Trumpet Buyers Guide
from the MMF! Music Library

Student Trumpets
Students trumpets are machine made and built for durability and budget-minded families. Most student horns are made with a two-piece bell as opposed to a one-piece found on high-end trumpets. The compromise affects sound and projection to some degree, though it makes for a much more affordable instrument. These instruments are the ideal choice for the beginning player.

Intermediate Trumpets
Intermediate trumpets are designed for students that have been playing for at least 2 years, and have acquired basic playing skills. They are typically based on high-end instruments, but are built with less expensive manufacturing techniques.

Professional Trumpets
Professional trumpets feature one-piece bells for greater projection, stainless steel pistons, and lightweight or heavy versions for a brighter or darker tone quality. These high-end instruments are recommended for high school students and above. Parents desiring to save a little should start with a student trumpet and transition into a professional line trumpet in high school, by passing the intermediate level instrument.