Kevin JohnsonThe trumpet is one of the oldest musical instruments. It has served musicians from ancient times to the 21st century. Unfortunately, not all trumpets are created equal. Analyze different options to find the right instrument for you. As a beginner, look for a functional and beginner-friendly trumpet to help you enhance your skills.
Professional players need versatile instruments with rich tones and chromatic notes. Trumpet manufacturers like Schilke, Yamaha, Jupiter, and Bach deliver high-quality musical products for beginners and pros. But which are the best trumpet brands?
Here are the 10 best trumpet brands:
1. Schilke Music
Schilke is a musical instrument manufacturer founded in 1956 and based in Melrose Park, Illinois. The brand produces handcrafted brass instruments, including trumpets, trombones, and flugelhorns. Its trumpet collection spans the tone spectrum, from Bb to C, E, Eb/D, G, G/F, and piccolos. You can choose a trumpet in Classical Soloiste, HD, and Custom Series or order a unique instrument through Schilke’s Handcraft and I Series. [1]
Image source: Schilke Music
Pros: Schilke trumpets are synonymous with precision and performance. These instruments excel in durability, ergonomics, design, and material quality. Each Schilke trumpet is well-balanced and lightweight, ensuring players don’t feel strained during long music sessions.
Cons: Schilke’s handcrafted trumpets are expensive. The brand uses high-quality materials to produce durable instruments, increasing the price tag. However, Schilke trumpets are worth every penny because they’ll serve you for decades.
Price Range: $2,980-$6,099
2. Yamaha
Yamaha is a Japanese manufacturing company operating across sectors from auto to musical instruments and electronics. The brand released the YTR-1 trumpet in 1966 and expanded its collection to over 20 models. As of Aug 2024, the Yamaha YTR-2330 Student Trumpet was #15 on Amazon’s best sellers list. Yamaha unveiled new instruments at the 2024 NAMM Show. [2]
Image source: Yamaha
Pros: Yamaha offers an extensive trumpet collection. Its instruments are known for their quality, versatility, and rich tones. The brand caters to all trumpeters, from beginners to pros.
Cons: Yamaha trumpets are pricey. Beginners can buy the YTR-2330 on Amazon for $870.
Price Range: $530-$6,000
3. Jupiter Band Instruments
Jupiter is a Taiwanese musical instrument manufacturer and distributor founded in 1980 by KHS. The brand specializes in brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Its production and assembly plants in Taiwan and China offer three trumpet models: the JTR-500, JTR-700, and JTR-1000. In Dec 2023, KHS introduced the new Jupiter 1100 Performance Series that blends artistry, innovation, and stunning aesthetics. You can buy Jupiter trumpets on Amazon. [3]
Image source: Jupiter Music
Pros: Jupiter offers affordable, beginner-friendly musical instruments. The brand uses high-quality trumpet components from its ISO-certified plants or imported from Japan, the US, or Europe.
Cons: Jupiter targets beginners and intermediate players. Its trumpets may not meet the needs of professionals engaged in complex music masterpieces.
Price Range: $459-$1,999
4. Vincent Bach
Bach is a US brass instrument manufacturer founded in 1918 by Austrian-born trumpeter Vincent Schrottenbach. The company is owned by Conn-Selmer and produces its premium Bach Stradivarius trumpets in Elkhart. The brand also offers student-level instruments. Visit the Bach store on Amazon. [4]
Image source: Vincent Bach Store
Pros: Bach is a reputable trumpet brand with over 100 years of experience! It offers high-quality brass instruments for players of all skill levels.
Cons: Bach is a high-end trumpet brand. Most of its instruments cost more than the market’s average.
Price Range: $599-$4,570
5. Jean-Paul USA
Jean-Paul USA is a musical instrument company founded in 1994. The brand started as a distributor for leading manufacturers. In 2012, Jean-Paul began producing instruments to provide affordable options. Its trumpet models include the TR-330 for students, the TR-430 for intermediate players, and the TR-860 for professionals. The Jean-Paul TR-330 and TR-430 are Amazon’s best-selling standard trumpets. You can buy the Jean Paul TR-330 on Amazon for $209.99.
Image source: Jean-Paul USA
Pros: Jean-Paul offers affordable trumpets for players of all skill levels. Its TR-860 trumpet is perfect for discerning musicians seeking a rich, resonant tone. This brass instrument excels in craftsmanship, performance, and durability.
Cons: Jean-Paul has limited trumpet variety. Some professional players argue that the TR-860 doesn’t deliver the best sound quality compared to models from top brands like Bach and Yamaha.
Price Range: $209.99-$749.99
6. Adams Music
Adams Music is an American trumpet brand founded by Miel Adams. The company offers B flat trumpets in the A1-A10 series, mid-level Sonic, and high-end Prologue for professionals. Adams collaborated with Trent Austin on the A1 model and developed its classical A7 with Guido Segers. In 2024, the brand introduced the new ACB by Adams Americana trumpet designed by Miel Adams and Trent Austin for Austin Custom Brass. [5]
Image source: Adams Music
Pros: Adams’ trumpets are well-balanced, comfortable in the hand, and responsive. These features enhance playability. Artists like Roel van Wijk, Simon Van Hoecke, Christian Scott, Diogo Duque, Sidmar Vieira, and Jimmy King have endorsed Adams’ instruments.
Cons: Adams offers limited variety. For example, the Adams Prologue is the only option for professionals. Its custom trumpets are expensive. You’ll need $3,879 to own the new ACB by Adams Americana trumpet.
Price Range: $1,359-$3,879
7. King
King is one of America’s oldest brass manufacturers, founded in 1894 by Thomas King and Henderson White. The company is part of Conn-Selmer’s musical instrument brands. Its top-selling trumpets include the affordable 2055T for students and the high-end 1117 U for marching bands. In Jul 2024, Conn-Selmer invested $21 million to establish a 2-hectare production base in China. The plant will produce affordable King instruments. You can buy King trumpets on Amazon. [6]
Image source: Conn-Selmer/King
Pros: King has manufactured world-class brass instruments since 1894. Its trumpets cater to all players, from beginners to professionals. Renowned artists like Tommy Dorsey, Ziggy Elman, Harry James, Julian Adderley, and Charlie Parker have endorsed King’s instruments.
Cons: King is known for its jazz trombones, not trumpets. It offers limited trumpet options.
Price Range: $400-$2,399
8. CarolBrass
CarolBrass is a family-owned brass instrument brand founded in 1989 by husband-wife Carl Lee and Carol Lo. The company’s Taiwan factory produces high-quality trumpets for beginners and pros worldwide. CarolBrass has several trumpet models, including the CTR-105L for kids, entry-level CTR-1000 and CTR-2000, and mid-level CTR-3050, CTR-3250, and CTR-4000. Its CTR-5000, CTR-5060, CTR-6280, and CTR-6580 series cater to pros.
Image source: CarolBrass
Pros: CarolBrass caters to all players. Its entry-level trumpets are lightweight and affordable, perfect for kids and beginners. Intermediate players and professionals can find high-quality mid-level and high-end options.
Cons: CarolBrass is a mid-market brand with average-priced trumpets. Its high-end options can be pricey.
Price Range: $970-$1,910
9. Mendini by Cecilio
Cecilio is a Los Angeles-based musical instrument company offering trumpets, flutes, violins, cellos, and violas. The brand manufactures its products overseas and inspects them at its LA distribution center to guarantee quality. Its Mendini flutes cater to beginners and intermediate players. Visit the Mendini by Cecilio store on Amazon to explore affordable instruments.
Image source: Mendini by Cecilio
Pros: The Mendini by Cecilio collection offers affordable musical instruments. Its cheapest trumpet costs less than $100, perfect for beginners.
Cons: Mendini by Cecilio trumpets are designed for students. They can’t meet the needs of advanced beginners, intermediate players, and professionals. Some customers complain about product quality and durability issues.
Price Range: $88.99-$137.99
10. Glory Music
Glory is a Chinese musical instrument manufacturer. The brand offers woodwinds, brass, strings, drums, and accessories. As of Aug 2024, the Glory Bb Trumpet was Amazon’s #1 Best Seller in Standard Trumpets. You can buy this affordable Glory trumpet on Amazon.
Image source: Glory Music
Pros: Glory offers affordable flutes. You can buy the Glory Trumpet Bb for $99.99. It is perfect as your first instrument.
Cons: Glory has limited trumpet variety. The brand offers low-quality Bb tone models.
Price Range: $99.99-$149.99
References & more information
- KGU Music (2024, Jun 11). Schilke Trumpets: Precision and Performance for the Modern Musicians. KGUMusic.com
- Yamaha USA (2024, Jan 6). 2024 NAMM Show: What’s new from Yamaha? Yamaha.com
- Jupiter Music (2023, Dec 1). KHS Music Unveils Limited Edition Jupiter 1100 Performance Series Saxophones. JupiterMusic.com
- BBI Co. (2021, Jun 11). The History of the Vincent Bach Corporation. BBICo.com
- ACB Writer (2024, Jan 5). Introducing the new ACB by Adams Americana Trumpet. Austin Custom Brass
- Nantong Gov (2024, Jul 12). Conn-Selmer launched its musical instrument production base in Qidong. Invest China
- Featured image by Ernesto Carrazana
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