AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best B&S Bb Trumpets 2026
The top pick is B&S 3137-S Challenger I Series Bb Trumpet ($1,787). B&S MBX2-S X-Line Martinez leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 20 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 13, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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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.
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$1,787 now$1,787€1,598 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
Index↑ 2.7%since Aug 14$2,067 · Aug 14$2,122 now$2,122€1,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
B&
S 3137-S Challenger I Series Bb Trumpet 3137 Challenger I Trp. - Set · B&S
23 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight0.32 kg
The B&S Challenger I is a solid, well-made trumpet geared towards intermediate to advanced players needing a powerful, focused sound. It’s a great all-around instrument for jazz, concert band, and lead work, offering a dependable performance without a premium price tag. The included accessories are a nice touch, making it a complete package.
Pros
- German craftsmanship delivers exceptional build quality and durability.
- Medium-large bore promotes a robust, projecting tone ideal for lead playing.
- Monel valves offer smooth, reliable action and corrosion resistance.
Cons
- The clear lacquer might show fingerprints and handling marks easily.
- The ICON 7C mouthpiece is a good start, but experienced players may want an upgrade.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$1,821 now$1,821€1,629 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The B&S MBX2-S X-Line Martinez, a Christian Martinez signature model, is a fantastic choice for serious students and professional players seeking a focused, responsive sound. The lightweight bell and custom mouthpipe combination really make it sing, and the build quality is top-notch. This trumpet offers a great balance of projection and playability, ideal for classical and lead trumpet roles.
Pros
- Martinez model delivers exceptional projection and focused tone.
- Lightweight #72 brass bell enhances responsiveness and warmth.
- Reversed gold brass mouthpipe provides a quick, efficient airstream.
Cons
- Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for most players.
- The ML bore might feel slightly restrictive for some advanced players.
41AudioFu
Index↓ 21.1%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$4,247 · Aug 14$3,352 now$3,352€2,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This German trumpet uses a hand hammered bell for a warm, organic sound. The Monel valves feel smooth and reliable under your fingers. It comes with a mouthpiece and a nice case for travel. The single piece design keeps the sound focused and direct. Ideal for players who want a solid, classic feel without extra bells.
Pros
- Hand hammered brass bell adds organic character to the tone
- Monel valves ensure smooth response and quick return action
- Clear lacquer finish protects the instrument well
Cons
- Limited to one bell shape for specific tonal needs
- No weight information provided for player comfort checks
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,569 now$2,569€2,298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The B&S Challenger II GM is a seriously well-built trumpet – the hand-hammered bell really makes it sing. It's a fantastic choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a reliable, responsive horn with a warm, full tone. This trumpet offers professional-level features without the absolute top-tier price tag.
Pros
- Hand-hammered gold brass bell delivers a rich, projecting, and focused tone.
- Monel valves offer exceptional responsiveness, speed, and long-term reliability.
- The ML bore promotes easy playability across all registers, ideal for diverse players.
Cons
- The larger bell may feel unwieldy for smaller players or those with shorter arms.
- Clear lacquer finish, while attractive, is more susceptible to wear and tear than darker finishes.
39AudioFu
Index↓ 5.5%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$3,017 · Aug 14$2,850 now$2,850€2,549 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The B&S MBX3-M Heritage X-Line, designed in collaboration with Christian Martinez, is a seriously refined horn. It's built for the ambitious player seeking a professional-grade instrument with a warm, responsive sound and excellent projection – perfect for lead players and soloists looking for a distinct voice.
Pros
- Gold brass bell delivers a rich, focused, and powerful tone.
- Martinez model offers exceptional response and agility for advanced players.
- French bead rim provides a comfortable and controlled embouchure feel.
Cons
- The ML bore might feel slightly cramped for players with larger hands.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many players.
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$4,358 now$4,358€3,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This B&S Philip Cobb is a serious horn – built for players seeking a rich, resonant tone with excellent projection. The hand-hammered bell and PCL leadpipe make it incredibly responsive, and the build quality is top-notch. It's a great choice for lead players, orchestral musicians, and anyone wanting a professional-grade trumpet without the absolute top-tier price tag.
Pros
- Hand-hammered bell delivers exceptional projection and tonal warmth
- PCL leadpipe offers improved response and a quicksilver feel
- Monel valves ensure smooth, reliable action and longevity
Cons
- The larger bell may feel unwieldy for smaller players
- Silver plating requires diligent care to prevent tarnish
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$3,240 now$3,240€2,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This B&S Benny Brown model is a serious horn for the advanced player or professional. The reversed design and larger bell deliver a powerful, resonant tone, perfect for jazz, lead playing, and situations needing projection. It's built with quality materials, but that premium construction comes at a cost.
Pros
- The reversed receiver/leadpipe enhances projection and response.
- Monel valves offer exceptional durability and smooth action.
- Lightweight construction minimizes fatigue during extended playing.
Cons
- The lightweight construction may feel less substantial to some players.
- The 'Personality' model leans towards a darker tone, limiting versatility.
37AudioFu
Index↓ 8.4%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$4,136 · Aug 14$3,789 now$3,789€3,389 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The B&S PMH-L is a serious trumpet for the player who wants a dark, powerful tone with excellent projection. The Martin Hutter design offers a refined feel and response, making it ideal for lead players in jazz ensembles or orchestral settings who appreciate a focused, controlled sound. It's a premium-priced instrument delivering professional-level performance.
Pros
- Exceptional projection thanks to the 120mm bell and flat rim.
- Monel valves offer remarkably smooth action and responsiveness.
- MH leadpipe contributes to a focused, powerful, and dark tone.
Cons
- The lightweight construction, while positive, may feel slightly less substantial to some.
- The clear lacquer finish, while attractive, might require more diligent care to prevent wear.
36AudioFu
Index↓ 6.1%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$4,013 · Aug 14$3,767 now$3,767€3,369 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 20 bb trumpets
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
B&S PTI-S Personality T. InderkaB&S36↓ 6.1%$3,874€3,465$3,874€3,465Check ↗
- 12
B&S 3138/2-E Elaboration 37B&S34↓ 0.6%$3,610€3,229$3,610€3,229Check ↗
- 13
B&S BS210-1-0 Prodige Bb- TrumpetB&S33Stable$949€849$949€849Check ↗
- 14
B&S PTI-L Personality T. InderkaB&S33Stable$4,023€3,598$4,023€3,598Check ↗
- 15
B&S PBB-S Personality B. BrownB&S33Stable$4,135€3,698$4,135€3,698Check ↗
- 16
B&S PMH-V Personality M. HutterB&S33Stable$4,135€3,698$4,135€3,698Check ↗
- 17
B&S PMH-S Personality M. HutterB&S33↑ 1.6%$4,192€3,749$4,192€3,749Check ↗
- 18
B&S 3125/2-S Challenger II SB&S32↑ 3.0%$3,074€2,749$3,074€2,749Check ↗
- 19
B&S 3138/2-V Vintage Trp.B&S31↑ 6.4%$3,566€3,189$3,566€3,189Check ↗
- 20
B&S BS210-1-0 Prodige Bb- Trp. SetB&S25Stable$990€885$990€885Check ↗
Bb Trumpets by the numbers
Measured across all 318 models we track, not a sample.
Median $3,297 — half of all bb trumpets here cost less.
median of 25 models · 0.32 kg–1.18 kg
median of 21 models · 4"–16"
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 28 bb trumpets from the Thomann catalogue (of 318 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 should I look for when buying bb trumpets?
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
How much should I spend on bb trumpets?
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Are expensive bb trumpets worth the investment?
Higher-priced bb trumpets typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
What are the best brands for bb trumpets?
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Should I buy bb trumpets online or in-store?
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.
