Pocket trumpets are often considered as simple innovations or musical toys but, the truth is just the opposite. Pocket trumpets are compact mini size trumpets with the same features as a regular big size trumpet and with the same quality of sound, tone, and volume.
The only glitch is finding the right pocket trumpet. The best pocket trumpet has a quality, ease of use, and performance ability.
We reviewed approximately 20 pocket trumpets before making our top list. For the same, we did sound testing, looked for customer’s experience, and also consulted the professional players. After juggling with these, it took around 10 days to reach our top 7 list of best pocket trumpets.
Best Pocket Trumpet & Best Pocket Trumpet Brands
1. Mendini MPT-N Nickel Plated Bb Pocket Trumpet
- Nickel plated Bb pocket trumpet with 7C mouthpiece
- 0.46 inch bore and 3.75 inch bell, comfortable white faux mother of pearl inlaid buttons
- Phosphorus copper used on lead mouth pipe (found on expensive trumpets) & smooth action valves
The Mendini pocket trumpet comes with everything to let you start playing right away.
It follows a nickel plated pocket trumpet design. The silver glossy body will surely impress you. Further, it comes with a 7C mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is made from phosphorus copper, this kind of material you will only find in advanced models. If you wish you can replace it with the mouthpiece of your choice for better performance.
Moving on to the bore size which is around 0.46 inch with a 3.5-inch bell. This will project the sound in a much better way like an intermediate trumpet. It’s actually impressive to see a mini trumpet with such an exorbitant bore size.
To add to the excitement are three smooth functioning valves. They slide out freely without sticking to each other making playability more comfortable and easy. The other tiny miny lovely feature is the faux mother pearl inlaid buttons.
Last is the exciting accessories which you get with this. It comes with a chromatic tuner, case, a bottle of valve oil, soft polishing cloth, and a pair of white gloves.
Features
- 7C mouthpiece
- 0.46-inch bore
- 3.65-inch bell
- Comes in five colour options
- Comes with 1 year warranty
- Body is sturdy
- Valve action excellent
- Comes with a lot of accessories
- The mouthpiece does not work like a real 7C mouthpiece.
2. Carol Brass Pocket Trumpet CPT-3000-GLS-L
- .460 bore, key of Bb
- lacquer finish with large 4.724" gold brass bell
- close tolerance stainless steel valves
Carol Brass Pocket trumpet is one of the hottest selling trumpets worldwide. it excels in its performance and plays like a professional trumpet.
Further, the instrument has a large 4.724 brushed bell made of brass gold design. Both the bore size and the bell offers full sound projection. Customers suggest carol brass pocket trumpet is no less than an intermediate or professional trumpet.
You can change the tone, intonations, genres of music, pitch, etc as per your wish. It plays well for almost everything. The only thing that we don’t like is that the big size bell which remains close to the face at all times. But, this can be done with all the top best pocket trumpets which are listed here.
Features
- .46 bore size
- 4.7-inch bell
- Key type Bb
- Anti-corrosive valve
- Great performance
- Can play different music genres
- Comes with all the accessories
- Great projection
- Bell seems to close to the mouth when playing
3. Merano Red B Flat Black Pocket Trumpet
- B Flat Key
- Red Lacquer plated pocket trumpet.
- Nickel plated mouthpiece
Merano is a stylish pocket trumpet. If you want your trumpet style stand out from the rest than this can be a perfect choice. We were impressed by the colour, it looks so appealing to the eyes.
It is a B flat key trumpet with a nickel plated mouthpiece. It produces a decent quality sound. You can play a variety of intonations but you need to put a little more efforts for the same.
Lastly, it comes with a zippered carrying case, a pair of gloves, valve oil, and a cleaning cloth. So, inshort you are going to get everything with this.
Features
- Key B type
- Smooth valves
- Decent size bell
- Looks adorable
- Plays well
- Not good for different music genres
4. Stagg WS – TR245 Bb Pocket Trumpet
- Stainless Steel Pistons
- Clear-Lacquered Body
- Includes Case
Stagg pocket trumpet is a strong durable brass trumpet for beginners and intermediate trumpet players. It works well for anyone who just started with trumpeting or is at a mediocre level.
In our testing, we loved the sound quality of the horn. It plays a big bright sound and was even approved by many trumpet teachers and players. The valves allow easier intonation and less effort for playing.
Nevertheless, we recommend you to oil the valves regularly otherwise they keys will stick to each other and hamper the overall sound quality.
Overall, this one is an affordable beginner to intermediate pocket trumpet.
Features
- Stainless steel pistons
- Lacquer gold finish body
- Big size horn
- Durable
- Great bell
- Bore size is less when compared to others
5. Sky Band Approved Nickel Plated Bb Pocket Trumpet
- Key: Bb
- Bore: .459-inch
- Leadpipe: Standard
It is a great trumpet for the newbies and as well as the advanced players.
The brand gives you an exciting color choice from red to black to blue to green to golden. This makes it better for the kids and for the funky teenagers who want to try their hands on trumpeting.
It has a copper-phosphorus body with a Bb key. The bore size of it is around .46 and along with it attached a 3.75-inch bell. On top of it, you will also get a 5C or 7C mouthpiece with it.
Lastly, for maintenance, it comes with a velvet lined case, glove, cleaning cloth, and valve oil.
Features
- 8 colour options
- Comes with many accessories like oil, case, glove
- Made from phosphorus copper
- Great tone and sound quality
- Variety of colour options
- Smooth airflow.
- Expensive than other beginner options
6. Allora MXPT-5801 Series Pocket Trumpet Lacquer
- Key: Bb
- Bore: .459-inch
- Leadpipe: standard
The Allora pocket trumpet is another legend instrument in the musical industry. Customers love it because of its elegant finish body and versatile features.
The sound of this trumpet is up to the mark, in fact, better than the standard trumpets in the market. It can help you play all kind of music with different tones, pitch, and volume.
Moving on to the body, it’s sturdy and has a lacquer golden finish look. You will sure to love it at first sight.
Features
- .459 inch bore
- 3.66-inch bell
- Key of Bb
- Nickel plate body
- Warm tone
- Sturdy make
- Portable
- Small bell size
7. Roy Benson RBPT101G Bb Pocket Trumpet
- Gold brass bell and lead pipe
- Nylon valve guides
- Thumbring on third valve
Roy Benson is a well-known brand in the market. This one from them is another excellent make.It is a portable lightweight instrument weighing just 5 pounds. It’s incredible to see such a top-notch sturdy musical instrument in this range.
It features nylon valves with the third valve having an adjustable thumb ring for positioning the instrument well. We recommend you to oil the valves frequently to prevent them from sticking to each other.
Interestingly, this one has two water keys to allow the drainage of fluid from the trumpet. In almost all trumpet you will find a single but this one has two keys for better operations.
Overall, a decent quality top pocket trumpet in the affordable range.
Features
- Gold brass bell and lead pipe
- Nylon valves
- Thumb ring on the third valve
- Two water keys
- Comes with a bag pack
- Great sound
- Excellent drainage
- Smooth functioning valves
- Regular oiling is required which is stressful
Buying Guide- Factors To Consider When Buying A Pocket Trumpet
Choosing the best pocket size trumpet is not an easy task. You need a thorough check of all the available option before buying the best one.
It is impossible to personally go play and check all the trumpets. Nevertheless, there is an easier way to it. Look for the prime factors that a top pocket trumpet should have.
Down below you will find a set of consideration that a best pocket trumpet brand should have.
1. Sound
This one is the most important requisite of any trumpet be it pocket, professional, or intermediate. The sound quality will refer to the instrument’s tone, projection, pitch, volume, and a wholesome of other factors.The best pocket trumpet will play a quality bright sound, projects easily, and produces note changes when the tone is changed.
2. Body
A durable body is a must. It will stand up over time and will last you long. Most of the good quality pocket trumpets have brass, nickel copper, or phosphorus copper body. The body is often finished with a lacquer, silver, or any other colour.Prefer going for a brass or nickel-copper body as they are considered to be the most durable pocket trumpet.
3. Size And Weight
If you are choosing a pocket trumpet than its quite obvious that you want something small and portable.A portable pocket trumpet would be compact in size and would fit easily in your luggage back. However, make sure size should affect its performance.
Additionally, also look for the weight. A best pocket trumpet brand is light to carry but dense enough to be sturdy. So, be rest assured that the weight should affect the quality of the trumpet.
4. Bore And Bell Size
Pocket trumpets with a good bore and bell size are recommended. It is because both these factors give a greater projection and allow for a range of intonations.
For a beginner level, a medium to medium-large bore size ranging from .44 to .47 inch is good enough. Moving on to the bell size, a bell size 3.5 to 4.5 inch is good. We suggest you to not go for extremely large size bells as you will feel that they are on your face while playing.
5. Skill Level
This one is also a crucial factor. A pocket trumpet comes in a grade range depending on the features and skill level you are going to choose. For example, a higher grade range one is for professional players who know how to tune and project and vice-versa. So, before choosing the best one make sure that the model you are choosing matched your grade and skill level.
6. Price
A pocket trumpet is available from a price range of $100-$800. The price depends on the quality, usage, and features.If you are a newbie, we would recommend you to go for a moderately priced trumpet and if you are professional go for the advanced version to make your trumpeting experience more pleasurable.
Top 3 Best Pocket Trumpet Brand
1. Merano Pocket Trumpet
This one is the largest trumpet brand in the market. The company is known for its brass, string, and wind instruments. The Merano B Flat Black Pocket Trumpet hottest selling trumpet of this brand.
This one is a high-grade quality instrument with a .46 inch and a big bell. It comes with all the accessories as well to help you maintain it for the longer run. Merano has a different finish. If you love an impressive sound, this instrument can be a perfect choice for you.
2. Carol Brass Trumpet
This one is a love of professional and instructors. Carol brass are loved because of the excellent sound it plays. The most popular pocket trumpet of this brand is Carol Brass Pocket Trumpet CPT-3000.The trumpet has a large bell with 4.7 inch which is sure to make your performance more enjoyable. It is an intermediate to professional level model.
3. Allora Pocket Trumpets
This brand is known for its affordable quality and superior make. It makes a variety of trumpets from beginner, to intermediate to pocket trumpets. The Allora MXPT-5801 Pocket Trumpet is one of the hottest selling pocket trumpets. This one has a good finish and comes in three color options. The fancy look is eye-catching. Moreover, it will play a tone similar to the professional ones.
4. Mendini Pocket Trumpets
This brand produces all kinds of trumpets. The company is keen on customers satisfaction. Before sending a product in the market the company carries out two levels of testing one is in the factory and second in the company’s distribution center in Los Angeles.
The Mendini MPT-N Bb Trumpet is the best selling pocket trumpet. It has all the standard features that a top pocket trumpet should have.
What Is A Pocket Trumpet?
A pocket trumpet mostly plays in the key of Bb and has almost the same tubing size as a standard size trumpet. The only difference is in this the tubing is wound much more tightly forming in a mini shape.
People often use it to play jazz, ballade, and classical music. But for playing different music genres you need to be a professional player. The biggest advantage of this is its ease of transport. You can carry it from one place to another as it occupies a minuscule space in your luggage bag.
You will find pocket trumpets by band people especially when they are marching. In spite of their compact size, they can produce good sound with great projection.
Moreover, you have to play it the same way like a regular trumpet. You have to create a bus of a buzzing of the lips against the rim of the mouthpiece. Further, form notes by combining the three valve present on the top. The valves work exactly the same as a regular big size trumpet.
Advantages Of Pocket Trumpet
Down below is a list of advantages of a pocket trumpet:
- It has a compact size. Thus, handling it or carrying it over is an easy peasy task. Additionally, small size does not require a large storage space you can fit in your bag while traveling or keep it one corner of the room when not in use.
- It lets you do extra practice especially when you are on some professional or personal trip. In this case, you can just pack it in your bag pack and play it in your spare time. Many professional trumpet players love to keep these pocket trumpets all the time no matter where they go.
- They add a style statement and fun to band marches, concerts, or parades.
- They come in an affordable price range.
- Pocket trumpets work well for everybody kids, teenager, beginners, intermediates, or even professional players.
Disadvantages Of Pocket Trumpets
- The cost of a pocket trumpet is less so many local companies use low-quality material which fails to give a good performance. So, we recommend you to go for only those trumpets that comes from reputed brands.
- People often use it as a toy for kids. So, there is a myth that they can’t be used for professional learning. Nevertheless, this is just a myth they work well as a standard trumpet.
- A few people feel uncomfortable while playing it. They say its difficult to hold it for long. A few also feel that the bell seems to be just near to the mouth obstructing view.
Final Talk
Pocket trumpets are exciting to own but tricky to buy. There are a lot of factors that you should consider before making a valuable decision. We suggest you have a thorough research and refer to our buying guide to help you ease your purchase.
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