Moving up to a higher quality instrument should be based on more than playing ability.
Part of the reason someone moves up to a higher-level instrument is that they want to
continue playing an instrument for years. They have decided that their horn is the instrument they
want to play through high school. An intermediate or professional grade instrument will grow
with them as they develop as a musician.
Another factor in the decision is the student's maturity level. You should only move up to a
higher-level instrument if the student can care for the instrument. If your son/daughter is still
"accidentally" denting their student instrument, wait until they have shown they can care for an
instrument before moving up.
A final reason to move to a higher quality instrument is the tone capabilities of the current
instrument. If your son/daughter is playing on a dented, leaking student instrument they may
struggle playing at the next level. Brass playing should be enjoyable for the player and the
listeners.
Student Trumpet
Bell: The bell will often be constructed of two
pieces. The seam affects the sound and
projection of the instrument.
Leadpipe: The leadpipe will be constructed
from lesser expensive materials and the tuning
slide will fit into the leadpipe.
Tuning Slide: The shape of the tuning slide will
be "D" shaped. The tuning slide will have one
water key. Student models typically have one
bracing for the tuning slide.
Quality Control: Student trumpets are mass-
produced and the tolerances are slightly eased
so that parts fit together easily.
Materials: Manufactures can't leave parts off
like an auto manufacturer can, so they save
money by using less expensive materials. Valves
are typically nickel-plated. The tubing will be
slightly more durable and harder to prevent the
new player from denting and destroying the
instrument. Most student instruments come with
a lacquer finish with is sprayed on and baked.
Weight and Bore Size: The bore size is the
diameter of the tubing of the trumpet. The
standard bore size for a trumpet is 0.459-.460.
This is classified as a Medium Large bore. This
size gives the best tone quality for all around
playing. Student trumpets are standard weight,
meaning the manufacturer has not increased the
weight in order to change the tone quality.
Mouthpieces: A student instrument will
typically come with a beginner level mouthpiece.
This is often a 7C size.
Cases: A student case is usually plastic and
designed to protect the instrument from the new
player.
Bell: The bell will typically be hand hammered
from one piece. The bell may be modeled after
other instruments, for example the #37 bell is
used by many manufacturers and is modeled
after the #37 bell of the Bach Company.
Different bell shapes and tapers create different
sound types. For example the #72 bell has a
darker tone than the #37 bell.
Leadpipe: The leadpipe may be light, heavy,
or reverse lead. The most common non-custom
choice on trumpets is a reverse lead. This
"reverse" is seen where the main tuning slide
meets the leadpipe. The traditional leadpipe fits
around the tuning slide. A reverse leadpipe
flows into the tuning slide allowing for an easier
airflow. Different weights can impact the sound
quality as different weight bells change the
sound quality.
Tuning Slide: The tuning slide will be "D"
shaped or a modified "D" shape. The shape of
this first turn has a slight impact on the tone of
the instrument. Professional level horns will
typically have double bracing, but this is not
always the case as Schilke brand trumpets have
no bracing at the tuning slide. Some
manufacturers prefer the Amado water keys
because they may cause less turbulence and the
springs on the Amado keys are only under
pressure when depressed. There is some debate
if the sound quality is different.
Quality Control: Professional trumpets are
made with computer controlled lathes and
craftspeople. The tolerances are much smaller
and parts fit perfectly.
Materials: Manufacturers experiment with
different alloy and combinations in order to find
the best sounding instrument. Valves are made
with stainless steel or Monel. These materials
are slightly softer than nickel and create the feel
of a perfect valve. Professional instruments
come in a variety of finishes: lacquer, silver-
plated, gold plated, or a brushed brass finish.
Each finish has a slightly different effect on the
tone of the instrument.
Weight and Bore Size: The bore size can
range from small (0.453) to large (0.468).
Typically, the larger the bore the more air is
needed to play. Some trumpet experts feel that
large bore instruments blow more freely, some
feel it is more to do with the balance between
the bell shape, leadpipe, and bore size. Some
manufacturers have also increased the weight of
the instrument to change the tonality. The belief
is that a heavier instrument will project the
sound better and less "sound energy" will be
absorbed by the instrument.
Mouthpieces: Professional level trumpets may
or may not come with a mouthpiece. By the
time someone is considering a trumpet for this
level, they have most likely upgraded their
mouthpiece to a more advanced mouthpiece.
Cases: Professional level trumpets come with
heavy-duty cases made of wood with some
covering. The interiors are more spacious so
that players can transport mutes, stands, oil, and
grease without damaging the instrument. Some
cases are designed for two trumpets.
