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recognizable tunes adds to the fun and enjoyment of learning the trumpet.
BUYING YOUR FIRST TRUMPET
The staff members of a music store can offer expert
assistance in picking out your first trumpet, and it may
also be helpful to have a more experienced player with you to help you test
the instrument when you shop for your first trumpet. It is recommended that
you gather as much information regarding brand, model and instrument features
as possible. Gem opinions and information from your
band director, private trumpet teacher,
the sales person at the store, and anyone else you know
to he knowledgeable about the trumpet.
Many companies manufacture student, intermediate, and
professional model trumpets. The suggested retail price for
student horns is approximately $700 or more, for
intermediate (or "step-
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student model horn will probably satisfy beginners for two or three years, but
if the players excel, by the time they are in high school they may be ready to
move on to a more expensive instrument.
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up”) trumpets its $900 or more, and professional
model instruments carry list prices starting around $1500. (Note: These are
“manufacturer suggested retail” or “list”
prices. Stores typically offer an actual retail price
that is lower than these figures.)
Beginner, intermediate, professional
what’s the difference? In general, student horns
play well, hut don’t have all the features and
craftsmanship found on an intermediate or professional
model. Most student trumpets are made with a two-
piece bell as opposed to a one-piece bell, which affects sound and
projection. There are also trumpets with the so-
called “seamless” bell. A seamless bell is two pieces joined without “filler”
material, in effect creating a one- piece bell with no seam. The
valves (pistons) on beginner instruments are made with slightly looser
tolerances than the pro models, so they should always move freely as long as
they are cleaned and maintained properly. A student model horn will probably
satisfy beginners
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Other trumpet-family members include the cornet (top) and flugelhorn (right).
Comets are favored by some educators as starter instruments because they are
relatively easier to blow than trumpets. Flugelhorns, which are known for the
rich, mellow sound, are fingered the same as the Bb trumpet and play in the
same range. At left is a trumpet with an upturned bell, of the type made
famous by jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie.
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