Types of trumpets
Trumpet-like instruments have existed since around 1500-2000 BC. A trumpet from that time was a long tube with a conical bell. Real changes in the design of the trumpet began to emerge in the late Middle Ages and the early Renaissance, from which the familiar loop developed. The modern trumpet as we know it, with valves, was designed in the 19th century. What material are trumpets made from?
Bb trumpet
The modern Bb trumpet, invented at the beginning of the 20th century in France, is the most common type of trumpet. This is the type of trumpet people start with, which explains why we begin our article with it. Thanks to its construction and valves, this instrument is the primary choice for major orchestra performances. Check out our range via the links below:
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Pocket Trumpet
The pocket trumpet is a smaller version of the Bb trumpet. The tubing is wound more tightly than normal so that this trumpet fits in a pocket. This instrument is not often used. The pocket trumpet is portable and pragmatic; you mostly see this trumpet during carnival. Additionally, it has a convenient travel size to take with you on vacation.
Herald trumpet
The herald, or heralding, trumpet is a Bb trumpet used for all types of ceremonial music. These trumpets have an extra long bell to create the extra projection needed when playing outdoors.
C trumpet
The second choice on our list is the C trumpet. The C trumpet has become a well-known brass instrument. Compared to the Bb trumpet, the C trumpet has a slightly brighter sound. The sound helped the C trumpet achieve the popularity of the Bb trumpet, making them an exceptional duo, especially in American orchestral works. It is slightly lighter and easier to carry, even though this extra tone makes playing a bit more challenging. Nevertheless, once you know how to play one, learning the details of the other should be a breeze.
Eb trumpet
The Eb trumpet is the go-to trumpet for Baroque music. The sound is similar to a C trumpet but has a slightly more penetrating tone. The Eb trumpet is almost never used as a solo instrument. Many famous composers, including Ravel and Stravinsky, wrote pieces with a part specifically for the Eb trumpet.
D trumpet
The D trumpet was also designed during the Baroque period for trumpet concertos and chamber music. Most D trumpets are made in combination with an Eb trumpet. By replacing the bell and the slides on the first and third valves, you can convert the trumpet from an Eb trumpet to a D trumpet.
Piccolo trumpet
The smallest trumpet is the piccolo trumpet. The most common models are built to play in both Bb and A, with separate leadpipes for each tuning. Piccolo trumpets in G, F, and C are also made, but are less common. Almost all piccolo trumpets have four valves instead of three. The fourth valve lowers the pitch, usually by a fourth, to help with playing lower notes and to enable different fingerings. Maurice André, Håkan Hardenberger, David Mason, and Wynton Marsalis are some well-known trumpeters known for their skills on the piccolo trumpet.
Bass trumpet
The bass trumpet is usually played by a trombonist and has the same pitch as a tenor trombone. The most common tunings for bass trumpets are C and Bb. Bass trumpets are transposing instruments that usually sound an octave lower than written.