How Much Does a Trumpet Cost? For the Beginner, Intermediate and Professional

The trumpet is one of the most enjoyable and thrilling musical instruments available, and if you're thinking about learning to play one, you're undoubtedly wondering, How much does a trumpet cost?" "How much does a quality trumpet cost?" or "How much does a decent trumpet cost?"

Depending on the quality and type of trumpet you purchase, a trumpet can cost anywhere from $100 to $5,000. With a little luck and the correct information, you can obtain a great trumpet for a shockingly low price. This post will demonstrate how to get the most bang for your money possible.

We'll look at several types of trumpets and how much they cost, as well as what to think about before purchasing one. So, in order to get the most out of the material, please take your time reading it.

How much does a trumpet cost?

First, let's address the subject of "how much does a good student trumpet cost?" First, I'm going to talk about spanking new trumpets. Further down in this post, you'll discover information about used trumpets and what to look for if you're thinking about purchasing one.

For beginner

For roughly $150, you can acquire a brand new, reasonably "decent" beginner/student trumpet.

They may be "relatively alright," as the title suggests, but they are far from being a high-quality trumpet, and I would seriously consider the following level, category #2, even if just getting started. Sure, if you're not sure if you want to keep playing AND you're short on cash, this is the category for you.

For decent beginner

For $150-300, you can acquire a brand new, quite excellent student trumpet. This is where I would start if I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep playing beyond the first few months.

For intermediate

For $300-800, you can acquire a brand new, really well-made student trumpet. Choose this option if you are certain that the trumpet is the instrument for you and that you are committed to continuing to play!

For good professionals

If you're a newbie, there's no incentive to start in this area unless you're flush with cash.

For a professional trumpet of fantastic quality

Well, I'm not sure what more to say. This category remains a faraway goal for many trumpet players, including me. I've owned a couple of trumpets that cost more than $3000, but I sold them because I didn't feel I was utilizing them as much as I would have liked at that time of year, and having such an expensive trumpet laying about made me feel horrible.

Factors to consider

It's very conceivable, for example, to find a trumpet in the $300 range that outperforms one costing $500 or more. Aside from the price, you should think about the following factors while considering your options:

• New or Used – Do you want to acquire a brand new trumpet or do you want to settle for a used one? A new trumpet will last longer and be in better shape, but it will cost more.

• What materials are utilized on the trumpet and where are they used? - The majority of trumpets are constructed of brass, however, higher-end ones are composed of gold brass rather than yellow brass. Meanwhile, nickel-silver is used in certain alternatives. This increases rust resistance while also altering the sound significantly.

• Manufacturer - Trumpets are created by a variety of companies, and the brand you pick can have a significant impact on the price. While you may be able to locate cheaper versions from lesser-known companies, you must measure this against the peace of mind that comes with depending on a reputable manufacturer like Yamaha or Getzen.

• The quality of the casing - that most trumpets come with may have an impact on the pricing. However, you might want to invest in a nicer case than the one that came with your trumpet.

You'll also need to consider your trumpet case, which will be essential not just for storage but also for properly transporting your trumpet between concerts and practices.

Furthermore, you must examine some of the many trumpet kinds. Piccolo and pocket trumpets, for example, are both rather tiny, which can help to cut costs in some situations. Fanfare trumpets, on the other hand, are significantly larger and, as a result, you may expect to pay a little more for one.

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Cost of some trumpet on each level

Merando, Gold Lacquer Plated Bb trumpet for beginner

Honestly, I would stay away from most of the trumpets in this price range but I think the Merano trumpet is surprisingly good for being in the lowest category. You actually get a playable trumpet that is well worth this price. If money is tight for you, and you can’t afford anything from categories 2 and 3, then I highly recommend the Merano.

About the Merano

• The Merano trumpet is made in Merano, Italy

• The trumpet is packaged in a sturdy, durable hard case.

• Glows are provided, as well as a maintenance kit.

• There's also a tuner and a music stand.

Sound

• It's OK to use innation.

• The sound quality is excellent.

• The valves appear to be in good working order.

Summary

Because all of the trumpets I use are professional trumpets, it may be unfair of me to write this evaluation. But, to be fair, the trumpet isn't all horrible. I can't compare it to the $2200-3000 trumpets I'm accustomed to playing, but for a trumpet that costs less than $200, it's actually rather excellent.

So, what are your options?

The intonation is acceptable, and the sound is actually rather nice. It's also rather free-flowing and simple to play, which is a bonus. If you're looking for a trumpet in the $100-$250 bracket, this is the one for you. If you're looking for a decent trumpet at a reasonable price, this is the one to get!

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Jean Paul USA TR-430 Intermediate Trumpet for decent beginner

If you're preparing to start playing the trumpet or want to upgrade from an old, lousy trumpet, this is the category to look at. You will get a lot of trumpet for your money if you get this trumpet. I have to say that for the price, it is an excellent trumpet.

For only a few dollars more than the first trumpet, you can obtain a much superior trumpet, and I definitely suggest the Jean Paul brand. I genuinely think the Jean Paul trumpet is so much better than other trumpets in the same price range that I'm a little shocked it's priced so little. Even though I'm accustomed to playing 2000-3000 dollar trumpets, I bought one for myself as a backup trumpet.

About the Jean Paul trumpet

• Brass in the color of yellow

• (I'm amazed) Comes with a really lovely trumpet case.

• Leadpipe made of rose brass (helps give a pleasant sound)

• A third trigger that can be adjusted (good, we have different hand sizes, after all.)

• Piston valves that are extremely long-lasting

Sound

• It's really simple to play.

• Valves are fantastic.

• Surprisingly nice sound quality for such a well-built product!

• Intonation is excellent for the price (almost as good as, if not better than, my pro horns, and it's the finest in its price category).

Summary

It has a light blowing sensation to it, and the sound is quite lovely. The valves operate well, and there is no "stickiness" to be found.

So, what are your options?

This is an excellent trumpet, and with the one-year guarantee, there is no way to go wrong. I first played this trumpet at a music festival a few years ago, and I was blown away by how beautifully it performed for a trumpet in this price range. Later, I tried it again and decided to buy one for myself. If you think this is a price you can afford, and the next category is too pricey, I'd recommend this horn.

Yamaha Bb Trumpet YTR 2330 for beginner-intermediate

Even though it might be a fine choice for a beginner if you have the funds, it is a trumpet of such high quality that it is more appropriately classified as an intermediate student trumpet than a beginner trumpet and it's almost as good as professional trumpets, but at a fraction of the price. It's not quite pro-level horns, but it's close.

About the Yamaha Trumpet

• A hard case or a semi-hard case is supplied

• Accessory: TRC-203 case, TR-11B4 mouthpiece

• It includes a mouthpiece (TR-11B4)

• 123 mm bell

• Other Bell: YL-ll Bell / Bore size: ML Shape

Sound

• The sound is fantastic.

• The valves are fine.

• Blowing is simple and controlled.

Summary

The horn has sticky valves, according to a few Amazon reviews. Even some of my professional horns had problems with this until I started using La Tromba valve oil, therefore I would advise them to try it on this trumpet. Read up on that specific valve oil in my post. The article, What is the Best Trumpet Oil, can be found here.

So, what are your options?

If you have the funds and are certain that trumpet playing is something you want to pursue, this trumpet should be your first choice. Yamaha is the most consistent brand on the market today when it comes to quality. Have you got the cash? Invest in this high-quality trumpet!

Invest in this trumpet if you are convinced that you will continue to play the trumpet for at least a few years and if you have the funds. It's of excellent quality. For many years to come, the money you invest will be well worth it.

What about trumpets played by professionals?

Okay, those were some nice examples of how much trumpets cost in the beginner-student-intermediate pricing range, and the trumpets you saw in the photographs, and that I put in each category, are the ones that I think to be the best for that price range, but how much does a competent professional trumpet cost? Let's have a look at a couple of them, shall we?

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew Bb-Trumpet for professional

About Yamaha 8310Z Bobby

The Yamaha 8310Z is a musical instrument manufactured by Yamaha

• M bore Bobby Shew Professional Trumpet (11.3mm)

• 127 mm bell L-tuning slide

• The YTR-6310 Z is still being developed.

• Bell edge Xeno design with newly developed technology in the creation of the bell "French bead"

• A wider spectrum of timbres is available.

• Constructed with lightweight materials

Sound

• With a nice high register, it's simple to play.

• Valves are fantastic.

• Build quality is excellent.

• The sound is a mixture of bright and dark.

• Excellent intonation.

Summary

I obviously enjoy this trumpet since I wouldn't own and play it if I didn't. The French bed bell edge is one of my favorite features, as it helps me hear myself better when I'm playing in a loud symphony or big band. This is beneficial since it makes it much easier to maintain complete control over the game.

So, what are your options?

If you're searching for a professional horn, this is one choice. When we're talking about trumpets in this price bracket, though, it's understandable and best to try the horn before you buy it.

The really expensive Yamaha YTR-8335RS Xeno Series Bb Trumpet for professional

So, here we have a professional B-flat trumpet of exceptional quality and performance. I tried it out a few years ago and it was fantastic! Unfortunately, my budget at the time did not allow for the expense.

About the Yamaha YTR-8335RS Xeno

• Slide in the other direction to tune

• Monel pistons with hand-lapped slides

• Hand-hammered annealed one-piece bell

• Braces on both sides of the primary tuning slide

• Leadpipe drawn in one piece

How does it play?

• That's pretty much all I have to say about it.

• Sound that is both powerful and simple to play

• The slots are excellent.

• Valves are really quick and silent.

• The intone is dead on...perfect!

• Airflow and smooth resistance

• High notes stay in place and are simple to play.

Summary

It's a fantastic horn that can be played in a variety of genres. Depending on the mouthpiece you choose, you may easily control the sound.

So, what are your options?

As I previously stated, while spending this much money, we should ensure that we can test the horn before purchasing it. However, it's a fantastic horn, and because Amazon has a 30-day money-back guarantee, it's not a hazardous purchase.

The super high quality Shilke S32HD Custom Series Bb Trumpet for professional

There are more costly B-flat trumpets available, such as the "Monette Trumpets," but when we move down the scale to lesser trumpets, such as the C-trumpet, Eb-trumpet, and piccolo trumpets, the price rises even more, with the top grade piccolo trumpets costing $4000 or more. C-trumpets are in the same boat. Needless to say, this is the incorrect pricing point to begin your trumpet journey.

How much is a used trumpet worth?

If we want to buy a used trumpet, there are certainly more aspects that influence the price, aside from the brand, than if we want to buy a new trumpet.

Just follow these questions to clarify it first

• What is the age of the trumpet?

• Has it been played a lot or has it been sitting in a case for a long time?

• Has it been well-maintained?

• Is the condition of the valves and slides excellent or bad?

• Is there any damage to the horn, and if so, how serious is it?

• Is the lacquer scratched, and how worn down is the lacquer?

• Is the vendor in a rush to make a profit? (If so, it's beneficial to your health)... and much more!

As you can see, there are a lot of variables at play here, making it difficult to answer the question. However, I will attempt to provide a general guideline. A second hand professional B-flat trumpet costs between $1100 and $1600.

You should be able to get a mediocre to good professional trumpet in this price range depending on the seller and all of the above parameters. However, you may have to do a lot of research and wait. $500-$650 for a decent second hand intermediate/student trumpet This is roughly the price range you may expect, based on all of the elements, including where you reside and the seller.

Can I find a good trumpet for a low price?

Do you have strong hand-eye coordination? Putting things together and fixing them? Perhaps you have a friend who has an eye for such things and is skilled with his hands to repair a trumpet, one does not need to be a trumpet repair technician.

Let me give you an incredible example

My trumpet-playing friend enjoys looking for secondhand trumpets on the internet. Someone had presumably dropped the trumpet on concrete or something since the bell was terribly deformed when he noticed a Bach Stradivarius that was really damaged up, with a lot of dents and someone had probably dropped the trumpet on concrete or something. It was a depressing sight. Furthermore, the leadpipe was dangling loose. Overall, it was simple to think of the word "broken" while looking at the horn...

The trumpet was not in the least bit playable. As a result, it was also incredibly inexpensive. I believe my friend paid around 700 Euros for his trumpet.

When the trumpet arrived in the mail, my friend began removing the dents one at a time using a gentle "hammer" and tools from his garage.

He soldered the leadpipe back on and pushed steel balls through some of the slides to remove the dents (from the inside out). It didn't take long, and he seemed to love working on it, and I believe he had a perfectly fine Vincent Bach Stradivarius trumpet in his hands in two or three days. Only a few years old and it sounds as good as a brand new $3000 trumpet. In other words, my friend turned 700 Euros into 3000 Euros while having a good time doing it.

Of course, my guy is a master at using his hands, but he is far from an expert. I recognize that not everyone is as skilled with their hands as I am, but many of us have friends or know someone who is, and with a little tinkering, that person could repair a trumpet as long as the valves are not damaged. In all truth, trumpets and deals like this don't come along very frequently, so if this is something you want to accomplish, you'll have to be patient and keep your eyes peeled. You may have to wait months or even years for the "ideal offer."

How dare you take on this if you don't have any friends or friends of friends?

There is still hope...

We can sometimes locate screwed-up trumpets for such low costs on the internet that even if you take it to a professional trumpet repair specialist who charges a lot of money, you'll still end up with a great horn. After all is said and done, you'll have a horn that's worth a little more than the price you paid for the trumpet plus the repair bill. I understand that most trumpeters do not want to do this because it is a lot of extra work, but because this post is about trumpet prices, what we can do about it is share it with the way to get what you want.

The Takeaway

Beginner trumpets usually range in cost around $150. Intermediate, or step-up trumpets usually range in cost $160 to $800 and entry level pro trumpets more than $3000.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post, and I hope you now have a better grasp of how much money you should spend on a trumpet, ”how much does a trumpet cost?” will not be a question for us anymore!