

THE CORNET

cornet trumpetThe cornet is one of the closest relatives a trumpet has. It is quite distinct from a trumpet due to its conical tubing and compact shape. The shape of a wind instrument goes a long way in determining its sound.

A wind instrument that moves from a cylindrical opening to a conical opening would sound different from a completely conical trumpet. This difference in the shape of the cornet and a trumpet is what makes their difference in tone.

The cornet is also known for producing high-quality tones and is used frequently by lots of professionals. Another reason for its popularity is its ability to produce B-flat and E-flat tones without any problems.

 

THE FLUGELHORN

flugelhornThe flugelhorn has quite a degree of resemblance with the cornet and trumpet. However, it does well to produce its own type of sound distinctly and sonorously.

It is smaller than the cornet and the trumpet. It has a large mouthpiece and is made from brass. This is quite insignificant since most wind instruments are made of brass anyways.

However, the point worthy of note is the fact that it is capable of producing both soprano and bass tones quite easily. Most trumpets can’t achieve this feat, and it is one of the reasons the flugelhorn as quite a reputation on its own.

Other reasons for the popularity of the flugelhorn include its lightweight and compact size – this makes it much easier to handle. The best part is that it is perfect for jazz music and other jazz-related forms of music.

 

THE PICCOLO TRUMPET

piccolo trumpetThe piccolo trumpet is a popular member of the trumpet family but is not among the biggest.

It is quite small – even smaller than the flugelhorn. This makes for high pitched tones on an octave higher than the conventional trumpet. This high pitched and high octave instrument is designed to produce tones in A and B-flat.

Since B-flat is quite making a name for itself in the market, one should not be surprised at the high popularity of the piccolo trumpet. However, one should notice a slight difference in the piccolo trumpet – it has four valves instead of three.

But this doesn’t stop professionals from using it. It is commonly used in orchestras and some religious settings. It is ideal for these settings due to its ability to produce tones at C, F and G keys.

Read more on the piccolo trumpet

 

THE POCKET TRUMPET

pocket trumpetThe pocket trumpet is a trumpet designed to produce tones in B-flat. It is quite shorter than the conventional trumpet and is also compact too.

This makes it quite small and with a tighter tubing system than regular trumpets. However, a tight tubing makes it sound more refined and with better quality than most other trumpets.

Tone quality is one thing to consider, but there is no way the pocket trumpet would not be very popular once it is capable of producing the B-flat tone. This makes it very popular in orchestral music and concert bands – all thanks to its small size and ability to deliver refined sound.

 

THE BUGLE

bugleThe bugle is believed to be the simplest type of trumpet in the market. Simple in the sense that it does not have any valves!

The breath of the player completely controls it. The intensity at which it is blown determines the tone it would produce. A lot of trumpeters use the bugle, but what makes it more special is the fact that it is used frequently by the military.

All in all, the bugle is the simplest trumpet to blow, but not an instrument you would find in bands, concerts, and orchestras.

 

 

The Unknown and Scarce Trumpets

There are tons of variants of the trumpet asides the ones mentioned above. The deal with those is that they are not as popular as the ones mentioned, and this makes them scarce in the market.

Some of these include the slide trumpet, bass trumpet, German trumpet, and Baroque trumpet.

 

SLIDE TRUMPET

This trumpet led to the innovation of the trombone. But unlike the trombone, it comes with a single slide. The slide trumpet evolved into the sackbut, then into the trombone.

The sackbut shares more similarities with the trombone than the slide trumpet. However, the slide trumpet laid the foundation and was used as a war instrument sharing some similarities with the war trumpet. It was later separated to be used a dance instrument and not a war call instrument.

 

BASS TRUMPET

The bass trumpet is a trumpet native to Germany, developed in the 1820s, and is known for its low pitch. It is usually pitched at C or B-flat today, which makes it quite a dynamic instrument.

However, it is sometimes built in the E-flat pitch. It is also treated as a transposing instrument that sounds like an octave, sixth or ninth lower than the sheet music – but this depends on the instrument. It has its valves and tube length similar to that of the valve trombone.

But the difference is the sound produced; it has a nard metallic tone than the valve trombone. Modern day manufacturers often use the same tubing, bell, and valves, for valve trombones and bass trumpets. The only difference is their configuration.

 

There are many more trumpet variants, but the few mentioned have given us an insight into what some of the major types can do.

 

 

Modern Trumpet Types

JEAN PAUL TRUMPET

Jean Paul TR-430 TrumpetThe Jean Paul trumpet is one of those trumpets that are in high demand due to the numerous features it has to offer.

It is designed to produce tones in the B-flat key, and it is made of Rose brass lead pipe. Its third trigger is adjustable to ensure that the hand of the player is positioned naturally to enhance the playing technique.

Its valves are made of highly durable piston valves that last for quite a long time without minimizing the quality of the sound of the instrument. Try to get one; it is fun to play and has a beautiful carry to make carrying around easier and attractive.

Read The Jean Paul Trumpet Review

 

 

THE MENDINI BY CECILIO TRUMPET

Mendini MTT-L Bb Trumpet for beginnersThe Mendini is a gold lacquered B-flat trumpet that comes with a 7C mouthpiece.

It comes with a 0.46-inch bore and a 5-inch bell. It also has a 1st valve slide thumb saddle and the 3rd slide with an adjustable throw ring. Its mouth pipe is made with phosphorus copper used on lead, and it has valves that respond smoothly to pressure.

But the best part is its comfortable white faux ‘mother of pearl’ inlaid buttons. It’s either that or the one year warranty on manufacturer’s defect it comes with.

Read The Mendini B-Flat Trumpet Review

 

 

THE GLORY BASS TRUMPET

GLORY BASS TRUMPETThis trumpet is made with a solid brass material to produce a B-flat tone.

It comes with a silver-plated 7C mouthpiece, a lightweight hard case, a pair of white gloves, and soft polishing cloth. It is approved and recommended by most trumpet teachers, and this makes it ideal for beginners.

The interesting part is that it is relatively cheap, in comparison to other popular trumpets, but produces high-quality sound. In other words, it is the most cost-effective trumpets in the market.

Read The Glory Brass Trumpet Review

 

 

We can keep going on and on, describing different trumpets and reviewing different products, but we must not forget the matter of discussion.

 

The Number of Valves

Trumpets are also categorized on another basis such as the number of valves it has, type of valves, key produced, style of music, type of finish, and the type of material used.

Did you know that silver trumpets are far more expensive than their brass finish counterparts? This is a fact, according to most experts. These experts also claim that silver-plated trumpets sound better than the brass types. Based on their claim, these silver-plated trumpets are preferred by professionals especially those in the jazz and orchestral gig. (If you are into Jazz and Trumpets than you should take a look at the division of jazz studies and some of their upcoming gigs)

One would have thought that silver plated trumpets are just for aesthetic’s sake. But thanks to knowledge, we all get the gist. If you don’t, then try reading the entire article again. But this time, do it slowly.

 


TRUMPET FOR BEGINNERS

 

What you need to know before choosing your first trumpet…

There are so many great manufacturers on the market today offering an array of good quality trumpets in different colors, kits, and prices.

So which one should you choose?

Trumpets are wonderful instruments to learn and play music with, but there is a fine line between a professional trumpet and a beginner’s trumpet. Today we are going to go through the features that make a trumpet suitable for beginners.

 

The Importance of the Metal Used

silver Trumpets for Beginners
A Silver Trumpet

First of all, you have to know that color matters a lot when it comes to knowing trumpet for beginners – and no, not your skin color.

The color of the trumpet is not just for aesthetics, but an indicator of the type of metal used. The metal used for a trumpet has a great impact on the trumpet’s tone. You should know that the common metals for beginner trumpets are silver and brass.

 

 

 

Silver or Brass Trumpet for Beginners

Trumpets for Beginners
A Brass Trumpet

It is, however, better to stick to brass trumpet as a beginner. Silver trumpets produce a smooth tone, while brass produces something brassier in sound. What you need as a beginner trumpeter is something that gives you a natural brass sound, and not something overly smooth.

Instruments that produce great sound regardless of your effort tend to reduce the effort you put in working on improving your tone – this is why plastic trumpets are also to be avoided at all costs! Plastic trumpets produce poor tone, no matter your effort, and no music instructor would allow a plastic trumpet play alongside a brass band.

Secondly, beginner trumpets are usually harder than professional trumpets. This means that they can take more abuse than the professional ones. This is in the best interest for a beginner because small dents on the body of the trumpet can affect its overall tone.

Also, the materials used for professional trumpets are usually delicate alloys. These alloys tend to dent easily, whereas a typical beginner trumpet comprises of stronger materials that resist dents to a high degree.

 

What To Look Out For In Terms of Price

In terms of price, you should stay clear of silver trumpets in general – even with a chance where a silver trumpet surprisingly costs lesser than brass trumpet. It is very likely that the silver trumpet has some issues that might not be in your favor.

Silver trumpets are more expensive than their brass counterparts. However, brass is the best option for a beginner. Brass trumpets with a lacquer finish are preferable. These brass trumpets have more resistance towards reaching the top of the range.

This basically prevents the student from playing higher than they should. There are many brands producing brass B-flat trumpets. Check the previous article for the list.

 

A Beginner Trumpet & the Mouthpiece

Lastly, we would talk about the mouthpiece. When you visit the music store, try out as many mouthpieces as possible to find out the one that works for you. The mouthpiece you choose affects the tone and the ease of playing the trumpet.

A large mouthpiece is easy to play, but it gets difficult when trying to produce high tones. A small mouthpiece is great for higher notes but would get the player tired quickly.

Although choosing a standard mouthpiece is important, the most important is airflow resistance.

Good trumpets for beginner tend to resist excess airflow as much as possible, unlike a professional trumpet that allows the player to do virtually anything. The airflow resistance enables the beginner to maintain a steady play by preventing the production of excess tones.

 

Trumpet for Beginners Conclusion

As you can see from the info above, there are minor differences between a professional and a beginner’s instrument but, as small as they may be, they will have an impact on the way you play the instrument.

Choose wisely and have fun…

 


Now that you have read all about trumpets for beginners or you have purchased your first instrument you may want to move on to these easy to follow Beginner Trumpet Exercises where you can learn and practice your new music skills.

There are many more types of trumpets which you can read about in this comprehensive and detailed post. So, if you are looking for your first trumpet, read on.