Guide for size and styles of trumpets.

What is the difference between student, intermediate and professional models?

Many companies manufacture student, intermediate, and professional models. It is suggested that children just starting with lessons use a student trumpet. These levels are often a good starting point when considering the instrument and its value. Beginner's trumpets are made by machines in large quantities to keep the prices reasonable. They are designed for durability and easy production of tone, rather than quality of tone and intonation. They are generally not as high in quality but are easy to maintain and durable for young children. The bell construction on this type of trumpet will affect the sound and projection of the instrument. Student trumpets are a little looser and can tolerate a little more abuse. Therefore you will find that student instruments play well but do not have all the features and craftsmanship found in an intermediate or professional model.

Intermediate trumpets are said to be designed for those who are ready to move past the basics into more complicated and advanced playing and they often require more maintenance. The intermediate trumpet line is really a marketing maneuver. For the most part they are trumpets made to look like a professional model but are built like a student model. They are usually silver plated with a few feature adjustments like a fixed third valve slide rings, and first valve hooks. The improved look and added cost do not necessarily mean you are buying a much better trumpet.

Professional horns are made meet the demands of a serious, professional player and they are built to optimize playability. These instruments are built to the highest standards and use only the best quality materials. The options are available for professional trumpets are extensive. Pro quality trumpets differ from each other primarily in weight, bore size (diameter of the tubing), bell size, material and shape

What are the different types of trumpets?

There are a variety of different types of trumpets. The most common is the Bb trumpet which is what most students. The Bb trumpet is the instrument that is played in concert bands, jazz bands, rock bands and most ensembles which involve the trumpet. In high school some students may want additional trumpets to expand their abilities. Other commonly used trumpets include the C trumpet, D trumpet, Eb trumpet, and piccolo trumpet. The difference between them is the length of the tubing which gets progressively smaller resulting in a higher pitch.

Trumpet Types

B Flat Trumpets
B Flat Trumpets are the most common types of trumpets. A typical model has a key range of F sharp to lower than Middle C to several octaves higher. Its mouthpiece is usually made of brass. Keys are plated in silver and valves are plated with nickel. The body is usually lacquered with gold for a shiny finish.
Piccolo Trumpets
Piccolo Trumpets are the smallest types of trumpet. Its tubing is half the length of that of a B flat trumpet. A typical model plays in the keys of A and B flat. It is usually made up of four valves, a 3.5-inch diameter bell, and a 0.401- to 0.417-inch diameter bore. Piccolo Trumpets produce a tight and bright tune especially when played in the high registers.
Soprano Trumpets
A soprano trumpet is tuned to the key of G. It is also called a soprano bugle or a sopranos. Most Soprano Trumpets are made up of piston and rotary valves and are available in two bore sizes: large and extra large. It is commonly used in drum and bugle corps.
Bass Trumpets
The pitch and mouthpiece of a bass trumpet is similar to that of a trombone. It is made up of a 0.484-inch diameter bore, a 7-inch diameter bell, and smooth pearl finger buttons. Bass Trumpets are commonly played by trombonists.
Slide Trumpets
Slide Trumpets have slides instead of valves. Similar to a B flat trumpet, they are also comparable to a soprano trombone. Most models have 0.452-inch diameter bores and 4.72-inch diameter bells.
Pocket Trumpets
A pocket trumpet is the smaller version of the standard B flat trumpet. It is made with a small bell and a tightly wound tubing. Pocket Trumpets produce a warm sound that mimics voice articulations.

Trumpet Finishes

All trumpets come in either a lacquer or silver plated exterior. The lacquer finish is on a buffed brass surface. Some believe that silver plate is considered better than lacquer because it dampens vibration less than lacquer does. Other's however believe that lacquer or silver plate make no difference to how a student's trumpet plays. Silver plating will add to the cost of a student trumpet. High school students all have silver, pro quality, trumpets that are bright and shiny so it is the envy of the beginner to have the same. The silver plate is a flashier-looking finish and it can create a pride that inspires greater enthusiasm for learning and playing the trumpet.