Best Professional Trumpet: 11 Top Models After Thorough Research

Are you ready to play like a pro? Let’s find you the best professional trumpet! I’ve been testing trumpets for over 15 years!

I’ve spent months researching tons of trumpet models. I looked at materials, build quality, and sound. 

Price was important, too. I wanted to find great trumpets at different price points. (Because not everyone can spend $5000 on a PRO horn.)

These picks help you sound amazing and enjoy playing even more. Read on to discover my top choice for the Best Professional Trumpet!

What Is The Best Professional Trumpet?

Bach Stradivarius 190 Series has grown into an iconic trumpet. With over 100 years of upgrades, it offers a great legacy.

Yamaha YTR-9335NYS Xeno stands out with its special bell shape. Its advanced craftsmanship makes it perfect for professional use.

Check all the rest: “10 Best Trumpet Brands: Ranked From Best to Better Still”

Picking the right pro trumpet isn’t easy (we’ve been there). That’s why I built this clear, helpful guide to make your decision easier:

1 Bach Stradivarius 180 Series The Best of This Era of Bach Professional Trumpets

Features

• Two bell sizes: 4-7/8″ for broad and 5″ for a bright, open sound
• One-piece nickel valve casing
• Two bell sizes:
  • #37 of 4-7/8″ for broad sound for jazz and solo
  • #43 of 5″ for a bright, open tone for jazz lead trumpet, concert, and solo playing
• 0.459″ medium-large bore
• Bach 7C mouthpiece of medium-large 16.20 mm rim and medium cup for a rich, full, clear tone
• Deluxe wood shell case included

The Bach Stradivarius 180 professional Bb trumpet is known for its bold, rich sound. It’s been trusted by players for over 60 years. Its strong build and accurate pitch make it a go-to for many PROs (and serious students).

This trumpet uses a one-piece nickel valve casing for better projection and cleaner tone. It has a 0.459″ medium-large bore, giving players a balanced sound with solid control. It’s also comfy to hold. The Bach 7C mouthpiece (medium-large rim, 16.20 mm) helps smooth register shifts.

The bell is made from yellow brass and built by hand (yes, hand-crafted). It includes both #37 and #43 tapers, so you can handle high and low notes with ease. Together, these features give the Bach 180 power, precision, and a ton of character.

Pricing

The Bach Stradivarius 180 Series trumpet is a hit with many musicians — both pros and beginners love it!!

Bach has been making great trumpets for a long time. Bach 180 is made with care and skill. This quality helps players give their best performances.

2 Yamaha YTR-8335LAII Xeno Brilliant Performer, Custom Professional Trumpet Of Wayne Bergeron

Features

• Bigger 5″ yellow one-piece brass bell with French bead
• 0.459″ medium-large bore
• Medium weight
• Yamaha TR-14B4 mouthpiece of relatively large 16.85 mm rim in diameter
• Essential parts of Xeno Artist Series
• Monel valves refined and redesigned
• Valves’ bottom caps are made of phosphor bronze
• Clear gold brass lacquer finish, durable luxury case

Yamaha YTR-8335LA professional trumpet’s medium-weight design makes this instrument easy and enjoyable to play, while the deep gold lacquer finish creates a striking look.

Other features of Xeno professional trumpets include its strong brass-plated leadpipe, medium-large bore (0.459″) for enhanced response, redesigned 5″ bell with French bead for better feedback from sound to player and monel alloy pistons that deliver precise valve presses in response to pressing key buttons.

Easy grip key buttons offer comfortable playing and greater control; as well as adjustable third valve slide rings which allow finetuning based on user preference or personal playback requirements.

AII Xeno trumpets feature monel alloy pistons to give precise valve press response each time pressing valves – ideal for jazz playing styles such as commercial music or classical.

Pricing

The Yamaha Xeno Bb trumpet is built to last. It’s easy to play and looks great on stage or at home. The YTR-8335LAII Xeno model offers top-notch performance — – ideal for professional and aspiring trumpet players!!

3 Bach Stradivarius 190 Series Professional Trumpet

Features

• Three hand-hammered bell sizes:
  • #37 of standard 4-7/8″ gives a rich sound for jazz and solo
  • #43 of 5″ for a bright, broad sound great for symphony orchestras, solo, and leading positions
  • #72 of havier tamper sound for full sound projection and high range sparkles
• Two-piece nickel valve casing for quicker response and more feedback
• 0.459″ medium-large bore
• New finger nickel hook
• Bach 7C mouthpiece of medium-large 16.20 mm rim and medium cup for rich, full, clear tone
• Deluxe wood shell case comes with an attached cover for extra endurance

The Bach Stradivarius 190 Series Bb trumpets come with a two-piece nickel valve casing. This gives you the best response when you play. They also have a one-piece hand-hammered bell that makes the sound richer.

You can choose from three bell options (37, 43, or 72). Each one is good for different kinds of playing:

• The 37 bell gives bright sounds that project well
  
• The 43 bell makes darker tones
  
• The 72 bell offers more resonance while staying clear
  

The 190 Series has an updated finger hook made of nickel. This hook feels comfy and helps you better hold the trumpet (something I value). The third valve slide has an adjustable ring to help fix pitch issues.

Both the 1st and 3rd valve slides move smoothly. This lets you make quick changes while playing.

Looking for extra motivation? Check my “Top 11 Famous Trumpet Players That Will Instantly Inspire You“

Pricing

Bach Stradivarius 190 Series professional trumpets mix old and new in a perfect way. They use methods from 100 years ago but look modern (like the Mt Vernon/New York style). These instruments offer amazing sound and great performance — they will last for years.

4 Yamaha YTR-9335NYS Xeno Features NewYork Artist Professional Trumpet

Features

• Redesigned 4-7/8″ yellow one-piece brass bell of unique shape for “three-dimensional” sound
• 0.459″ medium-large bore
• Thicker leadpipe + new lighter mouthpiece receiver = ideal blowing resistance
• Yamaha TR-17B4 mouthpiece of large 17.30 mm rim in diameter and shallow cup for powerful, dark sound
• Revised valve’s dimensions and thickness
• Cork material is used in water keys
• Silver-plated finish

The Yamaha YTR-9335NYS Xeno NewYork Artist Bb trumpet was crafted under the leadership of Robert Sullivan from Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and David Bilger from Philadelphia Orchestra — two professional trumpet players who helped design this top-of-the-line Yamaha Xeno Series PRO trumpet.

YTR-9335NYS bell features narrower dimensions nearer the valve casing for greater resistance. An ergonomic square cornered bell bow, which ensures more balanced resistance during performances. It produces a more “three-dimensional” sound with a strong tonal core for improved upper register playability.

Furthermore, this brass instrument comes equipped with a medium-large bore and extra thick leadpipe measuring 0.459″ (11.65 mm), offering easy response as well as great breath resistance; additionally, dimensions and thickness of valve casing were reduced for even greater sound clarity and tome clearance.

Pricing

Yamaha designed YTR-9335NYS as an advanced professional trumpet, complete with a large rim mouthpiece, durable case, and 2 year warranty from Yamaha.

5 Yamaha YTR-8335IIRS Custom Professional Trumpet With Superb Balance of Playability and Tonal Quality

Features

• 4-7/8″ one-piece yellow brass bell
• 0.459″ medium-large bore
• Reversed tuning slide
• Yamaha TR-16C4 mouthpiece of large 17 mm rim and medium cup
• Heavier weight
• Durable luxury case with back and shoulder straps

The Yamaha YTR-8335RS trumpet is a top-notch instrument (my fav in the Xeno Artist Series). This trumpet has some cool features that make it sound great.

First, it has better tuning slide braces. These help the trumpet sound louder and clearer. It also has a special reverse leadpipe. This part helps the trumpet play in tune and sound better.

Yamaha YTR-8335RS has an adjustable finger ring on the first valve. It lets you play more in tune. The bell is made of yellow brass. 

The trumpet is made with gold-brass parts. It has a medium-large bore size of 0.459 inches. 

When you buy this trumpet, you get a hard case to keep it safe. You also get a manual to help you learn about your new instrument.

Pricing

Yamaha makes YTR-8335RS trumpets for pro players. (They really care about quality.) The company is famous for producing great instruments. This trumpet is no exception. It’s great for any player, no matter how good they are.

6 S.E. Shires Doc Destino III Professional Trumpet Broads Unreal Spectrum of Nuance and Color

Features

• 0.459″ medium-large bore
• 4-3/4″ one-piece yellow hand hammered brass bell with French bead and dual-radius bend
• C tuning slide
• Two-piece lightweight valve casing
• Custom lightweight slides with heavyweight crooks
• Beautiful custom Doc Severinsen Destino III engraving
• S.E. Shires trumpet case and mouthpiece

S.E Shires Doc Destino III Bb trumpet features powerful yet balanced sound quality for an engaging playing experience, thanks to a lightweight yellow brass lead pipe for quick response times with efficient blowing action.

4-3/4″ hand-hammered bell from a one-piece brass plate produces rich tones. A standard weight bell taper with a French bead provides additional control of your tone. Stainless steel two-piece valve casing has nickel silver balusters — an ideal instrument!!

Pricing

The Doc Destino III trumpet from S.E. Shires features a lightweight balance and comfort during playing — not forgetting their warranty for added peace of mind!

7 Getzen 900s Eterna Classic Series is The Most Popular of Getzen’s Professional Trumpets

Overview

Features

• 0.460″ medium-large bore
• Hand-lapped essential parts
• Nickel silver slides and valves
• 4-3/4″ two-piece yellow bell
• Wood shell case included
• 7C mouthpiece of medium-large 16.30 mm rim and medium wide cup

The Getzen 900s Eterna Classic trumpet offers ergonomic comfort with superior intonation.

These brass horns feature 4-3/4″ two-piece yellow brass bells with nickel silver valve casing and stainless steel pistons. Nickel silver leadpipe and 0.460″ medium-large bore produce full and rich sounds easier!! Perfect choice for the demanding brass player who seeks only TOP-tier performance!

Pricing

The Getzen 900s Eterna Classic Series provides professional brass players with unparalleled intonation and articulation, designed for effortless playability across all registers with even responses, making vibrato adjustment simple.

8 Yamaha YTR-6335 Big Sound With Clear Projection

Features

• 4-7/8″ yellow one-piece brass bell
• 0.459″ medium-large bore
• Come with gold brass lacquer or silver-plated finishes
• Yamaha TR-14B4 mouthpiece of relatively large 16.85 mm rim in diameter and shallow cup for overall balance
• Light weigh
• Durable case

Yamaha’s YTR-6335 trumpets are award-winning professional-level trumpets from their esteemed brand, boasting a standard medium-large bore of 0.459″ for improved response and stability, along with reverse leadpipe construction featuring shortbread configuration for rich tonal resonance.

With monel pistons that last without corrosion risk or issues related to prolonged usage, this instrument makes a versatile, professional trumpet for jazz or classical musicians alike – an all-around choice!

The YTR-6335 also boasts an adjustable first slide saddle and 3rd slide rings to enable comfortable manipulation of sound and intonation, and monel metal piston technology ensures stable valves which ensure a smooth key response. Yamaha YTR-6335 trumpet comes equipped with the B4 Yamaha mouthpiece of a large 16.85mm rim for a natural and comfortable playing experience.

Pricing

The Yamaha YTR-6335 trumpet is lightweight, making it easy for long hours of playing without feeling fatigued. Yamaha is known for quality products like this trumpet; and their professional trumpets’ sound quality and reliability will last many years into the future.

9 King 2055T Silver Flair is a Value-Priced Basic Professional Trumpet From World-Class Brand

Features

• 0.462″ large bore
• 4-7/8″ yellow seamless brass bell
• 1st slide trigger
• Durable, deluxe wood shell case included
• 3C mouthpiece of medium-large 16.30 mm rim and medium cup depth for a bright full projecting tone that cuts through large ensemble

The King Silver Flair Bb trumpet was designed to produce superior sound quality with its bright and full tone, yet remain lightweight enough for players to play for extended periods without becoming fatigued. It features a 0.462″ large bore that offers richly darker register range sound quality and highly responsive valves designed for great intonation stability; its craftsmanship will last years when properly maintained.

The King Silver Flair trumpet stands out in the music industry due to its superior sound quality and craftsmanship. Additionally, its lightweight design provides extended playing sessions without compromising in sound quality, giving musicians an enjoyable playing experience and making this instrument a worthwhile investment choice – ideal for professional or aspiring musicians alike!

Pricing

The King Silver Flair trumpet epitomizes quality, durability and value – an instrument designed to deliver reliable service with classic tonality associated with higher end professional trumpets. Not only can you experience its captivating tone, but with proper care, it should also last many years!

10 Jupiter 1100 Performance Series Great-Sounding, Easy-Playing Professional Trumpet

Features

• 0.460″ medium-large bore
• 4-7/8″ yellow or rose brass bell options
• Reverse Leadpipe for a more free-blowing experience and freedom of expression
• Intermediate trumpet
• Backpack soft case and a standard trumpet mouthpiece included

The Jupiter 1100 Performance Series Bb trumpet features a 4-7/8″ bell available with either yellow or rose brass finishes to give its classic soft, clear tone suitable for all genres of music, while red brass offers darker and warmer tones.

A reverse leadpipe improves intonation and overall control over sound while its 0.460″ medium large bore provides maximum resonance and projection while increasing flow rate, making this professional instrument one of the more affordable solutions on the market! The soft case comes equipped with shoulder straps as well as standard trumpet mouthpieces.

Pricing

The Jupiter 1100 Performance Series trumpet provides experienced or emerging trumpet players with an instrument designed with professional-level features and outstanding craftsmanship to guarantee reliable yet responsive playing experiences.

11 XO 1604 Professional Trumpet With Balanced Overtones

Features

• 0.462″ large bore
• 4-7/8″ one-piece handcrafted yellow or rose brass bell options
• Hand-fitted, dual-lapped monel valve provides a unique experience and silent operations
• Standard or reverse rose brass leadpipes
• Standard Jupiter trumpet mouthpiece and XO trumpet accessory kit included
• Durable wood frame case

The XO 1604 Bb trumpet features an innovative professional design. A 0.462″ large bore allows more air into the instrument for fuller, richer sound production, while its 4-7/8″ one-piece handcrafted bell provides rich tones and great projection capabilities.

Choose between a traditional leadpipe with slightly greater resistance or reversed leadpipe for less resistance based on your preference, along with various finishes and bell materials that fit seamlessly with any style or theme.

This trumpet boasts hand fitted dual lapped monel valves that add smooth action with quick response time, making for consistent playback. Players will appreciate XO 1604 trumpet superior build that comes complete with its a custom case for easy transport and an XO brass accessory kit.

Pricing

The XO 1604 Trumpet is designed for professional trumpet players seeking an instrument capable of producing powerful yet dynamic tones while offering great clarity and consistency of tone delivery. Crafted by hand using top grade materials, this professional trumpet provides you with a truly exceptional playing experience.

What Makes Yellow Brass Bell a Standard For a Trumpet?

Brass alloy is a mix of copper and zinc. Yellow brass has more zinc — about 30%. I find this makes it more resonant than other brass types.

Yellow brass trumpets feel more balanced when you play them. They offer smoother action and clearer sound. This helps players express themselves better during concerts.

Red brass (also called rose brass) contains 90% copper and 10% zinc. This type gives warmer, deeper tones that work well for solo shows.

Red brass is softer than yellow brass. It can help prevent red rot, a common trumpet problem. However, it doesn’t project sound as well as yellow brass does.

Standard VS Reverse Leadpipe for Best Professional Trumpets

The main difference between standard and reverse leadpipes is how they connect to the receiver.

With standard leadpipes, the connection point sits outside the receiver. With reverse leadpipes, the connection point fits inside the receiver. Take a look at the diagram to see this difference.

Find more details in “15 Most Important Trumpet Parts | Ultimate Anatomy Guide

Some trumpet players prefer standard leadpipes because they can produce a louder, more traditional sound. This is what many classical players choose.

Other musicians favor reverse leadpipes because they may offer better airflow and more stability. I’ve noticed many jazz players prefer this style.)

Some professional players say standard leadpipes give stronger “slotting” and crisper attacks. (Slotting refers to how easily notes lock into place when playing.)

In my experience working with trumpet players, the choice often comes down to personal preference and playing style.

Conclusion

Finding the best professional trumpet depends on what you like and how you play.

Any trumpet from our list should work well for most players. We only included reliable brands with decades of experience. Brands like Bach, Yamaha, and Schilke have amazing reputations.

These are highly sought-after trumpets that many professionals trust. Just pick the one that feels right and enjoy making beautiful music!

Download “B Flat Trumpet Fingering Chart And Notes”