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Shopping for a Trumpet
Finding the right trumpet can be a daunting
task. Here are some tips to keep
in mind:
- Trumpets come in "student" and
"professional" models. Student
trumpets cost less than professional models
because they are made using shortcuts. For
example, a professional trumpet will have
a single piece bell, whereas the bell of
a student trumpet is usually made out of
two pieces or it has a slightly improved
design called a "seamless" bell.
While lower in quality, a student model can
be ideal for beginning students where the
likelihood of the instrument being lost,
damaged, or simply not used is higher. For
students, Yamaha's are the most popular.
- Lower priced trumpets have a clear lacquer
coating cost that allows the brass to shine
through. The more expensive trumpets have
silver plating on top of the brass that makes
the instrument slightly heavier and gives
it a darker sound. Professionals agree that
in general, a silver trumpet looks nicer
but doesn't play or sound substantially different
from a brass one.
- Selecting the right mouthpiece is critical.
Mouthpieces are rated by how large the bore
(opening) is, and how deep the cup (or bowl)
is. Student mouthpieces have a smaller bore
and shallower cup that make them easier to
produce a sound. As your student progresses,
you can keep the same trumpet but upgrade
to a better mouthpiece.
- When getting a trumpet, don't forget a hard
case that can withstand trips and valve oil
to keep the valves working well.
Buy or rent?
Buying a trumpet can be a good
investment
unless you are unsure if you
will stick with
it -- in which case you might
do better to
rent. Most musical instrument
stores offer
reasonably priced rental plans
(with lower
payments during the first three
months to
encourage you to give the instrument
a try).
If you think there's a good chance
that you
will want to keep the trumpet
you are going
to rent, ask about a "rent-to-buy"
option -- for a few extra dollars,
it gives
you the flexibility of a rental
along with
some portion of the monthly payment
going
toward the ultimate purchase. |
| Where to Shop |
| When shopping, compare prices but stay away
from low-cost trumpets from major
big-box
retailers and discount stores.
These are
typically made off shore and
most repair
shops won't touch them if there's
a problem. |
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