Trumpet Accessories You Need To Get Started

Top Accessories You Need To Start Playing The Trumpet

So your child decided to play a trumpet for the school band program. The trumpet is a beautiful brass instrument. It comprises rounded tubes into a bell where the music exits from. The trumpet is commonly used in school concert and jazz bands. It has been enjoyed as a musical instrument since roughly the late 14th century. Before this, it was used as an indicator of battle. As a result, its structure and appearance have significantly evolved over the years.

Now that you found a way rent a trumpet near you, there is a few things you will need to purchase to maintain your trumpet. The trumpet is a fairly low-maintenance instrument. However, like other low-maintenance instruments, you still require a handful of trumpet accessories before you begin. If you're looking for information about what accessories you need, after you found a way to rent a trumpet near you, you've arrived at the right place!

Trumpet Accessories

• Trumpet bag/carrying case
• Mouthpiece
• Mute
• Trumpet stand
• Valve oil
• Music stand
• Cleaning kit
• Tuner

Trumpet Bag/Carrying Case

Most trumpets when you rent a trumpet near you will come with a hard case fitted for the trumpet. A trumpet bag/carrying case is an essential accessory. It protects the trumpet rental as well as your investment. There are a few different types to consider. A trumpet hard case is typically recommended because it provides maximum protection from all external hazards. Hard trumpet cases are normally made of plastic or wood to form a hard box-like case. A soft carrying case might be necessary for younger children because they are lightweight. These are typically made from high-quality materials such as leather or nylon. A soft trumpet bag is not as strong as a trumpet hard case, but it's an excellent option for any trumpeter who needs a lightweight case. A gig bag is another type of trumpet bag. These typically look very fashionable and can carry everything you need to perform. They have reinforced shoulder straps and conveniently located pockets. They offer the least protection from external variables but are usually the lightest and easiest to transport. They also look very trendy and chic.

Mouthpiece

A trumpet mouthpiece is an essential trumpet accessory that is necessary to play. All trumpets when you rent a trumpet near you will come with a mouthpiece. A standard student trumpet mouthpiece is good enough to get you started. There are four critical parts to the mouthpiece. Each part impacts the sound, tone, and pitch of the instrument. The four parts are the rim, cup, backbore, and throat.

Mouthpiece Rim

The mouthpiece rim is the place where the musician places their lips to play. The design of the rim can alter the sound. For example, the mouthpiece rim can be thicker and flatter or rounder, thin and narrow.

Cup

The cup part of the mouthpiece refers to the inner section. This part does not come in contact with the musicians' lips. There are two different shapes for trumpeters to choose from depending on what kind of sound they want. A U-shaped cup will give a brighter and higher pitch, whereas a v-shaped cup will give the sound a lower, darker tone.

Backbore

The backbore is the piece that connects the mouthpiece to the trumpet. It begins at the throat of the trumpet mouthpiece and gets bigger towards the end. The backbore can alter the sound and pitch of the trumpet depending on the size and length.

Mouthpiece Throat

The length and diameter are the crucial parts of this part of the trumpet mouthpiece. As these two variables change, so do the sound and pitch of the instrument.

Quick Care Tips For A Trumpet Mouthpiece

● Always wash your hands before handling the trumpet mouthpiece ● Wash the mouthpiece in warm water with dish soap to remove grime and dirt using a mouthpiece brush. Depending on how frequently you play the instrument, it’s best to do this fairly often to keep the trumpet clean and in beautiful condition. ● Disinfecting the mouthpiece occasionally is recommended. ● Never share your trumpet mouthpiece without disinfecting first.

Trumpet Mute

A trumpet mute is an interesting accessory. Though it's called a mute, it doesn't silence the instrument but rather lowers the volume or muffles the tone. It is used in all different band ensembles. A trumpet mute is a small device that fits in the trumpet or is held at the bottom of the bell. They come in different styles and impact the sound, tone and pitch.

Trumpet Stand

Using a trumpet stand is a great way to protect your instrument. A trumpet stand gives the musician a safe place to put their instrument down when participating in their school band program without worrying about it falling over or getting stepped on, avoiding expensive trumpet repair costs. Floor stands can easily be carried around and usually fold up small and compact into the bell of the trumpet. They are lightweight and sturdy.

Valve Oil

Trumpet valve oil is a very important accessory that is needed to play the trumpet. Valve oil for trumpets is a thin lubricant that is used to clean and lubricate the inside of the trumpet valves. The press and release of valves on the trumpet are crucial to how the trumpet sounds and its playability. Therefore, it's best to oil the trumpet valves every time the instrument is played or at least 2-3 times per week. This is essential for the lifespan of the trumpet, along with how well the instrument sounds, plays, and feels.

Music Stand

When choosing a music stand, an important factor is how steady and strong the stand is. It is common for music stands to topple if they have an overbearing amount of music. Choosing a solid and durable stand will make playing the instrument easier. Take note of the material the stand is made of, whether or not it folds up and is easy to transport as well as the height and notice if it's adjustable.

Trumpet Cleaning Kit

Cleaning and maintaining your trumpet should be of the highest priority to you (or whomever the musician is.) A cleaning kit is a necessary accessory to start playing the trumpet. A good trumpet cleaning kit will include valve oil, slide grease, a brush for the valve casings, a brush designed for the mouthpiece, a polishing cloth for the instrument's exterior, and a cleaning snake/bore cleaner. Keeping the instrument clean is important. It dramatically improves the playability, sound, tone, and lifespan of the instrument as well avoids high trumpet repair costs down the road. Depending on how frequent the trumpet is being played, it should receive a deep clean approximately every four weeks. This can be done by taking the instrument apart and using the cleaning accessories. It’s best to get a trumpet cleaning kit right away when you rent a trumpet near you.

Quick Cleaning Tips

● Always wash your hands before you begin handling the instrument. This helps decrease the amount of dirt, grease, and grime that gets onto the trumpet.

● Wipe down the outside of the trumpet often, especially where your hands' touch, to remove dirt and germs.

● Handle with care!

Chromatic Tuner

A chromatic tuner is an essential accessory for all musicians. The small tool indicates whether the trumpet player is sharp or flat. There are many types and sizes of tuners. Using a chromatic tuner can significantly improve performance and sound. They also help the musician to work on pitch and stability.

Checkout similar posts: 5 Reasons To Get Regular Trumpet Maintenance and Repair and Importance of Join a School Band Program