16 Best Bb Trumpets 2024 For Professional & Student Trumpeters

Is it time for you to get a new trumpet?

Maybe you’re just getting started on the trumpet. Maybe you’ve been playing for years. And, maybe you need to upgrade or are looking for something different.

Whatever the case, we’ve got plenty of trumpets for your perusal. You’re about to discover 16 best Bb trumpets for professional and student trumpeters.

Professional Trumpets

Professional trumpets usually come at a premium price. This isn’t to suggest you can’t find quality instruments without spending a ton, but of course, if you want the best of the best, you are going to be spending a little more.

Pros usually have discerning tastes that have been developed over time, and typically won’t be satisfied with anything less than a nice-looking, great-sounding, easy to use instrument.

So, here are some of the better options available for pros – but if you’re a pro, you’d probably know better than I do!

Bach LT1901B Stradivarius Commercial Series Bb Trumpet Silver

The beautiful Bach LT1901B Stradivarius Commercial Series Bb trumpet comes with a ML bore for versatility, minimal bracing for maximum vibration, top quality case and mouthpiece.

It features a .459-inch medium-large bore, lightweight commercial bronze bell with a French-style bell rim, two-piece brass valve casing with bronze balusters, lightweight brass outer and lightweight nickel-silver inner slide tubing.

Users universally loved this Vincent Bach trumpet. Some said it was better than an Artisan, with others saying they thought it was great for jazz and commercial playing.

It comes at a premium price, of course, but if you’re ready for a trumpet that gives you a great sound across its entire range, you should check this one out.

Item weight: 15.3 lbs.

Package dimensions: 24.2 x 11.4 x 9.7 inches

Bach 19037 Stradivarius Series 50th Anniversary Bb Trumpet Silver

The Bach 19037 Stradivarius Series 50th Anniversary Bb trumpet commemorates 50 years. It features a .459-inch medium-large bore combined with a hand hammered yellow brass bell with the popular #37 taper and side seam.

It also comes with two-piece valve casing with nickel balusters and wide sculpted bracing, as well as a Bach 3C mouthpiece and anniversary wood-shell case.

Based on a collectible Bach, the 19037 attempts to improve on a classic, timeless design.

We couldn’t find any criticism for this one. Users universally liked it for its sound, ease of use and design (basically everything!).

Item weight: 14 lbs.

Package dimensions: 25 x 10 x 15 inches

Bach 180S37 Stradivarius Series Bb Trumpet – Silver Plated

The Bach 180S37 Stradivarisu Series Bb trumpet comes with a .459” medium-large bore, standard weight body, standard weight yellow brass one-piece hand-hammered #37 bell, standard construction #25 mouthpiece and Monel pistons.

It also features a first slide thumb saddle, adjustable third slide rod stop, silver-plate finish, Bach 7C mouthpiece and C180 wood-shell case.

Many users loved this essential Bach trumpet. Some have said there are better trumpets for the price, which might be the case, but that certainly doesn’t mean this one’s bad by any means!

Item weight: 10.81 lbs.

Package dimensions: 23.7 x 11.2 x 9.2 inches

Jupiter Professional XO Series Bb Trumpet With Reverse Leadpipe 1602S-R

The Jupiter Professional XO Series Bb trumpet comes with a .459 inch medium-large bore, hand crafted 4.8 inch B4 bell, standard rose brass reverse leadpipe, JBM-TR3C mouthpiece and XO Classic Series case (KC-24XCS).

It also features Monel pistons, two-piece valve casing, elliptical and rounded tuning slides and metal finger buttons, regular and light-action spring sets, standard and weighted bottom calce caps, first vale slide thumb saddle, third valve slide throw ring and vertical stop.

Buyers loved the Jupiter Music trumpet for its tone, intonation, smooth and quiet valves and overall responsiveness.

Item weight: 20 lbs.

Package dimensions: Unknown

Yamaha YTR-8335 Xeno Series Bb Trumpet Silver

The Yamaha YTR-8335 Xeno Series trumpet comes with hand-lapped slides and Monel pistons, hand-hammered one-piece annealed bell and double main tuning slide braces.

It also features a lightweight piston and valve casing concept, long-type water key and bell taper.

If you like projection and big, warm sounds then you may have found your baby. This trumpet was developed with 30 years’ research and with the help of some of the leading artists from around the world.

Whether it’s for symphonies, jazz or commercial stages, the Xeno is well-suited to a variety of applications.

You’d be hard pressed to find negative reviews for the Yamaha even if you went looking for it. Some customers even said it’s the best trumpet ever made. A must-see, especially at the price.

Item weight: 14.2 lbs.

Package dimensions: 26.2 x 11 x 15 inches

Getzen Trumpet – Standard (900S)

The Getzen 900S Standard trumpet comes with a classic design, free blowing, excellent intonation, bore size of .460”, hand lapped nickel silver slides, nickel silver mouthpiece, 4¾“ bell, first slide saddle and third slide ring (intonation aids).

It comes with a 7C trumpet mouthpiece and features a clear lacquer over silver plating finish.

As with most professional trumpets, customers universally loved the Getzen for its sizzle, price and tone.

Though it’s not cheap by any means, it is on the affordable end of pro trumpets, so if you’ve got a bit of money, but not enough for the above trumpets, you might give this one a go.

Item weight: 2.5 lbs.

Package dimensions: 20 x 6 x 6 inches

Student Trumpets

What works best for students is generally an instrument that plays well and isn’t too expensive.

This isn’t to suggest that the cheapest trumpet is always best, so for this guide we’ve handpicked a few trumpets, from beginner to intermediate instruments that might suit your need.

We always encourage you to stay within your budget, but if you’ve got a little more to spend, then it can’t hurt to have a better-quality instrument.

Let’s have a look.

Yamaha YTR-2330 Standard Bb Trumpet

The Yamaha YTR-2330 standard Bb trumpet comes with a two-piece yellow brass bell crafted using state of the art production methods, adjustable third valve trigger, water key on the third valve slide, Monel alloy pistons, piston buttons and bottom caps, second and main tuning slides.

This gives the instrument a consistent, vibrant tone. Its balanced weight encourages natural hand position, which makes this a highly playable trumpet. It’s durable too.

Most buyers seemed pleased with the instrument, citing its price and quality.

Negative reviews were few and far between for the Yamaha.

Item weight: 5.51 lbs.

Package dimensions: 23.2 x 12.2 x 7.5 inches

Jean Paul USA TR-430S Trumpet – Standard, Silver

The Jean Paul USA TR-430S trumpet comes with a silver-plated body construction, adjustable third trigger, durable piston valve length and carrying case.

Customers appreciated the tone of the instrument as well as its build quality. They were also complimentary of Jean Paul USA’s customer service.

We couldn’t find any major issues with this trumpet.

Item weight: 6.5 lbs.

Package dimensions: 22 x 11 x 7 inches

Jean Paul USA TR-430 Intermediate Trumpet

Not unlike the TR-430S, The Jean Paul USA TR-430 intermediate trumpet comes with a rose brass lead pipe, adjustable third trigger, durable piston valve, robust carrying case, 7C mouthpiece, valve oil, polishing cloth and gloves.

And, we’re certainly starting to get into the more affordable range of instruments as well.

Customers said they liked the instrument’s tone, range and finish.

Item weight: 6.5 lbs.

Package dimensions: 22 x 11.2 x 6.5 inches

Jean Paul USA TR-330N Trumpet, Standard Nickel

The Jean Paul USA TR-330N trumpet comes with a brass lead pipe construction, yellow brass body construction, gold lacquer finish, contoured carrying case, valve oil, gloves, cleaning cloth and mouthpiece.

Customers said they liked the instrument’s clean sound, durability, price and customer service.

Others said the instrument fell apart after a while. We can’t confirm or deny these statements, but it might be something to look out for.

Item weight: 6.5 lbs.

Package dimensions: 22 x 11.2 x 6.5 inches

Mendini By Cecilio Gold Brass Standard Bb Trumpet With Hard Case, Gloves, 7C Mouthpiece & Valve Oil

The Mendini by Cecilio gold brass standard Bb trumpet is one of the most affordable on this list.

Its color selection is certainly beginner friendly – Blue, Gold, Gold Lacquer, Black, Red, Silver and Sky Blue. Fun!

This baby features a durable brass body, phosphorous copper used on lead, mouth pipe, smooth action valves, comfortable buttons, medium-large .460-inch bore, five-inch bell, first valve slide thumb saddle and adjustable third slide lock.

You also get pro-deluxe durable plush lined nylon covered hard case with backpack straps and zipper pocket, silver plated 7C mouthpiece, soft polishing cloth, a pair of white gloves, valve oil and a one-year warranty.

That’s a lot for one low price!

Many customers thought the Mendini was a stunning trumpet and said it was good for band students.

Some said you get what you pay for, which is hardly surprising. You would still be hard pressed to find better in this price range.

Item weight: 5.8 lbs.

Package dimensions: 22 x 7 x 11 inches

Eastar ETR-380 Gold Trumpet Brass Standard Bb Trumpet Set

This is basically Eastar’s answer to the Mendini, but it’s just as highly rated and affordable. It’s available in several colors – Black, Blue, Gold, Nickel and Red.

The Eastar ETR-380 comes with a 0.459-inch bore, 4.84-inch bell, first valve slide thumb saddle, third valve slide with adjustable throw ring, white faux mother of pearl inlaid buttons and internal pipe cleaning.

The bundle comes with white gloves, cloth, valve oil, trumpet cleaning kit, 7C mouthpiece, hard case and 12-month product warranty.

Buyers loved that this bundle came with all necessities. Others said it was great starter kit.

The downside is that apparently the keys are sticky. Something to be mindful of.

Item weight: 6.22 lbs.

Package dimensions: 22 x 7 x 11 inches

Glory Brass Bb Trumpet With Pro Case

The Glory Brass Bb trumpet is available in several fun colors – Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Double-Braced, Sea Blue, White, Black Nickel Engraved Flowers and Nickel Silver.

This trumpet comes with a lightweight case, bottle of valve oil, soft polishing cloth, a pair of white gloves and 7C mouthpiece.

The good – It looks good, plays well and is affordably priced.

The bad – some customers had issues with valves and other components.

It may not be the sturdiest instrument on this list, but we somewhat expected that based on the price point.

Item weight: 5 lbs.

Package dimensions: 22 x 10 x 6 inches

Pocket Trumpets

We’ve covered pocket trumpets in detail in another guide, but we thought we might look at a few here, just in case you need a smaller instrument.

As you might be able to guess, smaller trumpets are a little easier to hold. That’s the main advantage. That makes them perfect for beginners, students, marching bands and even jazz gigs.

In some cases, however, pocket trumpets can be harder to play than full-sized instruments, so this is a good thing to keep in mind when shopping for one.

Aside from that, the portability of the instrument is something people love, since they can take it where they go and stay sharp on their instrument regardless of where they might be. A pocket trumpet is easy to pack in your luggage!

With that, let’s look at a few worthwhile options.

CAROL BRASS CPT-3000-GLS-Bb-BG “Black Hawk” Pocket Trumpet

The CarolBrass “Black Hawk” pocket trumpet is a work of beauty. It comes with a .460 bore, black nickel with 24K gold trim, large 4.724” gold brass bell, first and third thumb hooks for tuning with either hand, two water keys, weighted bottom caps and close tolerance stainless steel valves.

This is a special edition pocket trumpet and is certainly at the higher end of pocket trumpets. The manufacturer claims standard pro level sound and playability, flexibility, power and projection.

This bundle includes hard case, 3C mouthpiece, polish cloth, ultra-pure professional synthetic valve oil, slide lube and CarolBrass one-year warranty.

The good – buyers said they were able to squeeze a big sound out of this small CarolBrass instrument.

The bad – nothing major!

Item weight: 6 lbs.

Package dimensions: 14.3 x 9.7 x 6.1 inches

Prelude By Conn-Selmer PT711 Series Bb Pocket Trumpet

The Conn-Selmer PT711R features a .459” bore, standard yellow brass leadpipe, 5” yellow brass bell, stainless steel vavles, a third valve slide ring, two water keys, lightweight case with nylon exterior and exterior accessory pocket, and a 7C trumpet mouthpiece. Plus, it’s red!

Buyers loved the Conn-Selmer kit.

Item weight: 15 lbs.

Package dimensions: 16 x 13 x 16 inches

Mendini MPT-BK Lacquer Brass Bb Pocket Trumpet

The Mendini MPT-BK is an affordable pocket trumpet. If you’d like it in another color, you can also find it in Blue, Gold, Green, Nickel and Red.

This instrument comes with a 0.46-inch bore, 3.75-inch bell, comfortable white faux mother of pearl inlaid buttons, phosphorous copper lead mouth pipe and smooth action valves.

With this package, you also get a Cecilio 92-D chromatic tuner, case, bottle of valve oil, soft polishing cloth, a pair of white gloves and one-year warranty against manufacturer defects.

Buyers liked the affordability of this instrument. Some had issues with the valves, however, which is to be expected at this price point.

Item weight: 4.25 lbs.

Package dimensions: 12 x 10 x 6 inches

What Should I Look For In A Bb Trumpet?

We basically covered four types of trumpets in this guide – pro, intermediate, beginner and pocket.

At the pro level, we expect you to have a better idea of what you need than we do. Simply look at the list of options available, compare features and reviews, and you should have a good idea of which one is right for you.

At the intermediate to beginner level, there are several products to choose from. Price will certainly end up being an important factor, since you will pay more for an intermediate instrument than a beginner instrument.

Which one you buy is also going to depend a lot on the quality you’re looking for as well as how committed you are to the instrument.

After all, you don’t want to spend a fortune on an instrument that’s not going to get used. You may decide to try an alternative instrument.

With pocket trumpets, there are some good options out there, and there is a significant spread in quality and price. You can still compare the specs and price to help you identify which one might be right for you.

With all this in mind, we will be exploring several important factors when shopping for a trumpet. We’ve narrowed it down to the following:

• Tone or sound quality
• Playability
• Comfort, ease of use
• Durability
• Value, budget

Let’s examine each of these factors in more detail.

An Awesome Tone

All things being equal, it’s nice to have a trumpet that sounds great. Of course, you should set realistic expectations based on what level you’re at as a player and how much you’re planning to spend on your instrument.

At the pro level, you can absolutely expect to find great sounding instruments, and why would you accept any less? If you’re going to be spending several thousand dollars, it should be awesome.

At the beginner to intermediate level, you can’t expect the same level of quality. You can still get a great sounding instrument, and you should if you can, but don’t worry too much if the sound isn’t perfect.

Assuming it doesn’t annoy you, you can still practice, perform and gain experience with it. Keep leveling up your playing and prepare to upgrade.

Finally, we have the pocket trumpet, which as I already said, doesn’t sound quite as good as pro, and in some cases intermediate instruments.

But they’re still decent. And, when you consider that some marching band and jazz players use them for gigs, it becomes clear that they are still highly usable.

A Highly Playable Trumpet

The quality of an instrument can affect its tone, its price, and of course, how comfortable it is to play.

But overall, this is the most important factor, just behind tone. Some trumpeters may even sacrifice some tone for playability, if it made sense for them to do.

You can’t know how playable an instrument is without playing it, or at the very least, scanning online reviews.

Video demos and reviews is probably a good place to start, and if you still aren’t sure after watching a few, go to the music store and give the trumpets a try.

You should be on the lookout for an instrument that you can do exactly what you want to do with, but keep in mind even some of the pros alternate instruments based on the song, genre and what they’re trying to achieve in a song.

A Comfortable Instrument

What’s comfortable for one isn’t necessarily comfortable for another. So, we don’t pretend to know what’s going to work for you.

And, the less you’re willing or able to pay, theoretically, the more comfort/ease of use you’re going to sacrifice.

Our best tip is to go to the music store and see if they will let you play their trumpets. Maybe bring your own mouthpiece.

If you can, try renting a few trumpets you're interested in, bring them home for a day or two, and see what you like. That way, you can give things a try before you commit to a specific instrument.

Comfort is important, especially for long practice sessions, performances and even recording. So, find an instrument that feels good.

If you don’t have a huge budget, that’s okay. Get something that works for you right now.

A Durable Instrument

First and foremost, you must care for your instrument. When you’re not playing it, it should be on a stand or in a case. If possible, you should be monitoring it and not leave it somewhere where it could be subjected to damage.

With that in mind, it can be helpful to find a durable instrument, and to that extent, beginner instruments usually hold up to a little more abuse.

That’s important to know, because in general beginners are more accident prone.

While durability probably isn’t anywhere near as important as playability, it still ranks as one of the key factors affecting your purchase decision.

Great Value

It is possible to overspend on a trumpet, so it’s a good idea to do some comparison shopping before you commit to any one brand or model.

Scanning the reviews, however, should give you a good idea of what buyers thought about any instrument, and that can help you make your decision.

Of course, this comes with the adage that we always encourage our readers to spend responsibly. There’s no sense going into debt for an instrument you can’t afford, unless you know you’re going to make it back in a hurry (and even then, it’s kind of risky).

So, if you don’t have enough money to buy the trumpet you want right now, make sure to save up first.

Best Bb Trumpets For Students & Professionals, Final Thoughts

We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide.

We’ve looked at a lot of products – pro, intermediate, beginner and even pocket trumpets. It’s amazing how many there are out there, isn’t it?

Based on the above list and tips, we have no doubt you’ll find the perfect instrument for you and your specific needs.

Happy shopping!