Knowledge-->Trumpet Buying Guide
Things You'll Need:
Chamois Cloth
Mouthpiece Brushes
Music Stands
Small Bottle Of Valve Oil
Trumpet Cases
Trumpet Mouthpieces
Trumpets
Tuning Slide LUBRICANTS
Trumpeters' Bible Trumpeter's Bible
Sheet Music
Step 1
Determine your budget limit for investment in a trumpet. Use the age and maturity of the student as a guideline.
Step 2
Include in your calculation a well-braced trumpet case of wood or metal with plenty of internal protective padding. Avoid a leather case at this point.
Step 3
Bring your own mouthpiece & examine the trumpet's tone quality. This quality is the prime attribute of any instrument.
Step 4
Understand that a large-bore (the inside tube diameter) instrument requires good breath support and produces a "big," "rich," and "fat" tone or resonance. Openness, warmth and ease characterize the nature of this sound.
Step 5
Understand that a small-bore trumpet may be easier to blow, but the sound produced can be "thin," "crisp" or "shallow." A good tone should be "free," "round" and "clear" with an overtone presence. Small-bore instruments have a very "sharp edge" or "focus." Evaluate both types.
Step 6
Realize that the "flare" of bell construction varies with brand names such as Bach, Schilke and Yamaha.
Step 7
Know what the ultimate cost will be, since purchase plans can vary.
Step 8
Understand that the basic difference between a cornet and a trumpet is in the bore of the tubing. The cornet has two-thirds conical bore and one-third cylindrical bore. The trumpet is the reverse.
Step 9
Cylindrical bore produces a "brilliant" tone. Conical bore allows a horn to produce a "warm" or "mellow" sound. The pitch or fingerings aren't different. Professionals usually own both instruments.