Trumpets date back thousands of years and were originally constructed from materials such as bone, clay, bamboo, and wood. So, it’s probably no surprise to hear that many brands have years upon years of experience in making these instruments.
In this article, we examine the best trumpet brands, including Besson, Yamaha, and Elkhart, and discuss why they’re the go–to manufacturers for many trumpet players.
In a hurry?
Here are our top three trumpet brands and why we think they’re some of the best on the market:
| Bach | One of the most highly regarded trumpet brands, with the premium Stradivarius series for advanced players and student models for beginners. | Bach Stradivarius 18037 Trumpet, Clear Lacquer |
| Yamaha | Yamaha trumpets are durable, extremely well-made, and comfortable to play. They have options for all abilities. | Yamaha YTR8335 Xeno Trumpet |
| Gear4music | Offering high quality at an affordable price, Gear4music trumpets are fantastic entry-level instruments. | Coppergate Professional Trumpet |
Why we’ve chosen these brands
We’ve selected these seven brands for a number of reasons. Firstly, their reputation for quality. First-class craftsmanship is important for any good instrument, but when looking at the best trumpet brands, it’s particularly important as you’ll want an instrument that will last and aid your learning journey. It needs to be solidly built, with attention to detail, be comfortable to play, and give you ample room to develop your skills.
Budget is also an important factor when choosing an instrument, and much of it depends on your current playing level. We’ve selected these brands to reflect a variety of price points and playing levels. From the high-end, professional-level Besson trumpets to beginner-friendly models by Stagg, these brands cover a spectrum of budgets and needs.
Finally, we’ve chosen some brands that are well established and deeply rooted in tradition, and other more modern brands that are widely respected in the trumpet world.
The best trumpet brands
1. Bach
Bach’s story began with trumpeter Vincenz Heinrich Schrottenbach, who started out playing in orchestras and military bands. After struggling to find a mouthpiece he was happy with, he began making his own – and that marked the beginning of what would later become the Bach brand.
Starting with mouthpieces, Bach eventually moved into trumpet manufacturing and launched the now-iconic Stradivarius series in 1925. Still in production today, it’s widely regarded as a benchmark in trumpet design.
One standout model is the Bach Stradivarius 18037 in Clear Lacquer – a professional-level trumpet that really shows off what makes Bach instruments special.
If you are looking for a quality student-level trumpet, the Bach TR355G Student Trumpet is a great choice, allowing you to experience the brilliance of Bach at an attainable price.
Bach trumpets are known for their versatility, appealing to both beginners and professionals. With models ranging from around £300 to over £4,700, the brand offers options to suit a wide range of needs and playing levels.
Our recommendation: Bach Stradivarius 18037 Trumpet, Clear Lacquer
2. Yamaha
Next up is Yamaha. They began producing wind instruments in the 1960s and have since expanded into everything from pianos and keyboards to stringed and brass instruments.
Today, their trumpet range covers an array of student models and professional-level instruments. Known for their consistent playability, durable construction, and attention to detail, Yamaha are a go-to for many trumpet players.
If you’re just starting out, Yamaha’s student models – such as the YTR-2330 and YTR-3335 – are designed to be easy to play, durable, and affordable.
Intermediate options like the YTR-4335GII introduce more refined materials, while the professional and custom series include models like the YTR-8335 Xeno and Xeno Artist are well-suited to advanced players heading into conservatoire training or orchestral work.
One of Yamaha’s real strengths lies in their design process. They regularly work with professional artists and run extensive acoustic testing across multiple prototypes. Features such as reversed tuning slides, different bell alloys, and varied bore sizes are all carefully chosen to support specific tonal goals.
What really sets Yamaha trumpets apart, though, is their consistency. Whether you’re upgrading or investing in a custom model, you can count on reliable intonation, solid build quality, and a level of responsiveness that makes the instrument feel effortless to play. Combined with accessible pricing across the range, this is why Yamaha are trusted by players around the world.
Our recommendation: Yamaha YTR4335GII Intermediate Trumpet
3. Gear4music
The Gear4music in-house brass range follows the same approach as the rest of their offering: affordable, reliable, and designed with learners and schools in mind. These instruments aim to provide budget-conscious players with accessible options that don’t cut corners on quality or usability.
If you’re just starting out on the trumpet, or buying for a student, Gear4music models are among the most affordable options available. Entry-level trumpets start at under £120 and often come bundled with extras like a mouthpiece and case. Their student and playLITE lines are built specifically with first-time players in mind.
In terms of design, the PlayLITE Hybrid series uses lightweight materials. The weight is a crucial advantage for new players, as it allows you to perfect your playing stance and reduce fatigue.
For a more traditional feel, the Copper Gate range, such as the Coppergate professional trumpet, features higher-quality components like rose brass bells, stainless steel pistons, and reverse lead pipes to support smoother airflow on advanced models.
Our recommendation: Deluxe Trumpet by Gear4music, Gold
4. Besson
Fourth on our list is Besson – a brand that comes highly recommended by teachers and is a popular choice for students. They’ve built a solid reputation for producing instruments that are both reliable and easy to play, making them a great fit for beginners and more experienced players alike.
The brand dates back to 1837, when Gustave-Auguste Besson began making cornets in Paris. Since then, they’ve expanded their range to include other brass instruments, such as trombones, baritone horns and, of course, trumpets.
Today, Besson are a familiar name in brass bands and among professionals. Their trumpets are well-made, reasonably priced, and ideal for learners who are ready to move beyond an entry-level model.
Their instruments show a real attention to detail. Take the New Standard 110, for example – it features more compact valve block spacing, which makes it easier for younger players to handle. This kind of design helps support good technique from the beginning.
If you’re looking for a reliable trumpet that offers long-term value, Besson’s range includes standout models like the BE110 New Standard trumpet and the BE111 New Standard trumpet. All are built with students in mind, yet capable of growing with you as you progress.
Our recommendation: Besson BE110 New Standard Trumpet
5. B&S
If you’re after a brand with real heritage, B&S is well worth considering. Their trumpets are built on a long tradition of German craftsmanship, with roots stretching back over 250 years.
Based in the Vogtland region, B&S combine time-honoured techniques with modern engineering to produce instruments that feel both classic and contemporary.
While they do offer entry-level models like the Prodige, most of their range is focused on intermediate and professional instruments. The pricing reflects the level of detail and craftsmanship involved – these are trumpets designed to last, making them a solid investment that can take you from early study through to an advanced playing career.
Throughout the range, you’ll see design features like reverse leadpipes, gold and silver plating, and a variety of bell finishes, including brushed and matte lacquers. These details aren’t purely cosmetic.
The Challenger I Series, for example, offers multiple key options and bore sizes, allowing you to tailor your playing experience in different musical settings.
What really sets B&S trumpets apart is their consistency and sound quality. They’re known for a rich, resonant tone, precise intonation, and the kind of playability that holds up in demanding performance settings. Many of their models are developed in collaboration with professional musicians to ensure they meet the real-world needs of orchestral and solo players alike.
Our recommendation: B&S Prodige Trumpet, Reverse Leadpipe
6. Stagg
Stagg were founded in Japan in the 1970s as a guitar manufacturer, but it was in 1995 – under Belgian distributor EMD Music – that the brand expanded into a much wider range of instruments, including brass.
With a clear focus on affordability without cutting corners, Stagg has since become a global name, offering accessibly priced gear in over 70 countries. While they’re often associated with violins, drums, and other instruments, trumpets are something Stagg do particularly well.
Their trumpets are especially suited to beginners and players on a tighter budget. They’re designed to be ready to play straight out of the box, which makes them ideal if you’re just starting lessons or picking up the trumpet as a new hobby.
Entry-level models like the TR115 and TR215S come with cases and are built to be lightweight, durable, and easy to handle.
Even at the lower end of the price range, some Stagg trumpets feature medium-large bore sizing and gold brass leadpipes – details that help improve airflow and support a fuller sound.
Models like the Levante by Stagg TR5205 and Levante by Stagg TR6305 show that the brand isn’t just about keeping costs down, but also giving new players a head start with more refined components.
Their trumpet range spans student Bb models to rotary and pocket trumpets, so there’s something for most entry-level needs.
Our recommendation: Levante by Stagg TR5205 Trumpet
7. Elkhart
Finally, we have Elkhart – a long-established name in American brass manufacturing, now part of the Conn-Selmer group. The brand takes its name from Elkhart, Indiana, a city with a rich history in brass instrument production.
Elkhart trumpets carry on that tradition, offering reliable student-level instruments that focus on ease of use and long-lasting build quality.
If you’re learning the trumpet or buying for a school setting, Elkhart models are well worth a look. Their designs emphasise straightforward playability, and the pricing reflects their student-friendly focus. The 100TRS Bb trumpet, for example, is a solid entry-level option built to handle regular practice and classroom use.
Key features include a medium-large bore for comfortable airflow and sturdy construction that supports developing technique.
Elkhart trumpets stand out by keeping things simple and effective. They don’t feature high-end custom components, but they offer a well-balanced tone, stable intonation and dependable build quality – exactly what you need from a first trumpet that’s ready for everyday use.
Our recommendation: Elkhart 100TR Student Trumpet
How to choose the right trumpet brand for you
Investing in a trumpet is exciting! This is the start of your musical journey, so you want to be sure you choose the right one for you. Start by looking at brand reputation, and read reviews from both professionals and students. Feedback on playability, tuning stability, and durability can help you narrow down your options.
Budget is another main factor when choosing any instrument. Student trumpets can start at under £150, while intermediate and professional models can go well beyond £1,000. It’s worth being realistic about your playing level and goals when deciding how much to invest. The brands we’ve chosen here all cover a range of price points, but you will find others that are more high-end with premium prices, and vice versa.
And last but not least, materials. Not only does your chosen brand need to have a good reputation for building high-quality instruments, but they also need to offer a trumpet that’s built to give you the tone you want. What your trumpet is made from makes a big difference; for example, yellow brass is common for a balanced tone, while rose brass and silver plating can influence warmth and projection.
Things to look for in a trumpet
When choosing a trumpet, it’s important to understand the key features that affect playability and sound. Bore size, for example, can influence the resistance and airflow. If you’re a beginner, you may be better off looking for a trumpet with a medium to large bore. This will offer a good balance of control and projection, which are useful qualities if you’re getting used to the trumpet.
Bell size and materials are also vital components. If you’re after a broad sound, go for a trumpet with a large bell. And we’ve mentioned how yellow brass and rose brass differ slightly in tone, but have you also thought about the valve material? Valves should move smoothly and reliably, ideally made from stainless steel or Monel for added durability.
Think about the type of trumpet you need as well. Many beginners start with a Bb trumpet, but it’s also worth noting that there are other types, such as C, piccolo, or rotary trumpets, designed for more specialised roles. If you’re wanting to find out more about this, check out our guide to the different types of trumpets.
Other practical considerations include weight, particularly for younger players, and what is included in the package. Some models come with cases, mouthpieces, and cleaning kits.
FAQs
What is the best brand for trumpets?
Many trumpeters believe Bach is the best trumpet brand due to their superior craftsmanship and rich, professional sound. Other trumpet brands, such as Yamaha and Besson, are also go-to manufacturers for trumpet players.
What trumpet do most professionals play?
The trumpet most professionals play is the Bach Stradivarius. This model is renowned for its superior build quality, responsive feel, and brilliant tone that suits both orchestral and solo performance. Yamaha Xeno models are also popular among advanced players
Which trumpet is better, Yamaha or Bach?
Yamaha and Bach trumpets are both highly regarded for different reasons. Bach suit classical and orchestral performance, whereas Yamaha suit jazz and marching band repertoire.
Final thoughts
Our list here showcases some of the best trumpet brands on the market. They each have something for all players, no matter the ability level or budget. Hopefully, this article has provided an insight into what’s out there in the brass world and helped you make a decision on your instrument!
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