Hello everyone.
I have a simple question regarding Bb Trumpet vs C Trumpet. I know C Trumpet is popular in Orchestra and Bb is popular in general but what will be the advantage of one or another. Thank you all in advance for your reply.

I`m not certain either has a definite advantage over the other. Maybe someone who knows better will help me on this, but I think that playing a C, you don`t have to transpose (i.e. on a C horn, instead of Concert Bb being "C", it`s played as "Bb"). I say this because in comparing a Bb trumpet to a C trumpet you will notice that the main tuning slide on the C is noticeably shorter than on the Bb, which means the air travels a shorter distance, which in turn would raise the pitch. I also saw somewhere recently where, if you play a Bach Bb trumpet you can get a whole set of tunihg slides that convert it to a C trumpet.

Thank you for your reply.
I apologize that I didn’t clarify my question. My background story is I am a returning trumpeter who hasn’t been playing over 20 years after only 4 years of playing. Recently trying out trumpet once again for our church group and I am having hard time transpose the music (gospel) while playing. And never knew there is such thing as C trumpet. So here are my questions.
1. Would I benefit a lot if switching from Bb to C trumpet so I can concentrate on playing more?
2. Transpose will eventually comes natural if I stick with Bb longer?
3. Switching from Bb to C will effect on intonation or difference on playability?

Thank you all again for your reply.

Coincidentally, I am also a comeback trumpet player, but with just under two years of playing regularly since a layoff of about twenty years. Though I have found my way into five different bands that have staggered reherasal and performance calendars, church music was and remains the primary motivation for reviving the old skills. I have played in church ensembles a few times, but so far worship/inspirational solos with CD accompaniment have been my mainstay.

I would expect some change in intonation when switching from Bb to C trumpet, but not in a way that would effect playability.

Tranposing in my head "on the fly" is something I could do pretty well when I was 15, and a far better musician than I am today, but I would expect it coming naturally to depend directly upon each individuals overall musical aptitude. I`ve performed with others who can do it with seemingly no effort, and I know of others who have been playing longer than me who still struggle with it.

I would say that not having to transpose should make it easier to concentrate on what you`re playing.

If you`d like to swap emails about playing experiences, feel free to click on my name in the message header.

I think you will find that buying a C trumpet it will make it loads easier for your playing in the church (no transpostion). However most trumpet pieces are written for Bb trumpet so you will find yourself having a harder time looking for a piece or not being able to play it at all without transposing it. But it all depends if you just want to play trumpet for your church or for other uses as well.
Hope that helps,
Mcbmusic.

C trumpets are usually a little more expensive but if you can get one. It will make thinks much easier for you if that`s the kind of music you`ll be doing mostly. I reccomend the Yamaha Xeno for a pro C trumpet. Good Luck,Chris

Do not buy a C trumpet for ease in transposition. Transposing is something every trumpet player needs to know how to do well in order to succeed professionally. The C trumpet is commonly used in orchestras, for the brighter and "trumpetesque" tone.

If you plan to be an orchestra player then I would reccoment it for sound, not ease in playability. Besides, what happens if you get thrown an Eb part? You have to know how to handle it if you dont have the right horn for the job.

also remember that if you have been playing Bb trumpet for a long time and switch to a c trumpet you may find the adjustment a bit strange because you are physically playing one thing and mentaly hearing something else come from the horn.

MY GOODNESS... Ok heres why orchestra people use a C trumpet over a Bb trumpet. One...Because a C trumpet can cut threw the orchestra!...it has a brighter sound that allows it to do that! Thats why its in C, then you use that one trumpet to transpose to all 12 keys, though that takes time...it makes it easier because orchestra pieces are written in more than just for C trumpet...and instead of having...quite honestly 12 different trumpets...a person can simply have one...and transpose to all the other keys. A Bb trumpet has a less bright sound and is commonly used in jazz and regular band because it isn`t as bright and flashy...where as theres maximum of 4 trumpet players in an orchestra...there is usually 8 trumpet players in a regular band, where you arn`t competing against a billion violins, violas, cellos, string basses and then all the other instruments. The Bb is less bright, used in jazz cause its mellow sound. THANK YOU

Jeremy has the right concept. I admit Transposing is somewhat easier for me on C trumpet (especially parts in E, I hate the tri-tone transposing on Bb trumpet =-)). The main issue at hand is that a C trumpet projects better. It also plays with a more brilliant sound. I also find C trumpet gives you more of a variety of colors to play with then a Bb( C can play dark too with a good player).

Keep in mind a C trumpet`s pitch is a little bit more complex to tune then a Bb. Most orchestral players play top space E 12 rather then open. They also play top Eb 23 rather then 2. Those notes in the harmonic series are a little flat. Even Bb trumpet is slightly out of tune on those notes ( C more so out of wack).

I recommend if you are doing both jazz and classical....you should get both horns. If money is an issue go Bb.

Remember C trumpet brighter projects better.

Bb trumpet darker and better pitch.