Trumpet

What is a trumpet?

As many of you know, the trumpet is a well-known instrument belonging to the brass family, but it is also very possibly the most famous wind instrument globally, including its "distant relatives" in the woodwind category.

Context and history of the trumpet:

The trumpet is considered one of the oldest instruments in the history of music; in fact, it could go back beyond music, as along with the flute or cornet, it derives from similar instruments used in ancient times for hunting, spiritual rituals, burials, or communicative signals. It is true that back then, these instruments were not usually made in the same way or with the same materials as they are today; examples from those times have been discovered made of materials such as animal horns, bamboo reeds, hollow plant materials, etc. The truth is that this instrument has undergone a lot of evolution over centuries, from its most primitive origins, to becoming the trumpet as we know it today.

Characteristics of trumpets

Some of the most defining peculiarities of this instrument are:

• Lightness and easy preparation

It is a fairly comfortable instrument to transport and does not require much pre-conditioning to start playing; simply insert the mouthpiece and... music, maestro!

• Wide range of accessories

There are many trumpet accessories that can be attached to the instrument, either to enhance the sound, facilitate the musician's comfort, ensure the protection of some parts of it, etc.

• Need for a mouthpiece

As a wind instrument, the clarinet requires a mouthpiece so that the musician, by vibrating their own lips, can generate sounds and melodies. There are many types of mouthpieces, although broadly speaking, we could classify trumpet mouthpieces as type C or type V, depending on the shape of the inner cup.

• Uses 3 pistons: sometimes less is more

By using them independently or combining them, various notes can be played.

• Finger rest: small comforts

It is a small metal hook used to rest the pinky finger of the hand responsible for operating the pistons and improve the experience while handling it, allowing you to play for longer.

• The trumpet slides: going further in musical terms

They correspond to the previously mentioned pistons, with one for each piston. There is also an extra slide, the tuning slide, which allows the musician to properly tune the trumpet.

• Water key: water away!

Just as boats need a drain to pump out water that enters the surface of the vessel, trumpets use a water key to drain accumulated saliva (it is actually water produced by the condensation of warm air when blowing) after using the instrument.

• Bell: ding dong!

The place where the sound emanates, located at the end of the instrument, i.e., on the opposite side of the mouthpiece. Its bell shape is not random; it is this shape that allows the trumpet's sound to be maximized and amplified.

The sound of the trumpet:

This brass instrument produces an intense, solid, and vibrant sound. Over the last few decades, we have seen it transition through various genres since its debut in classical music; march, salsa, Latin style, or jazz are some examples of its influence on music. However, becoming a professional trumpeter and getting the ideal sound and rhythm is not an easy path. The first thing we need to know before starting to play is how a trumpet works.

How the trumpet works:

The sound is produced thanks to the vibration of the musician's lips against the mouthpiece, until it is emitted amplified by the bell. The final result obtained will depend on the technique for transmitting "the breath" as well as the placement of the fingers on the trumpet and the coordinated and coherent pressing of the different mechanisms. One hand will be used technically for "playing" and the other will simply serve as support.

Types of trumpets:

When buying a trumpet, we should consider different issues such as the type of sound it produces, the key in which we want to play, the brand of trumpet we trust (there are many renowned brands on the market: Bach trumpets, Schagerl trumpets, Venus trumpets...) or more aesthetic, practical or quality issues such as the type of materials it is made of, the volume of the trumpet or its finishes and design (not all are equally beautiful). Generally, the simplest classification will be by the trumpet's key. Therefore, we suggest you take a look at our selection.