You will find information on this page about the many different items that trumpet players need to purchase, including instruments, accessories, music books, etc. If you are in the market to purchase a new or used trumpet, please check here first and then contact me. All instruments are different, even the same make and model instrument often have major variations from one instrument to the next. If you find a used trumpet that you wish to purchase, I will be happy to inspect it and make sure that it is in good working order. If you are shopping for a new instrument, your first step is to decide on the make and model that you want to purchase, and of course I will be happy to assist you in making that decision. When you are ready to make the purchase, it is very important that we arrange to play several instruments, all of the same make and model. Without taking the time to compare, you run the risk of ending up with an inferior trumpet. They may all look alike, but the differences can be astonishing.
Over the years I have played many different brands and models of trumpets; none are perfect though I have found two that tend to consistently rate at the top. I believe that Bach and Yamaha are the two brands that are the best all-around instruments available today. If you surveyed the world’s leading players, you would find that the vast majority play either Bach, Yamaha, or both. In my family, between my wife and my son and I, we own twelve trumpets, and they are all made by Bach and Yamaha. Here is my short list of recommended trumpets.
If you are looking to purchase a beginning student instrument, the Yamaha YTR-2330 is by far the finest trumpet available. It is extremely well-made and plays with many of the characteristics that one would only expect to experience when playing a professional trumpet. The YTR-2330 is a new model and supersedes the YTR-2335 which has been a favorite for more then twenty years. If you are searching for a used instrument, the YTR-2335 model is what you will most likely find. Both are fine instruments. If you are shopping for a professional trumpet rather then a student instrument, the Bach Stradivarius is the instrument of choice. Since 1924, Bach trumpets have been recognized internationally as the world’s leading trumpets. There are certainly other brands and models of trumpets that play well and would be a good choice for trumpet players, but the two models that I’ve listed here are consistently played and recommended by players everywhere.
Here is a list of the most common music books that I use in my teaching. I’ve included links so that you will have complete information on these materials, of course you can purchase them at a retailer of your choice.
Essential Elements Book 1
Essential Elements Book 2
Essential Elements Book 1 Downloadable Play-a-Long Tracks
Essential Elements Book 2 Additional Play-a-Long Tracks
Arban Complete Method for Trumpet – Standard Edition
Arban Complete Method for Trumpet – Platinum Edition
Arban Complete Method – Alternate Less Expensive Edition
Getchell First Book of Practical Studies
Getchell Second Book of Practical Studies
Clarke Technical Studies
There are a wide array of accessories, and maintenance items that trumpeters use, valve oil, slide grease, mutes, etc. Here is a brief list of the brands that I recommend.
Blue Juice Valve Oil – Available in 2oz & 8oz Bottles
Fast Valve Oil
SuperSlick Slide Grease
Cleaning SnakeMouthpiece Cleaning Brush
Valve Casing Brush
Trumpet BERP
Bach Trumpet Mouthpiece or Here
Denis Wick Straight Mute
Denis Wick Cup Mute
Tuner/Metronome
While not as common, there are many other accessories that you may need, I am always glad to assist in helping you to make decisions on purchasing the proper items.
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The
superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
~ William Arthur Ward