10 Best Trumpet Brands 2023: Ranked From Best to Better Still

Are you searching for the best trumpet brands to add that magical flourish to your music? In this post we’re exploring some of the top trumpet brands of 2023 and ranking them according to quality and customer feedback — plus provide key models for each of them. At the end of our discussion here, you should have all of the information needed to choose your ideal brand of trumpet! So let’s get shopping now!

What Are The Best Trumpet Brands?

Bach and Yamaha trumpets are among the premier choices when it comes to trumpets. Bach was established by Vincent Bach in the early 20th century and is known for its classic sounds with reliable valves. Yamaha trumpets are trusted among musicians due to their consistent quality and great intonation! Take a look at this post for an exhaustive listing of the best trumpet brands available!

Check out our post, Trumpet Fingering Chart And Notes for all the technical knowledge needed!

1 YAMAHA

Yamaha is an exceptional manufacturer of musical instruments, widely recognized for crafting professional grade trumpets. Established by Torakusu Yamaha in 1887 — it features over 120 years of expertise as an instrument maker. Yamaha boasts over 128 years of history worldwide with trumpeters worldwide turning to them.

Yamaha, known for their motorcycles and guitars, was established by a piano maker. Their logo features three intertwining tuning keys that represent their musical roots.

Musicians highly value Yamaha trumpets for their consistently even tone across note ranges and dynamics levels, even at lower dynamic levels. Each trumpet undergoes rigorous factory tests for optimal performance.

Since 1966 – when they introduced the YTR-1 Trumpet as their inaugural wind instrument – Yamaha has been busy developing over 20 models of wind instruments: their iconic Xeno series from the 90s and several great options tailored toward intermediate and student players.

Yamaha provides trumpets to suit players of all levels, with outstanding sound control and performance capabilities. Your Yamaha trumpet can be tailored specifically for you with options like slide materials, bell sizes and bore sleeves to meet the unique demands of any musical genre.

Yamaha YTR-2330 Beginner Trumpet

Yamaha’s YTR-2330 B flat trumpet is an extremely popular option among students and represents a ideal introduction to Yamaha trumpets as a student instrument.

The Yamaha YTR-2330 trumpet is a solid option for new musicians just starting out. Featuring a lightweight (yet sturdy) two-piece brass bell with tough monel alloy pistons and an adjustable three point bell brace — this trumpet offers incredible value and simplicity of use. You can tweak the main tuning slide for perfect intonation; the Amado water key maintenance key provides easy care.

This trumpet boasts a balanced tone and superb response thanks to its 0.459″ bore (medium-large) size and 4-7/8″ bell. The Yamaha YTR-2330 trumpet makes an outstanding choice, featuring adjustable finger pads and wood shell case storage in addition to non-corrosive brass body construction with nickel silver valves for long term reliability and durability.

Pros

• Students and beginners Yamaha Series for the best start
• Shallow cup and medium rim TR-11B4 mouthpiece
• Choose gold lacquer or silver-plated finish
• Adaptable and versatile instrument

Yamaha YTR-6335 Professional Series Trumpet

This trumpet was built to let you shine in any musical setting. Crafted with exceptional craftsmanship, 6335 Yamaha is featuring a 0.459,” medium-large bore — you’re guaranteed an expansive and clear tone from it.

Yamaha’s YTR-6335 trumpets are unrivaled professional-level instruments from their esteemed brand – boasting an advanced reverse leadpipe construction with shortbread configuration that yields rich and resonant tones.

With monel pistons that ensure no corrosion problems over extended use — this trumpet makes an excellent professional choice for jazz or classical musicians alike. Its lacquer body makes for easy maintenance!

The playability of this product is superb! Thanks to its reverse lead pipe, response is smooth and effortless — there’s even an included hard case and mouthpiece!

Pros

• One of the most awarded among other trumpet brands
• Series of professional horns
• One-piece handmade brass bell
• Very light instrument
• Come with gold brass lacquer or silver-plated finishes

2 Bach Stradivarius

Vincent Bach has long been revered within classical music’s elite scene for their exceptional quality trumpets since 1918 when founded by trumpet player ( and engineer) Vincent Shrotenbach. As soon as their instruments hit shelves — their reputation quickly spread among musicians worldwide.

Vincent Bach (Born Vincent Shrotenbach in Vienna in 1890), initially trained on violin before shifting over to trumpet due to its majestic sound. Although gifted in both science and engineering, Vincent chose instead a career in music performance instead.

After moving to New York during World War I, he quickly established himself as an accomplished trumpet player before transitioning into making mouthpieces.

1924 saw the debut of Vincent Bach trumpets, earning them an international reputation similar to Stradivarius instruments. At age 71 he sold off his company. Today his instruments remain revered for their craftsmanship and true-to-original designs.

Bach instruments’ tooling and machinery made their move to Elkhart, Indiana in 1964 and continue to exhibit superior craftsmanship based on Vincent Bach’s designs and blueprints.

Bach Stradivarius 180 Series – Professional Bach trumpet

The Bach 180 Stradivarius series trumpet is considered to be one of the premier pro trumpets available. Boasting its hand-hammered bell, which creates an open, broad, warm and full tone; thick lacquer adds warmth; this trumpet can accommodate almost every genre imaginable and showcase musicians at their finest!

The Bach Strad 180 series trumpets have long been considered professional players’ go-to choice. Crafted by world-class musician and engineer Vincent Bach, these brass instruments offer quality that cannot be equaled or copied; with its superior tone quality and precise intonation — it stands head and shoulders above other models on the market today – no other brand compares. When it comes to sound alone – Bach has no equal.

Pros

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

Bach Trumpet in Bb BTR201 – Student Stradivarius Series Bb Trumpet

Bach Stradivarius BTR201 trumpet is ideal for students, featuring special specifications and an acoustic design tailored specifically for young players. Vincent Bach was an incredible musician and engineer; his instruments offered unrivaled tonal quality that set them apart from their rivals worldwide — often imitated but never duplicated!

Bach BTR201 student trumpet is ideal for beginner and intermediate trumpeters alike. It boasting a 0.459-inch bore size and two yellow brass bell sections designed to produce bright tones, plus features like its first valve slide thumb saddle as well as its adjustable finger ring on its third valve slide for playability and durability.

BTR201 Bach Strad comes with an impressive 2-year warranty to guarantee playability and durability — this instrument produces super clear full tones with exceptional intonation which are great for players of any experience level!

Features

• High quality instrument
• Durable and long-lasting construction
• Medium cup Bach 7C mouthpiece
• Monel pistons, nickel silver outside slide
• Clear lacquer or silver-plated finish available

3 S.E. Shires

S.E. Shires company was established in 1995. Though still relatively young in terms of brass instrument manufacturing, Shires has quickly built an outstanding reputation, earning endorsement by top trumpet players like Terry Everson, David Hickman and Doc Severinsen. Q Series models from Shires provide affordable alternatives.

Shires trumpets excel with their large bore and unique material combination to offer a broad selection of tones with excellent response, effortless playability and precise pitch placement — making it the ideal choice for creating classic sound in modern specifications.

S.E. Shires instruments exemplify quality without compromise; each handmade with passion and meticulous attention to detail reflects their maker. Eastman Music Company acquired S.E. Shires in May 2014; Eastman is well known for creating affordable band and orchestral instruments of exceptional quality — with Eastman’s support S.E. Shires has expanded their instrument line, production capacity and global reach while staying true to in-house manufacturing of exceptional quality instruments.

S.E. Shires Q Series Professional Bb Trumpet

Pros

• Bell of hand-hammered centered taper
• Heavyweight yellow brass lead pipe for open and free blowing play with well-defined response
• Hand-lapped Monel pistons
• Q Series trumpet case, mouthpiece and care kit included

4 Monette

David Monette is an extraordinary trumpet player, perfectionist and master builder who invented an ingenious mouthpiece design to reduce blowing efforts — and succeeded far beyond expectations! He has gone on to craft custom instruments for esteemed musicians like Wynton Marsalis and Maynard Ferguson; solidifying himself as jazz’s hidden talent.

Check out our recent post featuring 11 Inspirational Trumpet layers!

Monette trumpets have long been known for their quality and unique designs. Dave Monette has garnered widespread renown as one of the premier trumpet brands — for crafting both standard models, as well as customized ones, to meet specific customer demands.

Monette has become synonymous with excellence in trumpet design and mouthpiece craftsmanship since 1983. Based in Portland, Oregon — just minutes away from Portland International Airport since 1992.

Dave has conducted clinics and masterclasses for musicians on four continents. Additionally, he has given presentations at non-musical groups like the Materials Research Society, North American Goldsmiths Society (SONAGS), Adidas Industrial Design Team of Japan – Tokyo (AIDT-TND Team), Nike Annual Designer Conference and American Physical Society meetings.

40th Anniversary Monette trumpets

Monette has outdone itself again — their 40th Anniversary Unity B flat trumpets are truly spectacular; designed with incredible enhancements that make playing them simpler than ever.

TANTRA instruments for their 40th Anniversary were specifically crafted to improve musician receptivity. Monette trumpets made for Bud Herseth from the Chicago Symphony were tailored with specific sound characteristics in mind. This wider sound shape features prominently into Charles Gorham and Charlie Schlueter trumpets — both players quickly endorsed these new instruments!

Musicians playing the 4-valve piccolo trumpet by Monette have always been delighted by its playability and sound.

Monette offers a selection of custom-built B flat trumpets designed specifically to meet the musical requirements and playing style of each player. Every instrument is customized through consultation; they’re not for sale through Monette store — you need to contact them via the form on their website instead.

Pros

• Unique hand-made professional trumpets
• State-of-the-art design
• Custom instruments made exclusively by pre-order
• Various weights and configurations to suit your needs

5 Schilke

Schilke instruments have long been revered as “jewels of the industry” — for their striking beauty, quality craftsmanship and playability. Handmade instruments from Schilke’s Chicago factory represent hours of dedication by talented hands in pursuit of musical passion.

Schilke boasts some incredible endorsers such as Marc Geujon or Osamu Takahashi — principal trumpets of Opera National Paris and Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra respectively; not to mention Jon Faddis — Hampton’s band featured soloist!

Schilke Music Products was established by Renold O. Schilke – an expert musician and craftsman – to revolutionize the brass instrument industry in 1956. Renold’s instruments remain top choices among professional players worldwide.

Just like Vincent Bach, Schilke had an early passion for playing and designing brass instruments – becoming even a member of the Chicago Symphony! What an accomplishment when an instrument designer can perform so superbly!

Yamaha hired Renold Schilke as a consultant during the 1960s to assist them with designing professional brass instruments and manufacturing processes; their partnership would last until his passing away in 1982.

Yamaha was chosen because Renold believed they possessed both the resources and quality to produce something resembling Schilke professional trumpets; their pro series closely mimics Schilke professional trumpets. Renold was particularly fond of B1 professional trumpet which remains their best seller today.

Schilke B1 Custom Series Bb Trumpet

Pros

• Legendary professional trumpet model
• Silver plated finish
• Custom double hard case
• Free and open feel
• Sound color diversity ranges from a rich and full-bodied dark tone to a brilliant and crisp sound

6 Getzen

T.J. Getzen founded the Getzen Company as a repair business in 1939. In 1946 they started producing trombones; after a year (in 1947) they added trumpets and cornets before expanding to producing professional instruments along with their iconic Eterna series — becoming immensely popular with students. Working alongside “Doc” Severinsen they introduced professional instruments (in 1962) as the Eterna line (900 Eterna line in 2007; following specifications as original models from 1962).

T.J. Getzen, former Holton Company superintendent, used his expertise to launch his own company. Today Getzen trumpets boast unparalleled quality with flawless playing experiences lasting well into their sonic adventures.

On their 80th anniversary celebration in 2019, they introduced Eterna Deluxe models combining craftsmanship with technology for professional models; additionally they have Capri Series offerings to accommodate intermediate students — 590S-S Capri Series trumpet.

Getzen 900DLX Eterna Deluxe Series Bb Trumpet

Getzen 900 Eterna trumpets have long been known for their easy blowing design and exceptional quality, featuring bronze valve section, sterling silver lead pipe and button type spit valves (Amado) that minimize intervention for superior performance. Although relatively smaller in comparison with major manufacturers, Getzen still boasts top-tier quality designs that come backed with lifetime valve warranties and 5 year overall guarantees – making these popular among professional musicians alike.

Pros

• Classic and versatile instrument
• Clear lacquered brass trumpet
• Nickel silver pistons
• Wood shell with vegan leather and fabric
• Trumpet’s copper bell made out of a single sheet for rich and brilliant tone

7 Jupiter Band Instruments

Jupiter, an esteemed brand for Asian students, has nurtured many generations of musical talents over decades. Recognized for offering affordable yet durable instruments that withstand student life while remaining in tune and sounding fantastic — their company headquarters can be found in Taipei, Taiwan.

KHS Musical Instruments Co. introduced Jupiter instruments in 1979 as an educational way for young musicians to gain musical training.

Jupiter today specializes in crafting wind and brass instruments and strongly believes in music’s transformative power in children’s development and growth.

Jupiter offers instruments designed for bands and orchestras from components sourced worldwide — including the UK and the USA. While their instruments may be affordable, Jupiter stands out by maintaining high quality while keeping costs at a minimum – making their instruments unique among competitors.

Jupiter JTR700 Standard Series Bb Trumpet

The Jupiter JTR700 B flat Trumpet features a rose brass lead pipe for focused and centered tone production, featuring an 0.460″ medium large bore, 4.8″ bell and monel pistons — providing outstanding intonation and response performance — ideal for beginning trumpet players!

The Jupiter JTR700 standard trumpet comes equipped with all of the essential accessories for beginning trumpet players (such as a Bach 7C mouthpiece and care products) — making it perfect for beginner musicians just starting out!

Boasting its sturdy build, beautiful gold lacquer finish and exceptional playability features — the Jupiter JTR700 standard B flat trumpet is an investment into your musical journey that includes an unrivaled 1-year manufacturer warranty!

If you’re seeking an effortless trumpet experience with easy playing and incredible tone quality, this product should definitely make your list. Not only is its tone beautiful; it comes equipped with a wood case to ensure safe transportation between practice sessions.

Pros

• Advanced student trumpet
• Rose brass leadpipe to enhance the tone
• Nickel-silver outer slides for extra durability
• Stainless steel piston

Pricing

8 Carol Brass trumpet brand

Carl Lee and Carol Lo established Carol Brass in Taiwan in 1989 with an early Bb prototype before later named the company under this name in 2011. Today, Carol Brass instruments can be found throughout the globe — its factory remains in Taiwan.

Carol Brass is an Asian brass instrument company known for fusing technology with tradition to craft amazing prototypes. Receiving rave reviews across Asia, Carol Brass made waves at NAMM 2011 by unveiling their revolutionary “Materials Offered” system to provide optimal vibration synergy — check out one of their high-tech yet awesome sounding trumpets today!

Quality-driven musician endorsement is a testament to this company’s devotion. They boast more than 40 famous endorsers, such as — Grammy Award Winner Terry Townson, Bill Colletti and New Zealand trumpeter John McGough, choosing Carol Brass trumpet.

CarolBrass stands out as an outstanding brass instrument manufacturer from Asia; their craftsmanship speaks for itself! Apart from trumpets, CarolBrass also crafts flugelhorns, cornets and trombones that boast craftsmanship — just a testament of how highly esteemed their product line truly is!

CarolBrass CTR-5000L Silver Plated Intermediate Trumpet

CarolBrass Professional Trumpets are versatile intermediate trumpets with serious chops! Easily competing against top-tier brands without their steep price tags.

This instrument gives you incredible versatility with two tuning slides. Switch effortlessly from deep (resonant) tone to bold lead sound; valves open super-fast; the range is wide — adjusting one tuning slide can completely transform this instrument into something entirely different!

The full set of accessories includes a backpacker case, 3C mouthpiece, polishing cloth, valve guard with oil seals and slide lube; everything you’d ever need!

This trumpet more than makes up for its price with its outstanding appearance (silver-plated finish), yellow brass lead pipe material, and well-balanced body.

Pros

• Reversed main tuning slide for a more responsive experience
• Silver plated instrument for extra chrisp in the sound
• Super thin finger button set
• Huge set of accessories

9 King

King Musical Instruments was initially established by Henderson White under its original name of H. N. White Company in 1893 with an initial focus on making trombones for Thomas King (later adopted by an established trombonist). White later expanded their brass instrument offerings and started importing woodwind instruments as early as 1908.

H.N. White Company was well known as an instrument supplier during WWI; their instruments supplied military bands as well as marching bands in military formations and schools across America. After Henderson White died and later his widow took control, these same contracts continued during WWII with H.N. White Co’s domestic supplier status.

HN White Company and King has long been revered as an outstanding supplier of brass instruments — as evidenced by their legendary players such as Tommy Dorsey, Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, and Charlie Parker in the 40s and 50s.

King trumpets were an indispensable contributor to jazz’s development thanks to their exceptional craftsmanship, beautiful sound quality and unfaltering dedication. Now part of Conn-Selmer based out of Cleveland Ohio, every King trumpet stands poised for history making.

King KTR201 Student Bb Trumpet

The Jupiter JTR700 Standard Bb trumpet comes equipped with all of the essential accessories for beginner trumpetists: an attractive case, 7C mouthpiece and care products. With great playability and an outstanding 1-year manufacturer’s warranty — the Jupiter JTR700 Standard Bb trumpet makes an invaluable investment into your musical journey!

Beginners often struggle to find trumpets that meet professional-grade standards; the King KTR201 beginner trumpet makes an outstanding choice! Lightweight yet unsurpassed by any comparable beginner model — professional intonation and response characteristics make for an unforgettable musical journey!

Features

• Durable monel pistons guarantee smooth
• Includes case and small Bach 7C mouthpiece
• Red brass leadpipe
• 4.812″ yellow brass bell for exceptional focus and projection

10 Jean Paul

Jean Paul Musical Instruments of Miami, FL, is a family-run business dedicated to offering affordable yet high-quality instruments at competitive rates with customer support for students and intermediate players. Their mission is to make music accessible for everyone!

Jean Paul Music Instruments were established in 2012. Specializing in student-grade saxophones, trumpets, clarinets and flutes — selling directly online while including customer feedback into each instrument they design to improve them. Jean Paul revolutionized the market for musicians of any level to pursue their musical dreams with affordable pricing and outstanding customer support services.

As far as trumpets go, three models exist: beginner, intermediate and professional at wallet-friendly prices. Though professional models might not sound as majestic as Yamaha or Bach trumpets — you might find yourself quite impressed by their quality!

Jean Paul USA TR-330 Standard Student Trumpet

The Jean Paul USA TR-330 trumpet is an ideal starter instrument, offering smooth tones with easy playing dynamics and an amazing look with its gold lacquer finish. Equipped with all necessary accessories to get started immediately and affordable enough for students learning band instruments.

Thanks to its generous bore and brass lead pipe construction, you will hit accurate notes that project great sound projection — whether school band practice or marching band performances… this trumpet will take care of everything!

Pros

• Bb trumpet
• Affordable
• Perfect for beginners
• Carrying case, trumpet valve oil, gloves, cleaning cloth, and mouthpiece included

Concusion

As previously discussed in this article, the 10 trumpet brands we have selected as part of this article are among the best you’ll find today in 2023. Each brand offers quality instruments tailored specifically towards beginner, intermediate or advanced players; regardless of budget. With so many great choices out there — it is crucial that you do research to select one that meets both sound preferences and features you desire; investing in an ideal trumpet could open a whole world of musical opportunities! Take our list and begin discovering everything there is out there today — here’s to an amazing journey as you embark upon trumpet adventures!

Check out our great blog on the 15 Most Essential Trumpet Parts!