AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Bb Trumpets 2026
The top pick is Yamaha YTR-2330 Standard Trumpet ($591). pBone music pTrumpet Orange gives you the most for the money at $173. Bach 190S37 Stradivarius Series 50th Anniversary Bb Trumpet leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 164 models across 23 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 2, 2026
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All Bb TrumpetsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Yamaha YTR-2330 Standard Trumpet
YTR-2330 Bb- Trumpet · Yamaha
28 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
The YTR-2330 is a fantastic step-up trumpet – a great balance of quality and affordability. Its responsive action and solid intonation make it ideal for serious students and advancing players looking for a reliable, professional-level horn without the premium price tag. You'll get a bright, focused sound that's versatile enough for various musical styles.
Pros
- Excellent intonation across the range, thanks to the ML bore design.
- Monel valves provide smooth, fast action and consistent reliability.
- Gold lacquer finish offers bright tone and resists tarnish effectively.
Cons
- The ML bore may feel a bit stiff for very young or inexperienced players.
- The included TR11B4 mouthpiece is adequate, but a more versatile option is recommended.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$591 now$591€529 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
B&
S 3137-S Challenger I Series Bb Trumpet 3137-L Challenger I L · B&S
23 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
The Challenger I L is a fantastic choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a reliable, well-built Bb trumpet with a warm, projecting tone. It’s a step up from student models, offering professional-level response and intonation without the premium price tag of top-tier instruments – a solid all-around performer.
Pros
- Excellent intonation across the entire range, a hallmark of B&S trumpets.
- Monel valves provide exceptionally fast and reliable action.
- The medium-large bore delivers a full, resonant tone ideal for diverse genres.
Cons
- The heavier bell may fatigue players during extended practice sessions.
- The ICON 7C mouthpiece, while decent, might be limiting for advanced players.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,785 now$1,785€1,598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha YTR-4335GII Intermediate Trumpet
YTR-4335 GII Trumpet + SB7J · Yamaha
9 for sale on Reverb7 finishes at Thomann
The YTR-4335 GII is a fantastic step-up trumpet for serious students and intermediate players. The gold brass construction and carefully designed bore/bell combo give it a professional sound and feel, while the included Silent Brass system provides invaluable practice flexibility. It's a versatile instrument that balances quality and affordability well.
Pros
- Gold brass body provides a warm, responsive tone with excellent projection.
- ML-bore and modified bell design offer improved intonation and a focused sound.
- Monel valves ensure smooth, reliable action and longevity – a noticeable upgrade.
Cons
- The 1.09 kg weight can be tiring for younger or smaller players during extended practice.
- Gold lacquer finish requires diligent care to prevent tarnish and maintain appearance.
62AudioFu
Index↓ 2.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,104 · Aug 17$1,081 now$1,081€968 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Bach 190S37 Stradivarius Series 50th Anniversary Bb Trumpet
190S37 Bb- Trumpet silver · Bach
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size16"
The 190S37 is a fantastic, professional-grade trumpet offering a warm, focused tone. Its ML bore makes it incredibly responsive and easy to control, perfect for lead players, orchestral musicians, and anyone wanting a reliable, high-quality instrument. The hand-hammered bell truly elevates the sound and projection.
Pros
- Hand-hammered bell delivers exceptional projection and resonance
- ML bore offers a balanced response across the range
- One-piece bell construction ensures consistent vibration and tone
Cons
- Premium-priced, represents a significant investment for many players
- The 37 bell shape may be less versatile for extreme high register playing
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,127 now$5,127€4,589 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
B&
S 3137-S Challenger I Series Bb Trumpet 3137 G-L Challenger I GM · B&S
23 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This B&S Challenger I GM is a solid, well-made Bb trumpet—a great step up for intermediate to advanced players. The gold brass leadpipe adds a lovely warmth, and the ML bore gives it a comfortable, all-around feel. It's a dependable workhorse for jazz, concert, and general playing.
Pros
- Gold brass leadpipe provides a warm, responsive tone.
- German craftsmanship ensures exceptional build quality and intonation.
- ML bore offers a balanced feel suitable for various players.
Cons
- The heavier brass construction may fatigue some players during extended use.
- The ICON 7C mouthpiece might be too dark for brighter playing styles.
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,120 now$2,120€1,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Bach 180S37 Stradivarius Series Bb Trumpet
180S37 Bb-Trumpet · Bach
23 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The 180S37 is a cornerstone of professional trumpet playing – a real workhorse. Its Stradivarius design balances projection with a flexible response, making it great for orchestral, lead, and jazz players who need a reliable, all-around instrument. It’s a premium-priced instrument, but the quality and playability are top-tier.
Pros
- Hand-hammered bell delivers a focused, resonant, and powerful projection.
- ML bore provides exceptional flexibility and responsiveness for varied playing styles.
- Monel valves offer smooth, reliable action and consistent performance.
Cons
- The 180S37’s heft (around 515g) can be fatiguing for players with smaller hands.
- The included mouthpiece may not suit every player’s preference; an upgrade is common.
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,021 now$4,021€3,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight0.96 kg
This Thomann TR 25 is a fun, portable option for gigging musicians or students needing a compact Bb horn. The purple finish is a real eye-catcher, and it plays surprisingly well considering the price point – just be aware it won’t match a full-size trumpet’s power.
Pros
- Purple lacquer provides a unique, stage-ready aesthetic.
- Monel valves offer smooth, reliable action and longevity.
- 125mm bell delivers a surprisingly open, resonant tone for a pocket trumpet.
Cons
- The 7C mouthpiece is basic; an upgrade will enhance tonal projection.
- Purple lacquer can be prone to wear and tear with heavy use.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$211 now$211€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size4"
The pTrumpet Orange is a clever piece of kit – it genuinely plays like a Bb trumpet, but its plastic build makes it incredibly robust and lightweight. It’s a fantastic option for school programs, travel, or anyone wanting a trumpet experience without the fuss of brass maintenance. Really good for beginners or those needing a reliable, easy-to-transport instrument.
Pros
- Durable, impact-resistant plastic construction reduces maintenance concerns.
- Lightweight design (500g) makes it comfortable for beginners and travel.
- Bright, clear tone surprisingly comparable to brass trumpets.
Cons
- Plastic construction lacks the resonant complexity of brass instruments.
- Valve action, while functional, isn’t as smooth or precise as metal valves.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$173 now$173€155 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size5.5"
The Adams A4 Gold Brass 040 Selected SL is a seriously refined horn. The gold brass bell really sings, giving you a rich, full tone with excellent projection – perfect for lead players or those seeking a more sophisticated sound. It’s a top-tier instrument designed for the serious student or professional looking for a responsive and reliable Bb trumpet.
Pros
- Gold brass bell delivers exceptional warmth and projection.
- 0.40mm walls offer surprising agility and response.
- Selected valves ensure smooth, reliable action and intonation.
Cons
- Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for many players.
- Satin lacquer can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,200 now$4,200€3,759 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Bach LR190S43B Stradivarius Professional Model Bb Trumpet
190S43 Bb- Trumpet silver · Bach
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size5"
The 190S43 is a serious instrument for the discerning player. It’s a fantastic all-around trumpet—the ML bore gives it a great blend of projection and warmth, making it ideal for jazz, classical, or any genre where you need a refined, professional sound. This is a top-tier choice for advanced students and professionals seeking a reliable and expressive workhorse.
Pros
- Hand-hammered bell delivers exceptional projection and tonal complexity
- ML bore provides a balanced response across all registers
- One-piece bell construction ensures structural integrity and resonance
Cons
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players
- The 43 bell shape might be slightly darker than some prefer for brighter styles
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,127 now$5,127€4,589 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 164 bb trumpets
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Thomann TR 620 L Bb-TrumpetThomann · 3 finishes54Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 12
Startone STR 25 Bb-TrumpetStartone · 4 finishes53Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 13
King 2055T Silver Flair Step-Up Model Bb Trumpet w/ 1st Slide Trigger2055T Silver Flair Trumpet · King · 2 finishes53Stable$2,848€2,549$2,848€2,549Check ↗
- 14
Thomann Blacky Pocket Bb-TrumpetThomann49Stable$221€198$221€198Check ↗
- 15
Thomann Black Jazz Bb- TrumpetThomann49Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 16
Yamaha YTR-8335G 04 TrumpetYamaha · 13 finishes49Stable$3,071€2,749$3,071€2,749Check ↗
- 17
Bach 180S43 Stradivarius Professional Model Bb Trumpet180S43 Bb-Trumpet · Bach48Stable$4,020€3,598$4,020€3,598Check ↗
- 18
Bach 19037 Bb- Trumpet lacqueredBach48Stable$5,127€4,589$5,127€4,589Check ↗
- 19
Bach 19043 Bb- Trumpet lacqueredBach48Stable$5,529€4,949$5,529€4,949Check ↗
- 20
Adams A1 Brass 050 Selected V2Adams47Stable$3,853€3,449$3,853€3,449Check ↗
- 21
pBone music pTrumpet VioletpBone music46Stable$173€155$173€155Check ↗
- 22
pBone music hyTech Bb-Trumpet blackpBone music46Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 23
B&S 3137-S Challenger I Series Bb Trumpet3137 Challenger I Trp. - Set · B&S45Stable$1,820€1,629$1,820€1,629Check ↗
- 24
Yamaha YTR-8345G 04 TrumpetYamaha · 7 finishes45Stable$3,071€2,749$3,071€2,749Check ↗
- 25
Thomann TR 5 Bb-Pocket TrumpetThomann · 6 finishes43Stable$162€145$162€145Check ↗
- 26
B&S 3137/2-S PCL Philip CobbB&S · 2 finishes43↓ 15.3%$2,791€2,498$2,791€2,498Check ↗
- 27
C.G.Conn 52B- SP TrumpetC.G.Conn42Stable$2,782€2,490$2,782€2,490Check ↗
- 28
Startone PTR-20 Bb- Trumpet OrangeStartone · 6 finishes40Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 29
Yamaha YTR-3335 Bb- TrumpetYamaha · 3 finishes40Stable$814€729$814€729Check ↗
- 30
Yamaha YTR-5335 GII Bb- TrumpetYamaha · 3 finishes40Stable$1,518€1,359$1,518€1,359Check ↗
- 31
B&S 3143/2-S Challenger II SB&S · 3 finishes40↓ 3.9%$2,791€2,498$2,791€2,498Check ↗
- 32
Thomann TR 500 L Bb-TrumpetThomann · 3 finishes39Stable$248€222$248€222Check ↗
- 33
Thomann TR 400 G Bb-TrumpetThomann · 3 finishes39Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 34
B&S MBX3-M Heritage X-LineB&S · 3 finishes39Stable$4,355€3,898$4,355€3,898Check ↗
- 35
Gewa Bb-Trumpet TR372 RL VisionGewa · 4 finishes38Stable$1,116€999$1,116€999Check ↗
- 36
Yamaha YTR-6335RC CommercialYamaha · 2 finishes38Stable$2,456€2,198$2,456€2,198Check ↗
- 37
B&S 3137/2-L Challenger II LB&S · 2 finishes38↓ 2.6%$2,557€2,289$2,557€2,289Check ↗
- 38
Yamaha YTR-8310 Z 03 TrumpetYamaha · 2 finishes38Stable$2,709€2,425$2,709€2,425Check ↗
- 39
Yamaha YTR-9335 NYS 05 TrumpetYamaha · 2 finishes38Stable$5,025€4,498$5,025€4,498Check ↗
- 40
Thomann TR 200 Bb-TrumpetThomann · 2 finishes37Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 41
Thomann TR-4000L Bb- TrumpetThomann · 2 finishes37Stable$412€369$412€369Check ↗
- 42
Thomann TR 800 L MKII Bb-TrumpetThomann · 2 finishes37Stable$479€429$479€429Check ↗
- 43
Gewa Bb-Trumpet TR172 L VisionGewa · 2 finishes37↓ 6.7%$781€699$781€699Check ↗
- 44
Bach LR19043B Stradivarius Mariachi Professional Model Bb TrumpetLR19043B lacquered Bb- Trumpet · Bach37Stable$4,467€3,998$4,467€3,998Check ↗
- 45
Bach TR-351G Bb-TrumpetBach · 2 finishes36Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 46
Schagerl James Morrison Trp. JM1-LSchagerl · 2 finishes36↑ 0.7%$1,562€1,398$1,562€1,398Check ↗
- 47
Schagerl James Morrison Trp. JM2-LSchagerl · 2 finishes36↑ 0.6%$1,674€1,498$1,674€1,498Check ↗
- 48
Kühnl & Hoyer Topline Bb-Trumpet BrassKühnl & Hoyer · 2 finishes36Stable$2,009€1,798$2,009€1,798Check ↗
- 49
Schagerl James Morrison Bb-Trumpet SSchagerl · 2 finishes36Stable$3,786€3,389$3,786€3,389Check ↗
- 50
Bach 17043GYR Bb-TrumpetBach · 2 finishes36Stable$3,987€3,569$3,987€3,569Check ↗
Bb Trumpets by the numbers
Measured across all 312 models we track, not a sample.
Median $3,014 — half of all bb trumpets here cost less.
median of 25 models · 0.32 kg–1.18 kg
median of 18 models · 4"–16"
How to choose the best bb trumpets
Material (Brass Type)
Yellow brass is generally brighter and more responsive, good for lead work. Red brass offers a darker, warmer tone, often preferred for ballads or mellow sections. Nickel silver is common on student horns; it's durable but can lack some tonal complexity. The material directly impacts the overall voicing - it's not just about brightness or darkness, it's about the character.
Valve Action
Smooth, consistent valve action is critical. Sticky valves kill your speed and articulation. Look for a free-spinning feel with minimal resistance. A quick action lets you navigate complex passages without fighting the horn. Cheap horns often have sloppy valve guides - a huge frustration in a gigging situation.
Bell Diameter & Shape
A wider bell projects more, helping you cut through a loud ensemble. Different bell shapes (flared vs. more conical) subtly alter the tone. A wider bell helps with low-end thump and projection; a more conical bell might give you a more focused, 'focused' sound, but can sacrifice some volume.
Leadpipe Design
The leadpipe is the first section of tubing, and it has a massive impact on response and tone. A well-designed leadpipe will improve your articulation and make the horn easier to play. It's a subtle thing, but a bad leadpipe can make a horn feel sluggish and unresponsive.
Tuning Stability
A trumpet that goes flat or sharp with temperature changes is a nightmare. Consistent tuning across the range is essential, especially when recording or playing with a tight ensemble. A poorly constructed horn can be a constant tuning battle, and that's a waste of your time and energy.
Buying guide
So, you're in the market for a Bb trumpet? Smart choice; it's the workhorse for most jazz, funk, and pop gigs. But wading through the options - from student models to vintage horns - can be overwhelming. This isn't just about brass and valves; it's about finding an instrument that feels good, responds well, and delivers the tone you need to cut through a band or nail a solo. Let's break down what to look for.
Don't chase the 'best' trumpet; chase the trumpet that feels best for you. Student horns are fine for beginners, but be prepared for compromises in material and valve action. Mid-range horns offer a better balance of quality and price.
Spending more often gets you better materials, improved valve action, and a more refined tonal character, but it's not always a guarantee. Try before you buy, if possible - your ears and hands will tell you the story.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 267 bb trumpets from the Thomann catalogue (of 312 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a student and a professional trumpet?
Student horns are typically made of cheaper brass (often nickel silver) with simpler valve designs. They're built for durability and ease of play, but lack the tonal complexity and response of professional horns. Pro horns use better materials, more refined designs, and often feature hand-hammered bells.
Is it worth buying a used trumpet?
Absolutely! You can often find high-quality used trumpets at significantly reduced prices. Just be sure to have a technician inspect it for any major issues like leaks or valve problems.
My trumpet sounds 'tinny.' What's wrong?
It could be the brass type (yellow brass tends to be brighter), or it could be a combination of factors like mouthpiece choice, embouchure, or even the horn's overall design. Experiment with different mouthpieces and consider getting a professional setup to optimize your horn's performance.
How important is the mouthpiece?
Mouthpieces are critical. They're the primary determinant of your tone. A brighter mouthpiece will make the horn sound more aggressive, while a darker mouthpiece will mellow the sound. Don't underestimate the impact of this small piece of brass.
I'm a beginner. What should I look for in a trumpet?
Focus on playability and comfort. Smooth valve action, a manageable weight, and a decent sound are more important than fancy features. Don't break the bank - a good student horn will get you started, and you can always upgrade later.
