The trumpet is one of the most popular and interesting instruments to learn and can be especially appealing if you have an interest in classical or jazz music.
With that being said, trumpets are actually extremely diverse and can be heard in pop music, rock music, and a whole host of other musical styles as well.
If you are thinking about learning the trumpet, or are looking to purchase a trumpet for a loved one, the price is going to be an important consideration.
However, many people are unsure of the cost of a trumpet and so do not know how much they should be looking to spend. In this article, we’ll be answering: how much does a trumpet cost?
How Much Are Trumpets?
Upon deciding to start learning the trumpet, or after deciding to purchase a trumpet for somebody else, the first question you are likely going to ask is: how much is a trumpet?
Generally speaking, the cost of a trumpet can be anywhere between $200 to upwards of $2500, depending on the overall quality of the trumpet, amongst a number of other factors. You’ll need to consider how much is the right amount to spend for your specific needs, factoring in your budget and other circumstances.
There are a huge number of trumpets available on the market and while this is not an exact science, trumpets can be broadly separated into five main categories, based on their pricing, and these are as follows:
Category 1: Entry Level Trumpets (Less than $200)
If you are simply seeking the lowest possible trumpet cost, you can expect to pay somewhere in the region of $100 to $200. Trumpets in this category are very much entry-level models and you should not expect high quality. However, these trumpets can be good for children, those on a limited budget, or those who just want to experiment.
Category 2: Good Beginner Trumpets ($200 – $500)
For those who are serious about playing the trumpet and want a reasonable instrument to learn with, this particular price range is likely to be the best option. It is possible to find decent trumpets for as little as $200, but the general rule is that you get what you pay for. A trumpet in the $400 to $500 range should serve new trumpet players well.
Category 3: Intermediate Trumpets ($500 – $1,000)
If you are committed to learning the trumpet and playing it long-term, it may be better to invest in an intermediate level trumpet. These models tend to offer superior sound to anything in the two previous categories and intermediate-level instruments are also likely to be more durable too, meaning they will last longer.
Category 4: High-Quality Trumpets ($1,000 – $2,500)
Those who are really serious about playing the trumpet and who have the budget required should consider stepping up to this price range, where the real quality trumpets can be found. Instruments in this price range tend to be a good long-term investment and will suit all but the most demanding trumpeters.
Category 5: Professional Trumpets (More than $2,500)
Finally, experienced trumpet players and those who intend to take their trumpet playing to the highest level may want to think about investing more significantly in a professional quality model. These are likely to set you back in excess of $2,500 and it is not uncommon to see trumpets selling for as much as $5,000.
Trumpet Cost: Factors to Consider
It is perfectly possible, for example, that you will find a trumpet in the $300 range that outperforms a trumpet in the $500+ range.
When weighing up your options, aside from simply looking at the price, you should also consider the following:
- New or Used – Are you looking to buy a brand new trumpet, or are you okay with a second-hand one? A brand new trumpet will last longer and will be in better condition, but it will also be more expensive.
- Materials – What materials are used on the trumpet and where? Most trumpets are made from brass, but more expensive models will be made from gold brass rather than yellow brass. Meanwhile, some alternatives are made from nickel-silver. This provides greater protection against rust, but also slightly alters the sound.
- Manufacturer – Trumpets are made by different manufacturers and the brand you choose can have a huge bearing on price. While you may find cheaper models from lesser-known brands, you do have to weigh this against the quality assurance you get from relying on a manufacturer with a great reputation, like Yamaha or Getzen.
On top of this, you are also going to need to think about your trumpet case, as this will be needed not only for storage, but also for moving your trumpet between gigs and rehearsals safely.
Most trumpets will come with a case and the quality of this may have a bearing on price. However, you may wish to acquire a better case than the one your trumpet comes with.
Moreover, you will need to consider some of the different trumpet types. For instance, piccolo trumpets are very small, as are pocket trumpets, and this can reduce the cost in some cases. By contrast, fanfare trumpets are much larger and, as a result, you might expect to pay slightly more for one of these.
Final Thoughts
If you are unfamiliar with the typical price of a trumpet, buying one can feel a little daunting. After all, you are going to want to buy a trumpet that is sufficiently high quality for your needs, but at the same time, you do not want to pay over the odds when a cheaper alternative would be just as good.
The five price categories listed in this article will clarify to you exactly how much a trumpet costs, indicating how much or how little you can expect to pay for a quality trumpet.
So now you know how much you can expect to pay for a trumpet, you’ll need to do your research on a number of other aspects, such as the materials used, the manufacturer, and overall features.
