Materials / Supplies
(What a music student should buy.)
(What a music student should buy.)
Purchasing instruments or upgrading your gear can feel like a daunting task for students and parents alike. The goal for this page is to educate you on the differences in instruments, gear, and other materials while also providing good purchases to get started.
What kind of instrument should I buy? That depends on what your goal is for learning the instrument. Beginner model instruments or student models will typically be made out of cheaper materials and will generally be designed with ease of playing in mind. This means that the costs are typically lower than a professional model instrument and it is easier to start playing the instrument. The drawback is that musicians can typically grow out of these instrument quickly, especially if they are dedicated players. The instrument will often hold the musician back from reaching their full potential once they reach the maximum threshhold for a beginner instrument.
Intermediate and professional model instruments are the opposite. These instruments are typically made from higher quality materials, which help produce a more mature and robust tone quality. These instruments are often more durable than beginner instruments but that makes them more expensive to repair. Instruments like these have a higher barrier for entry in regards to playing as they are designed for seasoned musicians; But once you do get started on it, you won't be held back by the instruments construction. These kinds of instruments will help you reach the highest peaks of your playing abilities.
What kind of gear should I buy? That also depends on what your goals are. Different accessories and different upgrades for your instrument provide vastly different benefits. All musicians should purchase a music stand and all of the materials needed to clean your instrument. However, some quality of life upgrades may include instrument stands, different kinds of cases, and acessories for reading music. All of these will be included in each instrument section below. Also included below will be optional upgrades for mouthpieces, reeds, ligatures, valve caps, and more. These kinds of upgrades will vary depending on the kind of sound you want and what your musical goals are; But all of them will change how you sound and the ease of playing.
If you cannot afford any of the method books, etude books, or solos listed, please contact me at the email listed at the bottom of the page.
Money should not be a barrier to eduation.
Beginner Model VS. Professional Model Instruments
Beginner ($500 - $800): These instruments will often be nickel silver or other silver plated materials that make it more durable and affordable. Beginners should look for instruments that have a C foot joint, closed hole keys, and an off-set G key. The C foot joint limits the range of the instrument, but the instrument is smaller which means it is easier to play for younger musicians. The closed hole keys means its easier to cover the holes and play the instrument when you are beginning. Lastly, the offset G key makes it easier to reach for younger players.
Professional ($1,100 - $10,000): These instruments will often be made of solid silver or gold, which makes them more expensive but drastically changes the timbre and tone quality. The different metals create a richer, darker, and more resonant flute sound. These instruments will typically include a B foot joint, open hole keys, and the options of an in-line or offset G key. The B foot joint will expand the range of the instrument, creating a longer flute that requires more air. The open hole keys allow for a broader range of extended techniques on the flute. Open hole keys allow for micro tones, multiphonics, and glissandos while also encouraging better playing technique from the musician and allowing better control over intonation. The open holes are located on the A, G, F, E, and D keys. Professional model instruments will also offer in-line and offset G keys. In-line G keys promote better playing technique from the musician but are designed for those with larger hands; The likelyhood of damage to the hands and wrist is higher over the long-term with in-line flutes. Offset G keys are easier to play and are far more ergonomic, allowing any hand size to play with ease. In-line vs. Offset G keys are entirely up to personal preference. Here is a resource from Yamaha explaining all the differences and what they look like.
Mouthpieces: For beginner and professional models, the lip plate on the mouthpiece can be made of different materials, allowing for different qualities in tone. As a rule of thumb for all instruments, Silver creates a brighter and more shrill sound while Gold creates a darker and warmer sound quality. Instruments plated with gold are typically sought after by more advanced musicians as they create better timbres and tone qualities. Some players also may be allergic to silver, so gold would be the better option. As you move towards more professional model flutes, you will begin to find more hands are involved in the creation of the instrument. This means that the musician will have more options in regards to the creation of their mouthpiece. The kind of metal the mouthpiece is made of, the thickness of the mouthpiece metal, and the cut of the embouchure hole are all choices higher-level musicians will have to make that have an effect on the sound and playability of their instrument.
Beginner Model Instruments
Yamaha YFL-222 - This instrument is entirely nickel plated silver with covered keys, an offset G key, and a C foot joint - $548
Gemeinhardt 2SP Student Flute - This instrument is silver plated with covered keys, an offset G key, and a C foot joint - $479
Prelude by Selmer PFL111E - This instrument is silver plated with covered keys, an offset G key, and a C foot joint - $469
Selmer SFL201 - This instrument is silve rplated with covered keys, an offset G key, and a C foot joint - $899
Professional Model Instruments
Yamaha YFL-677H - This instrument is made of sterling silver with open key holes, an offset G key, and a B foot joint - $4,631
Azumi AZ3 - This instrument is made of sterling silver with open holes, a handmade headjoint, and customizable options - $4,599
Di Zhao DZ D-S - This instrument is made of sterling silver with open holes, entirely handmade with customizable options - $7,995
Di Zhao DZ-701 - This instrument is made of sterling silver with open holes, entirely handmade with customizable options - $2,934
Supplies for Cleaning
Most instruments should come with cleaning supplies but just in case yours did not, here are some supplies. Your flute should be swabbed after every use. After you are finished playing, you should dissassemble your flute and use a cleaning cloth in conjuction with a cleaning rod in order to remove all the moisture from the inside of your flute. This is to prevent any oxidization, corrosion, or mold buildup that can damage the instrument over time. Here is a video about how to properly maintin your flute after playing.
Cleaning Rod - used in conjuction with a cleaning cloth to clean our the inside of the flute- $11
Cleaning Cloth - used to soak up the condensation and clean out the inside of the flute- $10
Miscellaneous Accessories
Pocket Flute Stand - A place to put your flute so you do not have to hold it in your lap - $23.99
Flute Bibles and Method Books
These are ordered from beginner level books to college level books. These are meant to be implemented in the everyday practice of a developing flautists. These books include warm-up exercises, scales, and etudes to help develop tone and technique facility on flute.
(* means reccomended purchase)
Hal Leonard Rubank Elementary Method for Flute or Piccolo - Beginning level scale and technique development - $7.99
*Beginner's Book for the Flute by Trevor Wye - Beginning tone development and good tone - $16.99
Flute 101: Mastering the Basics - Beginning flute technique book - $22.99
**De La Sonorite: Art Et Technique by Marcel Moyse - High school / College level tone and embouchure production - $32.00
**Exercices Journaliers pour la Flute by Marcel Moyse - High School / College level for all technique dvelopment - $34.99
17 Grand Exercices Journaliers de Mecanisme by Gaubert - High School / College level for all technique development - $32.99
243 Double and Triple Tonguing Exercises by Victor V. Salvo - High school / College level articulation development - $8.95
Vibrato Workbook by Dr. Chris Potter - High School / College level vibrato development - $25.99
To be completed.
Beginner vs. Professional Model Instruments
Beginner ($400 - $1000): These instruments are typically made with durability, affordability, and ease of playing in mind. Student model clarinets will typically be made of plastic, fiberglass, or most commonly, resonite. This makes the instrument incredible durable and less prone to be affected by the weather; The cheap material also makes it more affordable. These clarinets will also often have nickel-plated keys, which are more durable and less prone to tarnish. Student model clarinets are built to last and work well for outdoor playing, like that often seen in high school marching band programs. Student model clarinets will also feature a small bore size that is entirely cylindrical. This means that they are easier to play for young musicians and feature a bore that does not change shape further towards the instruments body. The small bore size of these instruments often mean they are easier for young players to keep in tune but provide a very thin sound. As a result of the materisl of the body and keys, as well as the size and shape of the bore, student model clarinets will typically be easier for younger musicians to play, but produce a bright, shrill, and thin quality of sound. The keys on these instruments will also bend and break more frequently than professional models.
Professional ($1,200 - $5,000): These instruments are made with flexibility, dexterity, volume, and quality of tone in mind. Professional model clarinets will typically be made out of aged grenadilla woodwhich produe a warm, dark, and resonate tone quality that is highly sought after by serious musicians. However, these instruments are more fragile and highly suceptible to being affected by temperature and weather; So extre precautions should be made to make sure the instrument is kept in an optimal environment for the wood. Professional clarinetists will often have to choose between silver-plated or Hamilton-plated keys, which mean they are a blend of gold and silver. The silver played keys will add additional weight to the instrument but helps produce a much darker and rounder tone quality. The Hamilton-plated keys will create a richer and more liquid sound, like melted chocolate. The bore sizes on these instruments will typically be medium-sized or large. Medium-sized bores provide an equal blend of flexibility in pitch and a focused sound. Large bores are the hardest to play with the most air support required, these bore sizes provide the most flexibility and a focused sound that produces a distinct ring sought after by professional players. These instruments will also often have poly-cylindrical bores, which means they gradually grow in diameter as they approach the body. Poly-cylindrical bores provide less flexibility but superior intonation and add to the ring of the clarinets sound. The keying mechanisms and the way these instruments are assembled also typically means they are more responsive than student models. Professional model clarinets will have quicker actions on the keys and the keys are less likely to bend and break under increased use.
Mouthpieces: Do NOT use the mouthpiece that comes with the instrument. These are typically good for beginners but are quickly grown out of. A mouthpiece upgrade can drastically change the sound on a clarinet and for less serious players, a mouthpiece upgrade can suffice for an upgraded clarinet. The instrument itself is simply an ampifying mechanism for what is happening inside the mouthpiece, so by changing/upgrading the mouthpiece you can change the quality of sound on your instrument. Mouthpieces for clarinets come in three parts: the mouthpiece itself, the ligature that holds the reed in place, and the reeds. The quality of each of these parts can change the sound on your clarinet.
Beginner Model Clarinets
Buffet Crampon Premium Student Bb Clarinet - This is made out of resonite with silver-plated keys and a poly-cylindrical barrel - $837
Yamaha YCL-255 Standard Student Bb Clarinet - This is made out of resonite with nickel-plated keys and a poly-cylindrical barrel - $588
Prelude By Conn-Selmer Standard Student Bb Clarinet - This is made out of resonite with nickel-lated keys, a poly-cinidrical barrel, and a small bore - $479
Jupiter JCL700NA Student ABS Bb Clarinet - This is made out of resonite with nickel-plated keys and a poly-cynidrical barrel - $1,299
Intermediate / Professional Model Clarinets
Yamaha YCL-450 NM+ Intermediate Clarinet - This is made out of grenadilla wood with nickel-plated keys and a poly-cylindrical barrel - $1,643
Buffet Crampon E12 France Intermediate Clarinet - This is made out of grenadilla wood with silver-plated keys and a poly-cylindrical barrel - $2,580
Jupiter JCL1100S Intermediate Clarinet - This is made out of grenadilla wood with silver-played keys and a poly-cylindrical barrel - $1,849
Buffet Crampon E13 Professional Clarinet With Nickel Plated Keys - This is made out of grenadilla wood with nickel-plated keys and a poly-cylindrical barrel - $3,613
Buffet Crampon R13 Professional Clarinet With Nickel Plated Keys - This is made out of grenadilla wood with nickel-plated keys and a poly-cylindrical barrel - $4,670
Student and Professional Bass Clarinets
Yamaha YCL -221 Student Bass Clarinet With Low Eb Key - This is made out of resonite, features nickel-plated keys, and has a Low Eb key - $2,613
Yamaha YCL-622II Low C Professional Bass Clarinet - This is made out of grenadilla wood with silver played keys and a Low C key - $10,934
Reeds
Beginners should stay on cheaper reeds starting at 1.5 - 2 strength. Intermediate players should be on 2 or 2.5 strength. Advanced players should be on 2.5 and higher strength. Every player should have a reed case, the plastic holder that comes with the reed is not sufficient as it warps the reed.
Rico - For Beginners - $23.99
Mitchell-Luri - For Middle School/ Early High School - $25.99
Vandoren - Upper High School and Beyond - $37
Rico Reed Case - Holds 4 Reeds - $8.99
Vandoren Reed Case - Holds 8 Reeds - $49.63
Mouthpieces for Bb Clarinet and Bass Clarinet
Vandoren Series M13 Lyre Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece - A standard all-around mouthpiece - $125
Vandoren BD5 Black Diamond 13 Series Ebonite Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece - A dark and rich clarinet sound, espeically in the high register - $185
Vandoren BD5 Black Diamond 13 Series Ebonite Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece - A dark and rich clarinet sound, espeically in the high register - $165
Vandoren B40 Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece - A standard all-around mouthpiece - $186
Ligatures for Clarinet and Bass Clarinet
Rovner Bb Clarinet Ligature and Cap - For beginning / middle school players - $27.99
Bonade Inverted Clarinet Ligature Only - For high school players. Instant change in sound as the reed is more free to vibrate - $27.99
Cleaning and Maintinence
You should swab out your clarinet after each use to prevent any build up of moisutre. Any excessive moisture build up can cause the wood to degrade, mold to develop in the instrument, or for the metal parts to corrode more quickly. The swab should be inserted through the barrel and come out of the neck of the body. Do NOT force it through if there is resistance. Here is a video on how to swab your clarinet. And here is an article grom Yamaha about how to oil your clarinet keys and maintain the instrument.
Standard Silk Clarinet Swab - Remember to swab after every use of your instrument - $11.49
Superslick Key Oil - Apply to the moving parts of your clarinet. Be sure not to overapply - $4.59
Cork Grease - Your corks should be greased once a month or so. If it is hard to push the parts together, its time for cork grease - $4.79
Miscellaneous Accessories
These will make the quality of life for playing clarinet easier.
Mouthpiece Patches - These help reduce vibrations in the head and minimize damage to the mouthpiece from biting down - $10.83
Thumbrest Cusions - This reduces the pain from holding the thumbrest of the clarinet - $6.41
Clarinet Stand - NEVER leave your clarinet free-standing or resting on your chair - $19.99
Method Books
(* reccomended purchase)
Hal Leonard Rubank Elementary Clarinet Method - Scale and technical exercises for middle school - $7.99
**Klosé Celebrated Method For Clarinet - For high school and beyond - $43.99
C. Baermann Complete Method For Clarinet - For high school and beyond - $21.99
*Rose 40 Studies for Clarinet Book 1 and Book 2 - For high school and beyond - Free PDF
Ernesto 30 Caprices for Clarinet - For high school and beyond - Free PDF
Beginner vs. Professional Model Instruments
For both beginner and professional models it is reccomended to get one with front F and high F# keys.
Beginner ($1,000 - $4,000): The difference between professional model saxophones and professional model saxophones is build quality. A beginner saxophone will typically be made out of a yellow or gold brass material that is cheap and durable. These saxophones are also primarily machined and quality checks are haphazard before they leave the factory. This means that screws will loosen more ferequently, keys and rods may bend more easily, and the instrument might not be as consistent sounding as a professional model. However, these instruments are typically significantly easier for younger musicians to learn how to play on. The key layouts will be more simple and better suited for younger players and it will be easier to get a sound out on these kinds of instruments. Many of these saxophones will have an "angled stack" which means the keys for the left hand are angled for ease of playing. These instruments will also have keys that are mounted "post on body," meaning they are mounted to the saxophones directly by a post. This means the instrument is lighter but doesnt limit vibrations, which creates a brighter sound. Beginner model saxophones have a bright and honky kind of timbre, they can take a beating, and are significantly easier to play than professional models; These make them perfect for students just learning the instrument or those who frequent marching band practices.
Professional ($4,000 - $10,000): Someone who has been playing saxophone for a reasonable amount of time will notice a signifcant difference in a professional model horn. These horns are highly customizable in all facets of construction. Profesisonal saxophones can typically be made out of gold, broze, or silver alloys which give the saxophone distinctive timbres based on the musicians preference. However, all of these materials work to give the saxophone a darker, richer, and more resonant sound. The keywork on these instruments is also more advanced than beginner models. On a professional saxophone, springs may be looser which creates more responsive keys and the layout might be more complex but ergonomic for an advanced player. The keys for instruments like these will often feature a ribbed contruction, which means the keys are mounted to metal plates on the body. This adds more weight to the instrument, which limits vibrations and gives it a warmer tone. More human hands are involved in the making of these instruments and the quality checks are at a higher standard, so professional saxophones will typically be easier to play in tune, are constructed with sturdier and tighter mechanmisms, and are less likely to fall apart over time. Some brands for these instruments will also have customizable options for keywork, body materials, body construction, pad materials, engravings, and the list goes on. Overall, intermediate and professional horns will stay in-tune with itself for longer periods of time and will require less work from the musican to make sound good.
Mouthpieces: Do NOT use the mouthpiece that comes with the instrument. These are typically good for beginners but are quickly grown out of. A mouthpiece upgrade can drastically change the sound on a saxophone and for less serious players, a mouthpiece upgrade can suffice for an upgraded instrument. The instrument itself is simply an ampifying mechanism for what is happening inside the mouthpiece, so by changing/upgrading the mouthpiece you can change the quality of sound on your instrument. Mouthpieces for saxophones come in three parts: the mouthpiece itself, the ligature that holds the reed in place, and the reeds. The quality of each of these parts can change the sound on your saxophone.
Beginner Model Alto Saxophones
Selmer Prelude AS111 Student Alto Saxophone - This is made of yellow brass with a High F# key and ribbed keys - $1,119
Yamaha YAS-26 Standard Student Alto Saxophone - This is made of yellow brass with a Front F key and post on body keys - $2,550
Selmer SAS301 Student Alto Saxophone - This is made of tellow brass with Front F key, high F# key, and ribbed keys - $2,599
Yamaha YAS-480 Intermediate Alto Saxophone - This is made of yellow brass with Front F key, High F# key, and post on body keys - $2,928
Selmer SAS511 Intermediate Alto Saxophone - This is made of black nickel with Front F key, High F# key, and ribbed keys - $3,151
Professional Model Alto Saxophones
Selmer SAS711 Professional Alto Saxophone - Customizable materials, laquer, and keying mechanims - $3,195
Yamaha YAS-62III Professional Alto Saxophone - This is made of gold with a Front F key, High F# key, and post on body keys - $3,689
Yamaha YAS-82ZII Custom Professional Alto Saxophone - Customizable materials, laquer and keying mechanisms- $4,969
Yamaha YAS-875EXII Custom Professional Saxophone - Customizable materials, laquer, and keying mechamisms - $5,389
Yanagisawa AW02 Professional Alto Saxophone Bronze - This is made of bronze with a Front F key, High F# key, and post on body keys - $5,589
Yanagisawa AW020 Elite Professional Alto Saxophone Bronze - This is made of bronze with a Front F key, High F# key, and ribbed keys - $6,899
Reeds
Beginners should stay on cheaper reeds starting at 1.5 - 2 strength. Intermediate players should be on 2 or 2.5 strength. Advanced players should be on 2.5 and higher strength. Every player should have a reed case, the plastic holder that comes with the reed is not sufficient as it warps the reed.
Rico - For Beginners - $28.99
Legere Signature Series - For Middle School/ Early High School - $35.99
Vandoren - Upper High School and Beyond - $42
Rico Reed Case - Holds 4 Reeds - $8.99
Vandoren Reed Case - Holds 8 Reeds - $41.36
Mouthpieces for Alto Saxophone
Yamaha 4C Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece - Standard for beginning players; Usually included in purchase of Yamaha Saxophone - $42.99
Vandoren AP3 Profile Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece - Step-up classical saxophone mouthpiece - $187
Selmer Paris S80 Mouthpiece for Alto Saxophone - Warm, full-bodied, and broad classical saxophone mouthpiece - $177.28
Selmer Paris S90 Mouthpiece for Alto Saxophone - Universal classical saxophone mouthpiece; Efficient and responsive across whole range - $182.04
Ligatures
Vandoren M|O Alto Saxophone Ligature - High quality, standard ligature for students - $54
D'Addario H-Ligature for Alto Saxophone - High quality, standard ligature for students - $57.99
Vandoren Optimum LC07P Alto Saxophone Ligature - High quality with 3 interchangable pressure plates for different sound and feel - $92
Cleaning and Maintinence
You should swab out your saxophone after each use to prevent any build up of moisutre. Any excessive moisture build up can cause the metal to corrode and mold to develop in the instrument. The swab should be inserted through the bell and come out of the neck of the body. Do NOT force it through if there is resistance. Here is a video on how to swab your saxophone.
Saxophone Body Swab - This is inserted through the bell and pulled out through the neck hole; Do this at least 3 times - $12.49
Cork Grease - Applied once a month. If it is hard to put your mouthpiece on, then it is time for cork grease - $4.79
Superslick Key Oil - Apply to the moving parts of your saxophone. Be sure not to overapply - $4.59
Neck Straps and Harnesses
Be sure to pick a neck strap or a harness that best suits your anatomy. Comfort is the primary factor here.
Protec Less-Stress Neck Strap for All Saxophones - Standard neck strap for any saxophone player; Puts stress on neck over long periods - $21.99
Protec Universal Saxophone Harness - Distributes weight more evenly across shoulders and back. Be sure to consider your anatomy - $26.99
Neotech Soft Sax Harness Strap - Distributes weight more evenly across shoulders and back. Be sure to consider your anatomy - $49.99
Miscellaneous Accessories
These will make the quality of life better for saxophone.
Mouthpiece Patches - These help reduce vibrations in the head and minimize damage to the mouthpiece from biting down - $10.83
Alto Saxophone Stand - Never let your instrument rest on the floor or in your chair - $29.99
Method Books
(* reccomended purchase)
The Eugene Rousseau Saxophone Method Volume 1 & 2 - For absolute beginners on saxophone - $6.95
Larry Teal The Art of Saxophone Playing - Saxophone bible for general aspects of playing sax - $19.99
**Paul Deville Universal Method for Saxophone - This is THE book for saxophone method - $36.99
Eugene Rousseau Saxophone High Tones - For building up the high register - $26.96
Donald Sinta Voicing: An Approach to the Saxophone's Third Register - For building up the high register - $30
*Klose 25 Daily Exercises for Saxophone - Daily saxophone studies - $15.99
To be completed.
To be completed.
Beginner vs. Professional Model Instruments
Beginner: Much like all other beginner model instruments, these will typically be designed with ease of playing and affordability in mind. These instrument will typically feature a two-piece bell, adjustable third valve ring, and are more durable to accomodate the habits of a developing student. Beginner model trumpets will often be made of yellow brass, which creates a bright and shrill timbre. These instruments are usually entirely machined, which helps make them standardized and reliable. Beginner model instruments are also lighter than intermediate or professional models. A beginning student should have no trouble getting their first sounds out and playing with good technique and intonation on a beginner model instrument.
Professional: These instruments are made to suite the nuanced needs of a professional musician. The high price point for these instruments comes from the fact that they are made with higher quality materials, higher attention to build quality, and are usually handmade. A professional model trumpet will usually be made out of gold brass with a silver-plated or gold laquer finish. These instruments are often heavier than beginner model instruments with a one-piece bell, two-piece vavle casings, and have significantly less air resistance. All of this leads to an instrument with a darker and warmer overall sound with significantly more flexible intonation. Because the build quality is better than beginner model instruments, a professional model instrument will traditionally play and sound better by default.
Piston vs. Rotary Valves: As you move into upgrading your trumpet, you are likely to come across instruments that have piston valves or rotary valves. Piston valves are what you normally see on a trumpet, they are straight tubes with holes machined in them so when they are pushed down, the holes align with the instrument tubing. Rotary valves are played horizontally, like the trumpeter is munching on a hamburger. These are circular mechanisms that when pressed, rotate the tubing 90 degress, which connects the tubing at two different points instead of just one. Piston-system trumpets produce a flabouyant, powerful, and brassy sound that is saught after by many trumpeters in jazz bands, marching bands, and wind bands. The rotary-system produces a mellow and warm sound that works well to blend with the stringed instruments in an orchestra. Rotary-system trumpets are popular choices in european countries like Germany and Austria. The reason for the difference in sound comes from the construction of the lead pipe. On a piston-system trumpet, the lead pipe and air coming from the lead pipe remain unchanged for a majority of the length of the instrument. This means that the amplification of the buzz happening in the mouthpiece is largely unchanged. On a rotary-system trumpet, the distance of the lead pipe to the valves is almost halved. This means that the ampflication of the buzz happening in the mouth piece is changed early in the airs journey through the instrument, dampening the sound and allowing for a more mellow timbre and easier blend. Flugel horns operate in a similar way to rotary-system trumpets in this manner; Despite having piston-systems like most trumpets, the distance from the lead pipe to the valves is the same as a rotary-system. This creates a mellow timbre that is heavily utilized by jazz musicians. Yamaha has a greate article about the differences in construction between piston-systems and rotary-systems.
Nickel vs. Monel Pistons: If you really get into the nitty gritty of purchasing a professional trumpet, you will also have the option of monel or nickel pistons. In the grand scheme of things, the material your valves are made out of should not be a determining factor in your instrument purchase; But the differences are worth noting. Monel is the industry standard for piston construction nowadays, professional and beginner models alike will have monel pistons. That is because the are durable, resistant to degredation, and are harder/heavier. When taken care of, they will give you a consistent response and will virtually never degrade. Nickel pistons, however, are still durable but more prone to degredation. These are also lighter and will produce a "slicker" response compared to monel pistons. Some trumpet players will note that nickel pistons feel faster than other materials. If taken care of, nickel pistols will last you just as long as monel pistons.
Mouthpieces: As a general rule of thumb for mouthpieces: bigger means darker and lower, smaller means brighter and higher. For trumpet mouthpieces, a deeper cup or larger bore size will typically mean more capacity for playing in the middle and lower registers with an open and darker timbre to the sound. Shallower cups or smalller bore sizes will typically mean a greater capacity to play in the higher registers with less strain or stress; A shallow cup or smaller bore will also mean a brighter sound. Mouthpieces will also either have silver or gold rims. Gold rims work well for those who are allergic to silver and create a warmer overall buzz.
Beginner Model Trumpets
Yamaha YTR-2330 Student Bb Trumpet - Gold laquered body, 2-piece bell, monel valves, gold brass leadpipe - $1,577
Bach BTR301 Student Premium Trumpet - Clear laquered, 1-piece bell, gold brass leadpipe, monel valves - $1,719
Yamaha YTR-4335GII Intermediate Bb Trumpet - Clear laquered body, 2-piece gold brass bell, monel valves, gold brass leadpipe - $1,871
Bach TR411 Intermediate Bb Trumpet - Clear laquered body, 2-piece yellow brass bell, yellow brass leadpipe, monel valves - $2,059
Professional Model Trumpets
(* rotary trumpet)
Yamaha YTR-8335II Xeno Professional Bb Trumpet - Clear laquered brass body, 1-piece brass bell, brass leadpipe, monel valves - $3,108
Yamaha YTR-8345II Xeno Professional Bb Trumpet Large Bore - Clear laquered brass body, 1-piece gold brass bell, brass leadpipe, monel valves - $3,108
Bach 18037 Stradivarius Professional Bb Trumpet - Clear laquered brass body, 1-piece brass bell, monel valves - $3,399
Bach 19037 Stradivarius Professional Bb Trumpet - Clear laquered brass body, 1-piece brass bell, 2-piece monel valves, bradd leadpipe - $4,399
*Yamaha YTR-938FFMGS Professional Bb Rotary Trumpet - Silver plated body, 1-piece gold brass bell, gold brass leadpipe - $5,996
Mariachi Trumpets
Yamaha YTR-5330MRC Mariachi Series Bb Trumpet - Silver-plated finish, 2-piece gold brass bell, reverse tuning slide - $2,153
Professional C Trumpets
(* rotary trumpet)
Yamaha YTR-8445II Xeno Professional C Trumpet - Clear laquer brass body, 1-piece gold bras bell, monel valves, brass leadpipe - $3,108
Bach C190SL229 Professional C Trumpet - Silver plated body, 1-piece yellow brass bell, brass leadpipe, monel valves - $4,499
*Yamaha YTR-948FFMGS Custom Series C Rotary Trumpet - Silver-plated body, 1-piece gold brass bell, gold brass leadpipe - $5,996
Piccolo Trumpets
(* rotary trumpet)
Yamaha YTR-9835 Professional Bb/A 4-Valve Piccolo Trumpet - Silver-plated body, 1-piece yellow brass bell, 2 sets of leadpipes, monel valves - $4,496
Bach AP190S Artisan Pro Bb/A Stradivarius Piccolo Trumpet - Silve-plated body, 1-piece yellow brass bell, 4 sets of leadpipes, monel valves - $4,999
*Yamaha YTR-988 Custom Bb/A Rotary Piccolo Trumpet - SIlver-plated body, 1-piece yellow brass bell, 2 sets of leadpipes - $7,336
Mouthpieces
To be completed.
To be completed.