Exploring Different Types of Trumpets: From Bb to Piccolo

The usage of the trumpet goes far beyond jazz music. The ability of this instrument to produce clear and piercing sounds has made it popular in various genres. Trumpets can be heard in film soundtracks, classical, ceremonial and military music, Afro-Cuban and Latin songs, and that is definitely not the only list of situations. Furthermore, there isn't only one exact type of trumpet. There are nine common types differing in construction, sound, and purpose. We invite you to know more about them right now.

1. Bb Trumpet
Invented in the early 19th century in Germany and Austria, Bb trumpets, with their tubing of 4.8 feet, took the perfect place between the C trumpet and the piccolo trumpet. This is the trumpet model widely used by legendary musicians Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis. They proved Bb trumpets' ability to produce remarkable and versatile sounds with a bright tone and excellent articulation. Crafted in the key of Bb, this instrument is appreciated by trumpet players from various bands, orchestras, and ensembles. Bb trumpets are comfortable to hold due to their weight. Speaking about the price, they take the mid-range of trumpet prices, so that beginners can easily afford them as their first instrument.

2. Bb Pocket Trumpet
The Bb pocket trumpet is the solution for those trumpet players who wish to have a practical and compact model that they could take with them on tours, vacations, and in travel. These pocket models are very lightweight and portable, and despite their small dimensions, they retain a tubing length similar to standard trumpets. What’s more, many musicians say such trumpets sound as loud as other trumpet models. They can impress with a full sound and even brighter tone than larger models. The Bb pocket trumpets find their perfect place in a variety of genres: classical music, jazz, pop. Speaking about the costs, these instruments are accessible for students and experienced musicians.

3. Cornet
It was very popular in the mid-1800s for its ability to be very versatile. Its tubing length is the same as in the trumpet; however, cornets differ from trumpets due to their compact conical shape. This shape makes them a perfect instrument for young players who might feel comfortable with a much smaller instrument during practice than adult players. Cornets are also pitched in Bb, so their sound is characterized by a warm tone, which adds unique accents to classical pieces and contemporary songs. Cornets are present in many genres; however, they are mostly favored by musicians from brass bands.

4. C Trumpet
The history of the C trumpet started in the 19th century, when it was created to break the limits of earlier trumpet designs. Its tubing length is shorter than the length of the Bb trumpet, so this instrument can boast a much brighter and focused tone. C trumpets were favored by Wynton Marsalis and Maurice André who used them during their performances and due to which those concerts were so exceptional. These days C trumpets are popular among musicians from orchestras and chamber bands. Due to the moderate weight, these models are easy to hold, so they are perfect for extended music sessions and practices. Their price varies from low to high, allowing both students and professionals to choose the models responding to their level of craftsmanship.

5. Flugelhorn
The flugelhorn is easily recognizable due to its conical shape. This design helps to create the mellow tone. Originally, it was invented in the 19th century to fill the gap between the trumpet and horn, and was quickly favored by musicians for its very warm and smooth tone. Such well-known players like Art Farmer and Chuck Mangione used this instrument to bring a unique timbre with better depth and rich emotional layers to their music. Due to its lyrical features, expressive sound and an ability to deliver bass and soprano tunes, flugelhorns are used for performing ballads, classical pieces, jazz songs, elegies. Most models are pitched in Bb, so they perfectly combine with trumpets and other brass instruments within ensembles.

6. D Trumpet
This is the variation of the well-known Bb trumpets that can boast unique tonal characteristics. Comparing it with the Bb trumpets, D models have a shorter tubing length and a brighter, more piercing sound. They are widespread in chamber ensembles, orchestral music, and especially in solo performances. Renowned musicians Håkan Hardenberger and Maurice André appreciated D trumpets for their ability to take the performance to a new level by adding a unique character within classical and modern contexts. D trumpets are lightweight, so musicians can hold them effortlessly, and due to their expressive upper register, they definitely meet the demands of those who want a more distinctive sound.

7. Bugle
The bugle has a long history as it appeared in ancient times with first variations in Greece, Egypt, and Rome. During the 18th century, this instrument was popular in military music, especially on battlefields where it was used to signal alerts and commands. What differs this instrument from the rest is the absence of valves and a relatively short tubing length. As a result, the bugle can't produce a wide range of notes. However, its main advantage lies in the ability to create haunting tones, widespread in war compositions and ceremonial music. Other advantages include lightweight construction, portability, and a very affordable price that make the bugle a perfect choice for aspiring musicians.

8. The pTrumpet
This type of trumpets is made from plastic, so they are strong, waterproof, and authentic. It's a real wonder of the 21st century, proving that progress makes life easier. Since their valve system is also crafted from plastic, they are considered to be the most lightweight and durable instruments that deliver excellent sound characteristics. Compared to the above-described models, plastic trumpets can really save your money thanks to very affordable prices. Since these instruments are portable and practical, they are the number one choice for beginners and travel lovers. Traditionally pitched in Bb, like ordinary trumpets, they can find their perfect place in different genres. Although they hardly can replace the traditional brass models, musicians use them for experiments and casual playing.

9. Piccolo Trumpet
This trumpet is known for its small dimensions and high pitch. It has a shorter tubing length; however, it doesn't create an obstacle to produce piercing tones with a bright sound. Sometimes people mistakenly take them for pocket trumpets that is absolutely wrong, because they don’t sound alike.  Piccolo trumpets were favored by Maurice André and Niklas Eklund who used them in different musical contexts. This instrument can also be heard in a popular song of The Beatles “Penny Lane”. The piccolo trumpets are suitable for solo performances and religious music. Due to the small size, they are well portable, so it's the best choice for musicians who travel from one place to another and don't want to be apart from the music. Piccolo trumpets were very popular in the Baroque era, and today thanks to their pitching in Bb or A, they are present in both classical and modern genres, including jazz and contemporary music.