Hi Horns Music
"You really have to play one!"

Considerations When Purchasing a Trumpet

  • The age and performance level of the player

    • An inexperienced player needs a general purpose instrument that functions completely and dependably to promote motivation and optimum progress

    • An experienced player may desire/need a specialized instrument

  • The application(s)of the instrument

    • What are the performer’s specific goals?

    • What will be the context(s) of performance? (Styles of music etc.)

  • Quality involves many variables

    • Craftsmanship/manufacturing process

    • Materials

    • Mechanical operation

    • Finish

    • Design features

    • Proportions(i.e. bell shape, size, taper)

    • Blow(open/tight)

    • Sound (bright/dark)

    • Tuning

  • Beware of advertised endorsements by professional performers

    • Musicians who do advertised endorsements do so for financial gain

    • Advertised endorsements add cost to the trumpet which is passed on to the customer

    • Many musicians who do endorsements for a particular brand name actually play other trumpets by different manufacturers because they prefer them over the endorsed brand

    • Endorsements do not guarantee that the product is the best or that it is the right one for you

  • To make a truly informed, wise decision, it will be necessary to shop extensively within your area to compare products and the expertise of the people who sell them (you will find all points below to be covered at Hi Horns Music)

    • You should be able to make a side-by-side physical and technical comparison of trumpets with the guidance of a knowledgeable salesperson who, in the best case scenario, can actually perform on the trumpets for you

    • Buy from a salesperson that is able to discuss the quality of the trumpet in terms of the variables described above

    • Buy from a dealer that offers you free out of store audition time (at least a week) before closing the sale

  • Ultimately it is up to the performer to decide which instrument is best suited for his/her needs. The final evaluation must be based on extensive playing of the instrument(s)

    • A quality salesperson (as at Hi Horns Music) should educate the buyer and help that person to the right choice

    • There is no such thing as a “best trumpet” that everyone should be playing (no matter what it costs,who plays it,etc.)

    • There is, however, the right trumpet for each player that should be determined by using the considerations presented here