Trumpet – Brass or Silver Finish?

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Should I get a silver or brass finish on my trumpet? This decision is not the same as deciding on a color for your new car. Color and finish are two different issues when deciding on the surface of your new trumpet. Many people decide on the silver because it “looks” cool. Many believe that the brass finish is too similar to the student horn’s finish they are trading up from. The decision between the brass and the silver can be made easier by reviewing the following questions and my responses to those questions. What difference is there between silver…

Modifications To Your Mouthpiece

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First warning! Modifying a mouthpiece could ruin it. With that note of assurance, let’s see what can be done to a mouthpiece to change its playing characteristics. Parts of a trumpet/cornet/flugelhorn mouthpiece- Rim- contoured section which comes in contact with the players lips Bite- Inner edge of rim Cup- Largest section of mouthpiece Second cup- First area of increased air resistance Throat- Most narrow path of the air stream Back bore- Gradual tapering outward from the mouthpiece into the instrument Shank- Area inserted into mouthpiece receiver Rim alterations- none can be done without permanent damage to the mouthpiece Shoulder- none…

Which is the Best Trumpet Stand?

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Eventually all trumpet player will be faced with the realization that they need a trumpet stand. Whether its use will be in the practice room, the recording studio or the recital stage, the need for a stand will have to be faced. Fortunately the cost will not be too expensive. Most stands range from fifteen to thirty dollars. When trying to decide on which one to purchase, several issues should be considered. Stability-The most important issue will be stability. Will your instrument be safe when placed on the trumpet stand?  I would not consider any stand that has less than…

Are Spitballs in Your Future?

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This product has been around for decades and unfortunately, most players do not know much about them. Spitballs are cheap, easy to use and effective in cleaning brass instruments. When these little projectiles first hit the store shelves, the members of our brass quintet (the University of Northern Iowa Faculty Brass Quintet) thought they were a gimmick until we tried them. Our horn teacher at that time decided to inform a group of middle school students to the value of Spitballs and pushed them heavily in a master class one day. The following week we received a letter from the…

Cheap Trumpets- Are there such things?

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Many people are in need of information on what trumpet would best suite their needs, whether it be for their child or for their own use. For that reason I have previously posted information on selecting a new instrument. This posting was written to help the individual who may not want to buy a new instrument and would like to know where and how to look for a used instrument. There are several areas one could search for a trumpet and I will try to list these areas as well as cover the advantages and disadvantages of each source. In…

Trumpet Accessories for Beginners

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Accessories which are designed and sold for the trumpet player can be as endless as fashion accessories available to women. Each is professed to be absolutely essential for a good performance. And in the same way some fashion accessories in women are useful and sometimes just stupid, so it is true in the trumpet world. In order to simplify the many offerings, I will divide them into two categories – “must have accessories” and “nice to have accessories”. “Must Have” Trumpet Accessories for Beginners Trumpet cleaning kit- Most manufacturers include a cleaning kit with the new instrument. This kit will contain the following items-…

Best Selling Brands of Trumpets

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I would like to use the automobile selection as an illustration. Is the Toyota the best car on the road? Possibly, possibly not, but from past experience and sale records, it does prove that there are many people satisfied with the Toyota automobile. I happen to have two in my garage and have been very happy with my decision. Even with the recalls on some of their models, Toyota still out sells all others. Why is that? The people who drive them are satisfied with them and continue to recommend them to their friends. So is the case of trumpets.…

Which Trumpet should I buy?

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If you are a beginning student and are interested in starting trumpet/cornet, your music teacher will be able to guide you in this area. Usually your first instrument will be rented which gives you the opportunity to find out if you want to continue. If you have been renting and now want to move up to a better instrument, continue reading. Reading advertisements on the attributes of each trumpet can be confusing for every manufacturer claims their instrument is the best. With this in mind, let me point out some important issues you will need to know when considering the…

What You Should Know Before Buying A Flugelhorn

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To many people, the flugelhorn is a unique and interesting instrument. It looks bigger than a trumpet and in some ways it is bigger. It is heavier and has a larger bell. But when stretched out to its full length, a Bb flugelhorn is exactly the same length as a Bb trumpet and cornet. That’s why they are all pitched in Bb. The difference in tone quality between the trumpet and the flugelhorn can be explained in the same way as the difference between a cornet and a trumpet. Both the trumpet and the cornet are the same length but…