Brass (Gold colored) vs. Silver; the metal of the trumpet affects the look of the instrument, as well as the sound. Since the look is obvious, let’s
get to the sound. Brass trumpets are most common in student and
intermediate trumpets because it costs less to manufacture than silver,
and most companies do not want to spend the resources on student
instruments. Brass, relatively to silver, is a softer metal, and will
get a warmer, darker tone than a silver trumpet would. Silver would
get a
brighter sound, with more projection and “sizzle” in the sound.
Although student trumpets are primarily brass (or variations of brass),
you can find professional trumpets in brass or silver, and it is a
personal preference which one is used.
Monel valves; Monel
is a material that some valves are made from. It is a very hard and
corrosion-resistant material, making it ideal for valves. It is harder
to get and manufacture, so will cost more, but will extend the
playability and life of your trumpet. They will need to be oiled regularly like any valve with any of a large variety of valve oils.
Mouthpiece; All
trumpets will come with a mouthpiece from the manufacturer. Most of
these will be 7C mouthpieces, even if it is not printed on the
mouthpiece. If the trumpeter wants a different size mouthpiece, they
can be purchased separately.
Cases; All trumpets come with a case included as a protection for the instrument.
If buying for a beginning student
Recommended trumpets for students who are “not-yet-personally-committed” to play for years:
