Step-up Trumpets

After several months of playing, trumpeters are usually pleased and surprised to discover the benefits of step-up trumpets. 

Step-up trumpets produce a larger and fuller sound, offer a clearer, more pleasant tone, and allow  better control of dynamics (louds and softs).  In short, they help a trumpeter sound and play better, reach his or her full potential, and make playing trumpet more enjoyable.

Step-up Levels

 Trumpets are classified into four levels: beginner, intermediate, performer, and top-line.

Beginner trumpets have small bores (inside size of the tubing), making them easier to play but sacrificing some potential tone.  They're typically finished with clear lacquer, allowing the the brass to show through, and include the most basic features.  They are designed for early use. 

Intermediate trumpets are typically slightly larger in bore, allowing bigger, fuller sound production.    They are usually finished in silver for a slightly darker tone and more attractive appearance.  Valves and slides are typically fitted to closer tolerances, minimizing leakage of air  that causes a player to work harder.  Mouthpieces tend to be slightly larger and more open, and features like slide rings and triggers allow intonation adjustments.  Intermediate trumpets are popular with junior high and high school band students.

Performer trumpets are made largely by hand, especially in the hand-hammering of bells, special annealing of the brass, and hand lapping and fitting of the valves.  The design and production processes focus on creating a trumpet that reproduces vibrations freely and faithfully.   Bore sizes are typically medium large and the finish is silver, although some performer trumpets are available in lacquered brass finishes as well.   Performer trumpets offer some big advantages in tone over intermediate trumpets and are designed for use by students, both high school and college, who take their music seriously. 

Top-line trumpets incorporate all of the manufacturer's best features and processes to create an ultimate trumpet.  They are used by professionals, studio musicians, and symphony players, as well as some amateurs for whom trumpet is a serious avocation.

With routine care step-up trumpets, particularly performer and top-line trumpets, can be expected to last a lifetime--there is rarely a need to replace a step-up trumpet during or after school.

Features Found on Most Beginner Trumpets

Features Found on Some Intermediate Trumpets

Features Found on Some Performer Trumpets

More questions about trumpets or stepping up?
Reach an instrument specialist by email here or by phone at (901) 323-8888.