There are many trumpets on the market of questionable quality. Some of them are impossible to play well. My first exposure to such an instrument was almost nine years ago. A very hard-working student came to beginning band the first day with a brand new silver trumpet with a name that I had never heard of. That should have been the first clue. After a month or so, I kept trying to get him to get a better tone quality, but as hard as he tried, he just couldn’t make a better sound. Finally, I asked him if I could play it. I couldn’t get a decent sound on it either. I started looking through the horn, and it was assembled so poorly, it couldn’t be played well. He went on to purchase a decent quality instrument, and his playing just took off.
Unfortunately, horns of that quality are becoming more and more common. The only thing they are often good for is making table lamps out of them. Now, I believe every trumpeter should have a trumpet lamp, but not from an instrument you hoped to play. Low quality horns are often made of inferior materials and poor workmanship. If the large instrument manufacturers could make a quality beginner instrument for $100.00, they would.
I don’t like to speak poorly of specific instruments, but I will tell you what I recommend. The lowest level instruments I would recommend would be the Bundy BTR-300, the Blessing BTR-1124, and the Giardinelli 312, but only with the understanding that a higher level horn will be purchased after a year or so. They are serviceable student instruments, but if you want something that will last a little longer, purchase the Bach TR300, the Besson BE709, the Conn 23B USA Student Trumpet, the Getzen 390 Series, the Conn Director, or the Yamaha 2335C Student Trumpet. These instruments will last several years and serve you well.
Most beginning band trumpets usually come with a Bach 7c equivalent mouthpiece, but most band directors will recommend a different mouthpiece. I like the Bach 5c mouthpiece. Other good ones include the Bach 5b, and the Bach 6c. Also, a quality valve oil will make the instrument last longer as well. I recommend a synthetic valve oil such as Hetman valve oil.
If you’re looking for models not listed below, just click on the link at the bottom of the page for Musician’s Friend. They have almost every trumpet available today at the best prices.