How Much Does A Trumpet Cost? Best Beginner Guide 2025!

How much does a trumpet cost? Well, prices for trumpets vary from $150 to $20,000

With this guide, I show the 6 different price ranges of trumpets — from used (budget-friendly) student models to luxurious premium (custom) horns — and share tips on what to look for when purchasing your first trumpet.

How Much Does A Trumpet Cost? Average Price Guide

The trumpet is very inexpensive compared to most instruments — you can wash it at home, it does not need expensive consumables besides valve oil (no reeds or strings), and it requires relatively little maintenance.

A student model trumpet (sturdy and playable) is great for beginners.

A decent beginner horn costs between $500 and $1,500 (half of that for used trumpets) from brands like Yamaha, Bach, Conn, Jupiter, Getzen, Schilkes, King,  or Shagerl — all offer student models (like Yamaha YTR-2330 or King 601).

Intermediate trumpets may cost between $1,500 and $3,000 andhave better sound quality. Tho, some believe that a used pro trumpet is a better option than intermediate models, as “intermediate” horns are mostly student models with cosmetic extras and a 4-figure price tag.

The most expensive professional trumpets cost $3,000 to $8,000. Compared to other brass or strings that cost tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars (tubas overall cost around $20,000), the prices for pro trumpets are relatively low.

The custom-made premium trumpets at the top of the range sell for anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000!! Monette and Harrelson are famous brands for making these.

Less Than $500 — Used Beginner Trumpet And Amazon Crap

Nearly all big-brand student models work well for beginner players, as many generations have tested them to be reliable and playable (Yamaha YTR-2330 is my fav with outstanding value).

Buying a second-hand trumpet is a smart choice — it’s more affordable, and you can often find brass instruments that play beautifully and save you much money, so you do not have to starve for it.

Many students will sell their instruments when the year ends, bulging the listings in May and June. Check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.  Look for some well-maintained ones and AVOID super cheap brand-new instruments on Amazon.

Dirt-cheap, “trumpet-shaped objects” from unknown sellers or manufacturers in China and India are usually poorly designed, easy to break, hard to play, and just full of mechanical problems. (Check my post with “11 Best Beginners Trumpet”)

$500 to $1,500 — Intermediate Used And New Student Trumpet

Stick with a Bb trumpet (B flat), a standard for beginner and intermediate players. C trumpets are most suitable for pro-level performers, and musicians use them in classical and orchestral settings. (Find here the rest “17 Different Types of Trumpets”)

Worry not if the trumpet is silver or brass. Start with a good mouthpiece (Bach 3E or 3C for starters), and unless you’re ready to commit to a pro brass instrument, a high-quality student trumpet will suffice for some time.

Many people play their student horn for over 5 years until they upgrade. That’s a long time, and it’s not the trumpet that is holding you back as much as your technique with the horn. Improve tone, range, and consistency before investing in a higher-quality trumpet.

A second-hand trumpet is a smart buy if it is not over 20 years old and in good condition — all valves and slides work properly, and no air leaks.

Yamaha trumpets (YTR-2330 and YTR-4335) are both a safe bet, and it’s easy to resell them should you ever decide to upgrade to something better later. Bach trumpets have high respect (the TRXXX Series being particularly popular), and both Conn and King have excellent student models (Conn Director and King Tempo).

Other manufacturers that make brighter horns are Shargerl, Schilke, Stomvi, and Calicchio. Olds Ambassador or Holton T602 (and older Conns or Kings) still have power, and you can often locate them relatively inexpensively.

$1,500 to $3,000 — Pro Used and New Intermediate Trumpet

In this price range, consider a used professional trumpet over a new intermediate horn.

Keep in mind that “intermediate” is a misleading word in terms of trumpets. Many of these models are student trumpets with a few improvements (silver-plating or a fixed slide ring) that brands sell at a higher price. They do NOT offer much more playability or sound quality than the student models.

Second-hand pro instruments are incredibly good value and perform as effectively as new ones at a fraction of the price.

As long as the horn is in good condition — the valves move smoothly, no air leaks and it plays well — buying used is a fantastic option.

Jupiter, Yamaha, King, Adams, Conn-Selmer, and Bach are the most famous brands — avoid other unknown names you do not recognize without googling.

$3,000 to $5,000 — Most of Name Brand Pro Horns

At this price, most trumpets are the very finest available!! Look for Getzen, Selmer, Bach, Yamaha, Jupiter, Conn, Holton, Schilke, Shires, B&S, and King — each manufacturer has a legacy of producing high-quality pro horns.

Note: I find the latest generation Yamaha Xeno series more impressive than any of the Bach Stradivarius models.

A professional level model is essential when your student horn limits your progress.

Professional trumpets have the best construction materials — all brands custom-fit valves and slides with bare hands for smooth and precise movements.

Pro trumpets perfectly tune and handle a great range of timbral subtleties without giving rise to any discrepancies in the music. Their valve and slide actions are superior for quicker fingering, faster tonguing, and straightforward and precise articulation.

If you’re playing the trumpet for life — it’s wise to invest in a PRO one that will serve you well over the years.

$5,000 – $8,000 — Premium Handcraft Professional Trumpets

These trumpets are for professional musicians who demand superior performance and a range of personal customization.

Within the premium pro trumpet range, some of the best horns are Yamaha Artist, and Bach Artisan.

Yamaha Xeno Artist is for professionals who want ultimate response and sound. This is a lighter and more fragile horn (compared to Yamaha Xeno), with French beads on the bell to increase the response levels and make it easier to hear yourself while playing.

Each Xeno Artist trumpet has a unique sound spectrum with a broader range of tonal possibilities than standard Xenos. They demand precise control, support, technique, and dexterity. These horns are highly sensitive and more delicate, unsuitable for casual players.

Bach Stradivarius Artisan presents the top-of-the-line achievements in the art of making trumpets at Bach. Bach produces these instruments with great care for fantastic sound quality, playability, and the famous “dark-and-rich” tone that many pro trumpeters rely on.

More Than $8,000 — Custom Type Of Trumpet

In the realm of custom trumpets, you’re looking at the finest craftsmanship available in the trumpet world. The most elite names in this category are Monette and Harrelson Trumpets (way less).

Monette is a pioneer of trumpet design, leading with innovations that the industry only adopted years later.

Monette trumpets aren’t for everybody — they magnify your strengths and weaknesses as a trumpet player. If you have problems with your intonation, Monette makes this even more evident. If the technique is good — this horn takes your playing to new levels!!

Monette trumpets demand a high price because each horn requires many person-hours of meticulous work to build.

Another best-in-class reputable brand in custom trumpets is Harrelson Trumpets Muse. The amount of customization is supreme, resulting in a horn that feels like an extension of yourself!!

Practice Setup

For the casual practice, it was fun and quirky to practice with a quality plastic trumpet (use your regular trumpet for MOST practice, tho).

The real mouthpiece on a plastic trumpet will keep your technique (embouchure) in order.

To keep your practice session quiet and not bother people — use a Silent Brass mute. There are other mutes available, but (IMHO) Silent Brass is more effective. Just stick the mute in to keep the volume down.

How Much Does A Trumpet Cost — Education

Many resources are available online to get you the right trumpet for any level of ability. YouTube is a great place to start with videos on “How much does a trumpet cost” and how to pick trumpets for beginners.

Check the Bb Trumpet College for complete details and enough advice to find the perfect trumpet — matching your budget!!

Tips To Buy A Second-Hand Horn Of Reputable Trumpet Brands?

When buying a second-hand trumpet (especially for the first time), DON’T be overly picky!!

Check the horn and see that it looks well-kept — all the valves and slides should work in order with no air leakage.

Consider professional cleaning at a local musical repair shop and free your trumpet of residue or buildup from a previous owner.

If possible, go to a local music store and rent a trumpet BEFORE buying. Try it out and make sure this is the one for you. Go to eBay.com and Craigslist.com for more deals, but ensure you are (entirely) comfortable with the seller. (Read my post with “5 First Steps On How TO Hold A Trumpet Like A Pro”)

Conclusion: How Much Does A Trumpet Cost — 6 Grades Of Price Of A Trumpet

The price of a trumpet can vary between $200 (second-hand student models) and $25,000 (Monette, lol!).

If you have been playing for two years now, there is no urgent need to upgrade — your current student trumpet is in good condition…

…If you think the time is now, look at all the options and pick the one that fits your needs and budget!!