| So how do you choose a trumpet for beginners? If | | | | The main parts that make up a trumpet are the bell, |
| you have no knowledge of trumpets it can be very | | | | leadpipe, valves, valve castings, valve slides, tuning |
| difficult and intimidating to go into a shop and know | | | | slides and the mouthpiece - all of which combine to |
| where to start, especially with a sales person looking | | | | create the sound typical to that trumpet make. Each |
| over your shoulder, and your son or daughters | | | | manufacturer has their own spin on these elements |
| expectations pulling at your heart strings. | | | | of a trumpet which is why each make of trumpet will |
| Well this my article will give you a good head start | | | | sound different. |
| and help prepare you for a visit to shop. I should | | | | Guide to Buying a Trumpet |
| point out that my advice is really aimed at parents | | | | So now you know a little about the parts and makes, |
| thinking of buying a trumpet for their child rather than | | | | here's some friendly advice on buying a trumpet: |
| an adult buying for themselves. | | | | - Always try out the trumpet before buying. If you |
| Types of Trumpet | | | | can encourage your teacher to help you that would |
| There are three basic types of trumpet - cornets, | | | | be a great help. |
| flugelhorns and the trumpet. The cornet and | | | | - If you are buying a new trumpet have a look for |
| flugelhorn are rather specialized so I won't go into | | | | dents and knocks both on the bell, the leadpipe and |
| detail about them; all you need to know is that the | | | | the valve castings as any dents would affect the |
| trumpet is the most common one to choose as a | | | | sound. |
| beginner. Another thing to mention here is that | | | | - Never buy a second hand trumpet unless you know |
| trumpets are built to play at different pitches but by | | | | something about trumpets already. I mentioned |
| far and away the most common is the Bb (B Flat). | | | | earlier about Yamaha and Jupiter trumpets. Both have |
| You will find Bb trumpets being played in all genres of | | | | different models in their ranges. For absolute |
| music so this is a great choice to start off with. As | | | | beginners and your more younger players the |
| you progress, you can become more selective, or | | | | Yamaha YTR 1335 is a great choice and would see |
| have the whole range as some advanced players do. | | | | your child up to Grade 2 or 3. For older beginners you |
| Brands of Trumpets for Beginners | | | | might want to have a look at the Yamaha YTR 2335. |
| If you have carried out some research you'll see | | | | There isn't a huge difference to be honest and at |
| there are plenty of manufacturers. Yamaha, Jupiter, | | | | the end of the day your budget will dictate your |
| Bach, Schilke and many more. In my experience of | | | | choice more than the differences in sound or quality |
| the UK, Yamaha and Jupiter and very popular choices | | | | between them. |
| amongst students and they are comparable in both | | | | I know that for some parents the price might be off |
| quality and price. Each manufacturer have their own | | | | putting which is understandable when you have no |
| nuances in the way they are designed and ultimately | | | | idea if your child is serious about playing long term. if |
| how they sound. But ask any trumpet teacher in the | | | | this is the case, I implore you not to buy a cheap |
| UK and in the main they would agree that Yamaha | | | | Chinese import, or a toy trumpet from Argos or |
| and Jupiter are a good choice. | | | | similar - they will put your child off for life and they |
| NOTE: There are a lot of cheaper Chinese imported | | | | will never improve. Simple as. |
| trumpets available in the market these days. Not | | | | If you are worried about the cost, you can always |
| everything that is manufactured in China is of poor | | | | look into renting a trumpet. There are plenty of |
| quality, but with trumpets you really have to be | | | | instrument retailers out there who offer this service. |
| careful. They are very difficult instruments to | | | | Its a great way to introduce your child to the |
| manufacturer on the cheap. Period. | | | | instrument without a huge outlay straight off the bat. |
| Parts of the Trumpet | | | | |