Best Intermediate Trumpet: Yamaha, Bach, Conn — 9 Options For Every Budget

The intermediate trumpet is perfect if you want better sound and more features than a beginner model. In this article, I will share the 9 best intermediate trumpets and explain their features. This will help you compare them and choose the right one for your needs.

I will cover trumpets in different price ranges. My goal is to help you find an intermediate trumpet that gives you the sound and features you want — without breaking your budget!

What Is The Best Intermediate Bb Trumpet?

When looking for an intermediate trumpet, you want a mix of good performance, a fair price, and a strong build. There isn’t just one “best” trumpet for everyone — choose what fits your playing style and your goals as an intermediate musician. Many great models are made just for players like you!

Yamaha YTR-4335GII is an intermediate trumpet designed for student players. It has an improved bell shape and a redesigned leadpipe for a powerful, bright sound.

Intermediate trumpets (like Yamaha) use better materials and offer more features than beginner models. You’ll get a fuller sound, more control, and a trumpet that lasts longer. These horns often have extra adjustable slides and better valves.

The Conn-Selmer Prelude TR711 beginner trumpet also stands out. Its sound is solid, and the price is very reasonable. This trumpet can help you reach your goals, improve your practice, and try new techniques

Beginner trumpets (such as the Conn-Selmer Prelude TR711) are less expensive and easier to play at first. They’re made for new musicians and can take a little more rough use. Intermediate trumpets cost more, but you get more options to grow as a player. Check other “Best Beginner Flute — Top 9 Student Picks and Brands“

1. Bach BTR301 Intermediate Bb Trumpet

The Bach BTR301 intermediate trumpet features a 4-13/16″ yellow brass bell. This design helps boost playability — you get a clear, full sound. It also has a gold brass leadpipe and lightweight build, so it’s easier to carry to rehearsals or performances.

Features

• Proudly made in the USA
• Bach 7C mouthpiece with 16.2mm cup
• 4-13/16″ yellow seamless brass bell
• 0.459″ medium-large bore
• A gold brass leadpipe will last for ages
• Nickel silver mouthpiece receiver won’t let the mouthpiece get stuck in the horn.

The valves (pistons) allow for fast response and great tuning. Plus, the adjustable third slide lets players reach more notes and stay accurate. The medium-large bore creates a warm, rich tone — great for blending with a band or ensemble!

The trumpet comes with a silver-plated mouthpiece (a standard size for beginners and intermediates). This mouthpiece helps deliver a consistent, clear sound. Overall, the Bach BTR301 is an excellent value.

Pricing

Many players choose Bach BTR301 (both beginners and advanced students). It’s known for its solid build and long-lasting quality—perfect for anyone ready to take their trumpet playing to the next level!

2. Yamaha YTR-2330 Student Trumpet

Yamaha YTR-2330 — one of Yamaha’s most popular Bb student horns — is an excellent choice for beginners. It’s designed to help students (especially younger players) learn proper trumpet technique easily and comfortably.

Features

• Using the same method as high-end Yamaha models
• 4-7/8″ two-piece yellow brass bell
• 0.459″ medium-large bore
• Durable monel alloy pistons
• Silver plated / yellow brass finish
• TR-11B4 shallow cup and medium rim mouthpiece provide a brilliant tone
• Durable deluxe case included

This intermediate trumpet is lightweight, which makes it easier for students to hold and play. It also has a strong, durable build, so you can practice longer without feeling too tired. The adjustable finger hook gives extra comfort while playing.

Yamaha YTR-2330 has monel pistons (an alloy of nickel and copper) for smooth, lasting action. These pistons are built to last, helping the trumpet stay in good shape for years.

This B♭ horn creates bright, clear sounds across every range. Its high-quality yellow brass bell (4-7/8″ diameter) boosts sound quality.

Looking for trumpet exercises? Check my post with “5 Trumpet Tone Exercises PDF — Free Sheet Music + Pro Tips For Routines“!

Pricing

Overall, Yamaha YTR-2330 gives student players (even advancing ones) everything they need — great tone, easy playability, and durability—at a very reasonable price.

3. Prelude TR711 One Of The Best Beginner Trumpets of Conn-Selmer Family

The Conn-Selmer Prelude TR711 student trumpet is a top choice for beginners. I think this is one of the best options. It offers an easy way to start learning music.

Features

• 4-3/4″ yellow two piece brass bell
• 0.459″ medium-large bore
• Red brass leadpipe and stainless steel valve pistons for smooth and quick action
• Softshell case and standard trumpet mouthpiece included

The TR711 Bb trumpet features a lightweight 4-3/4″ yellow brass bell made from two pieces. It has a medium-large bore of 0.459″. You’ll also find two water keys and a 1st slide thumb hook (this helps you adjust pitch quickly and easily).

Pricing

The Conn-Selmer TR711 intermediate trumpet is great for beginners ready to grow their skills. It comes with a comfortable brass leadpipe. Its lacquered gold brass body delivers a bright trumpet sound. With this design, beginners can gain confidence and improve their tone as they play.

4 Yamaha YTR-4335GII Intermediate Trumpet

The Yamaha YTR-4335GII Bb trumpet is great for intermediate players. It offers strong features and stays affordable, making it a smart pick. This trumpet’s free-blowing response and smooth intonation across its range make it easy (and fun) to play both high and low notes.

Features

• 4-7/8″ gold two-piece bell gives a wide range of tone colors
• 0.459″ medium-large bore
• Silver-plated or gold lacquer finish
• Deluxe case and TR-11 B4 shallow cup and medium rim mouthpiece for extra endurance

Its unique bell shape gives players better control of their sound. The gold brass bell creates a clear, warm tone. The adjustable first and third valve slides help you fine-tune your pitch. Monel valves make playing more comfortable.

It also comes with a hard, durable case for easy transport and safe storage (so you don’t have to worry when traveling).

Pricing

Yamaha Bb trumpets live up to their name. The YTR-4335GII offers excellent craftsmanship and performance at a great price. It’s a trumpet that supports artistry, skill, and growth in every player.

5 Bach 170 Series Modern Take On Vincent Bach Classic Bb Trumpet

The Bach 170 Series is an option for serious players — both intermediate and professional. It combines Vincent Bach’s classic Apollo design with modern trumpet-making techniques. This creates an instrument worthy of the Bach name, trusted by professionals worldwide

Features

• Professional brass horn
• New 6-style reversed leadpipe for the quickest response
• New finger nickel hook
• 4-7/8″ yellow two piece brass bell, #43 in Bach bells line
• 0.459″ medium-large bore
• One-piece brass valve casing
• Brass Z braces

The Bach 170 Series intermediate trumpet offers amazing sound quality. The trumpet is built on the same valve chassis as the famous 180 line. The design makes the trumpet easy to play for long periods. The reversed leadpipe gives players more control over their style and better intonation.

It has a medium-large .459″ bore and a unique two-piece bell design. This special bell combines a gold brass stem with a yellow brass flare, creating rich depth and bright projection.

Bach 170 comes with helpful accessories. You get a deluxe wood shell case and a Bach 7C mouthpiece. Bach trumpets are handcrafted using top-quality brass for superb durability. They’re backed by a two-year warranty.

Pricing

Overall, the Bach 170 Series is a modern take on the classic Vincent Bach Bb trumpet (a name that carries history). It’s a fantastic choice for intermediate players who want a fun, reliable trumpet with a professional sound.

With its balanced feel and smooth playability, it’s clear why many consider the Bach 170 Series one of the finest trumpets available today.

6 King KTR201 Intermediate Bb Trumpet

The King KTR201 has a 4-13/16″ yellow brass bell creates rich sounds for all your music. This intermediate trumpet handles complex techniques with ease.

Features

• Bach 7C mouthpiece with 16.2 mm cup produces a rich, full, clear tone
• 4-11/15″ yellow two-piece brass bell
• 0.459″ medium-large bore
• Durable ABS hard case included
• Great durability thanks to Monel valves and robust brass construction

The trumpet uses Monel pistons with a single-piece valve casing. These pistons feel responsive and give players better control over sound and style. It also has a 0.459″ medium-large bore, which helps players project more volume.

The adjustable finger hook on the 1st slide and 3rd slide ring improves your playing accuracy. This helps you hit the right notes every time.

Pricing

The King KTR201 Bb trumpet works great for growing musicians (both beginners and those improving). It’s built to help you get better at playing. The trumpet has many features that make it perfect for taking your skills to the next level

7 Yamaha YTR-6335 Series Professional Trumpets

Yamaha YTR-6335 gets high marks from trumpet players! It is often praised for its exceptional value and performance. The Yamaha 6xxx series was the standard professional Yamaha line until the Xeno line came out in 2000.

Yamaha YTR-6335 is perfect for intermediate players. I’ve read many reviews saying it feels like a pro horn (without costing as much as a Xeno or Bach Strad). Some say it gave them “way more freedom” than their old model (that really stuck with me).

Features

• 4-7/8″ yellow one piece brass bell
• 0.459″ medium-large bore
• Havier weight compared to other intermediate trumpets due to more advanced details used
• TR-14B4 large rim and shallow cup mouthpiece for overall balance for all musical genres
• Silver-plated or gold lacquer finish
• Wood shell case included

The Yamaha YTR-6335 has a gold-brass reversed lead-pipe in newer models. This gives better sound flexibility and projection. 6335 comes in both silver-plated and lacquer finishes. You’ll appreciate the lightweight finger buttons, which make fast passages easier to play

This Yamaha horn comes with a TRC-400EII case for safe transport. It protects your investment when traveling.

Some players mentioned switching from a Bach to a Yamaha. They found the Yamaha easier to play and more consistent. A few trumpeters say it’s a bit heavier. Some also mention it takes a little more air. The tradeoff is worth it because it plays louder and clearer.

Pricing

Overall, the Yamaha YTR-6335 Bb trumpet is a wise choice for anyone wanting pro-level sound at a reasonable price. It’s reliable, fun to play, and gives you room to grow. You can usually find a used Yahama 6335 for a decent price.

8 Jupiter JTR700 Standard Bb Trumpet

The Jupiter JTR700 is a reliable student Bb trumpet that offers excellent value for beginners and advancing players. It strikes a great balance between quality and affordability!

Features

• 4-3/4″ yellow brass bell
• 0.460″ medium-large bore
• Durable ABS molded case and standard trumpet mouthpiece included
• Highly playable stainless steel valves
• Adjustable third valve trigger

This intermediate trumpet works well in school bands, lessons, and even marching bands. The sound is big enough to fill a room (or a band hall), but the horn isn’t too hard to control for younger players.

The JTR700 is known for its robust construction, and the valves require minimal maintenance. Players describe it as stable, smooth, and easy to play. The trumpet provides reliable intonation, helping students develop their ear.

It features a medium-large bore size of 0.460″ (11.68mm), making it suitable for students while allowing room for growth. The 4.8″ brass bell produces a warm, clear tone with good projection.

Pricing

At its price point, the Jupiter JTR700 offers exceptional value with features typically found on more expensive models. It’s a friendly, forgiving horn that still pushes players forward.

9 Blessing BTR1460S Intermediate Band Bb Trumpet

The Blessing BTR1460S trumpet stands out as a fantastic option for growing musicians. This intermediate trumpet has earned its place as America’s favorite student band instrument.

Features

• Rose brass leadpipe will stand extremely heavy use
• A little bigger bell provides more depth
• 0.460″ medium-large bore
• The third valve slide is fixed with an adjustable slide stop
• Monel valves and plastic finger buttons
• Nickel silver outer and tuning slides

The trumpet has a 0.460″ medium-large bore design. This helps with quick responses and a better pitch. It needs more air but gives more volume. The red rose brass leadpipe helps air move smoothly through the trumpet.

Players often say this trumpet is an upgrade from a beginner horn. Some say it “feels professional” even though it’s for students. Others like the warm tone that works well for jazz, concert band, or solo work. It needs regular cleaning (like any trumpet) to keep the valves working well.

This trumpet fits many situations — school band, high school band, or even small community groups. It’s strong enough for daily practice. Buy it as your “first serious trumpet” or pick it as a backup horn.

Pricing

Blessing BTR1460S gives a nice balance of quality, price, and sound, backed by a company with a good reputation. This is an intermediate horn, easy to play, reliable, and warm-sounding. It’s built to help you grow your skills.

Beginner VS Intermediate Trumpet —What’s The Difference?

Beginner Trumpets

Beginner trumpets cost less money. They use basic materials and have fewer fancy features.

These starter trumpets are more forgiving when you play them (perfect for learning). They might need to get used to it at first, but this is normal.

If you’re starting your music journey, a beginner trumpet makes the most sense.

Intermediate Trumpets

Intermediate trumpets use better materials, which explains the higher price. They create richer sounds and brighter tones than beginner models.

These trumpets offer a better response when you play notes and come with extra features to improve your playing. When you’re ready to level up your skills (after 1-2 years of practice), an intermediate trumpet helps you grow.

Playing Differences

Beginners usually learn basic scales and chords first. They play simple songs using note sheets.

Intermediate players develop their own sound (their musical voice). They tackle more complex pieces and might learn to play without sheet music.

The jump from beginner to intermediate means moving to more complex playing styles.

Should Intermediate Trumpet Players Pick Rose Brass Lead Pipe?

Intermediate trumpet players should definitely think about choosing a rose brass lead pipe. Rose brass is popular among many intermediate players because of its warm sound. This warmth comes from the higher copper content (about 85%) in the alloy. It also doesn’t have issues with red rot.

A rose brass lead pipe improves both intonation and range. The copper in rose brass adds more focus and projection to the sound. This makes it easier for intermediate players to stand out in a band or ensemble.

Rose brass pipes are usually heavier than yellow or silver brass pipes. This extra weight gives more stability and durability. It helps players feel secure as they grow their skills.

Conclusion

The best intermediate trumpet is a great choice for students, hobby players, and anyone wanting to upgrade. There are many factors to consider when picking one of these 9 choices on the market.

No matter your budget or skill level — a newer player or a PRO — each trumpet offers a strong sound and solid performance. We hope this guide has helped you find the right intermediate trumpet for your needs! Happy playing!