Hi. I was on here previously looking to buy my son a red trumpet. I have now decided it is going to be too expensive to get a decent one.

However, I see the Jupiter pocket trumpet (which was recommended by somebody on here) and I am now wondering - What is a pocket trumpet? What are they used for?

Thanks!

it is a small trumpet. it is used for playing like a regular trumpet. You don`t really need one unless you want some attention for having a different trumpet. and not all band directors accept them in a regular band. But they are fun asa a novelty instrument. If you get a Jupiter make sure the serial number starts with any e or a letter later in the alphabet or the instrument will not benearly as good as it could be.

i saw a benge pocket trumpet on ebay yestterday i think it is still there. that would definitely be a better buy than a jupiter

Try www.wwbw.com and go to the trumpet section and you will find pocket trumpets and the cheapest one to be around $180, from BandNow, not necessarily a brand name but you can look at the people`s comments on this pocket trumpet and you might have a look at that.

Wait, as the person before me said, LOOK ON EBAY! I think it`s the perfect place for you! I just went there and found a red trumpet for $ 140 and a red pocket trumpet for aroun $140 too At least take a look, and plus its fun to go browsing on Ebay!

don`t buy any of the ones made in India. and i would not reccomend a band now unless you just want one to look at

I just got a Jupiter SPT-416 silver finish on e-bay and it`s a lot of fun and sounds just like a trumpet.

I`ve never played 1 before or even heard one been played, so dont take my opinion 2 seriously. From what I`ve heard, pocket trumpets are normally made chaper and lack the quality of sound as a trumpet. I`m sure that you could buy a used trumpet from ebay or a local music store for the same price or a little higher, and u would be getting a much better deal. Another suggestion is to buy I cornet because I`m just guesing that they;re cheaper thatn trumpets. They have the sam e tone as trumpet without the brightness, and I`m 100% sure that it would be allowed to play in all bands. Sorry if this wasn`t much help. Please IM me if u have any further questions. Also, research before u buy!!!

I have a besson silverplated pocket trumpet which is one of the better ones. However I also play regular Bb trumpet and can tell that many pocket trumpets lack the tone of a Bb trumpet. They sound airy and almost weak. Also many pocket trumpets don`t take regular mouthpieces and require adapters. Hope this helps.

I`m sorry to say but cornets aren`t any cheaper than trumpets of the same quality. Also, cornets have a less bright more dark and mellow tone.

Arent cornets also higher than the trumpet? or no?

Gracie.

A pocket trumpet is definitely not your solution, especially if it is to be your son`s first trumpet. Also, though I am sure the colored instruments (i.e. red, blue, black) currently available on the market appeal to many younger musicians, I would be hesitant about purchasing one as a first instrument.

There are several websites offering online purchase of a wide variety of trumpets ranging from economy beginning student models to rather expensive professional models. A few of my favorite sites are: www.musiciansfriend.com, www.music123.com, and www.giardinelli.com.[/] However, again, if this is to be your son`s first trumpet you might consider a rental or rent-to-own option available through many music stores who carry band instruments. I began playing a cornet (plays just like a trumpet, but has a slightly more mellow tone) fifty years ago. If you would care to email me I would be more than happy to offer recommendations based upon experience.

A pocket trumpet is the same pitch and "sound" and tubing length as a regular trumpet. Just like a cornet. But. . . and this is a big but, unless you pay the same price for a good one, (around $1200) you`re going to end up with a horn that is cute but plays out of tune. Just like buying a student horn. BTW, there`s no such thing as an Intermediate trumpet. They are just beginner horns with more bells and whistles. Since you`re looking for a horn to last, get a used professional horn. The people playing them tend to take good care of them and you get a much better horn than buying a new beginner or "intermediate" horn. Bach and Schilke make horns used by Pros all over and Yamaha is coming on strong with good consistancy from one horn to the next. Check this site for a lot of good info on how to buy a trumpet. http://www.dallasmusic.org/schilke/

Colored instruments of any kind are just a gimick. They usually make these wild colored ones and put a higher price on them. Half of the time you pay that higher price and the instrument does not even play well. I stay far away from colored instruments! Also unless it is just your personal instrument that will not be used in band, they stick out like a sore thumb even if they do look `cool`. I do not get the point of a pocket trumpet, yes very cute but whats the real point?? For starting out, a cornet would be fine if you want something smaller and then move to trumpet as the student gets better and older.