Top 10 Best Pocket Trumpets On The Market 2023 Reviews

To many people, saxophones and trumpets are just about the sexiest instrument you can get, but their size can be a burden. Whether you’re playing tenor sax, a Bb trumpet, or a C trumpet, finding space for them can be a pain.

However, as far as trumpets are concerned, that doesn’t have to be the case. There’s always the pocket trumpet option if you’re looking for a compact size Bb trumpet, with a big sound. In fact, if you actually stretch the tubing out, you’ll find that they are the same length as a full-size Bb trumpet anyway.

The most significant advantage of a pocket trumpet is, of course, its size. You can take them anywhere. They’re an excellent gift for children, especially if you’re not sure if a child’s musical interest will turn into a serious hobby. They’re also superb to practice on or to have fun with in casual settings.

But, it’s well worth doing your research if you’re looking to buy a pocket trumpet. There’s a lot of bad ones out there, but there are also some superb models that produce a great sound and are comparable to a full-size, high-end Bb trumpet.

Choosing one of the best pocket trumpets can be difficult, so we’ve made the decision a lot easier by bringing you our Top 10. They are all excellent trumpets, but which one is the right one for you? You’ll find out soon enough…

Top 10 Best Pocket Trumpets For The Money 2023 Reviews

1 CAROL BRASS CPT-3000-GLS-Bb-BG “Black Hawk”

We’ll start with one of the more expensive options in this review, the special edition Black Hawk Pocket Trumpet from Carol Brass.

Looks wise, it’s stunning, with its gorgeous black nickel finish and 24 karat gold trim. This lovely little horn plays and sounds just like a standard pro level trumpet, but for a much lower price.

Small in size but big in sound is the best way to describe this little gem from Carol Brass. The Black Hawk produces a full sound, with loads of power, and projection.

In terms of features, the Bb trumpet is .460 bore, with a large 4.724″ gold brass bell. It has first and third thumb hooks so you can tune it with either hand, 2 water keys, weighted bottom caps, and close tolerance stainless steel valves.

And you won’t be alone when playing your pocket trumpet either, because professional musicians and educators worldwide have high regard for Carol Brass instruments. Pro trumpeters including Sharmarr Allen, Rick Holland, Mark Buselli, and, Kris Johnson, all endorse the company.

The Black Hawk comes with a Hard case, a 3C mouthpiece, Polishing cloth, and a bottle of Ultra-Pure professional synthetic Valve Oil & Slide Lube.

Our rating: (4.7 / 5)

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2 Stagg WS – TR245 Bb Pocket Trumpet

This Stagg pocket trumpet offers excellent sound quality and projection, from a beautifully crafted brass instrument. It’s not cheap by any means, but it’s a lot less expensive than the Black Hawk.

The sound and build quality have made this pocket trumpet one of the biggest sellers in the sector. And, even though it is more expensive than some in this review, the quality build, crystal clear sound, and its outstanding features make it well worth the money.

It’s very well built and features stainless steel pistons and a clear-lacquered body. The precision assembly makes it an excellent choice, not only for novice trumpeters but also for advanced players.

It comes with a hard case for safekeeping and easy transport. This makes the Stagg pocket trumpet a great alternative to a full-size horn, especially for children playing in school bands or attending music classes.

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

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3 Mendini MPT-N Nickel Plated Bb Pocket Trumpet

Another good option is offered by Mendini by Cecilio. Their nickel plated pocket trumpet is ideal for beginners or student musicians. This pocket trumpet features a phosphorus copper lead mouth pipe, which is topped with three white mother of pearl inlaid buttons and three smooth action valves.

The company also has excellent quality control, with every pocket trumpet being play tested at Cecilio’s factory and then re-tested at their distribution center to ensure that their high-quality standards are continually met.

This is just one of the reasons why thousands of instructors have approved these trumpets.

In terms of specifications, it’s a nickel plated Bb pocket trumpet with a 7C mouthpiece, a 0.46-inch bore, and 3.75-inch bell.

It comes with some very useful accessories – a plush-lined hardshell case with backpack straps, a Cecilio 92-D chromatic tuner, a bottle of valve oil, a soft polishing cloth, a pair of white gloves, and a foldable stand.

Our rating: (4.4 / 5)

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4 Prelude by Conn-Selmer PT711 Series Bb Pocket Trumpet

The black lacquer Prelude is excellent for any trumpet player looking for great sound in a small package. The compact size allows for easy transportation, making it superb for traveling or as a unique performance instrument.

It has a rose brass lead pipe, with stainless steel pistons, and an authentic Vincent Bach 7C mouthpiece. The product was designed from the ground up, with quality in mind, using the finest materials, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

Only 10 inches in length, but you’d never know from listening to it, it sounds just like a standard trumpet. It features nickel-plated valves for a smooth and quiet action, guaranteeing steady and non-turbulent air flow.

In terms of specifications, it’s a 0.459” bore Bb trumpet with a 5” yellow brass bell, which is wider than the bell you will find on most pocket trumpets. It also features a 3rd valve slide ring, as well as two water keys.

Delivered with a lightweight hard case with accessory pocket, it is available in some stunning colors – silver, black or red.

The product is built to meet exact standards, every trumpet being carefully tested before it can leave the factory. This ensures that not only quality is guaranteed, but also a prolonged lifetime of reliability and ease of use.

Our rating: (5 / 5)

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5 Carol Brass Pocket Trumpet CPT-3000-GLS-SLB

Here’s another pocket trumpet that plays and sounds like a professional standard trumpet – the Carol Brass CPT-3000. It’s got a big powerful sound and projects beautifully, giving any player more finesse in their performances.

It’s a beautiful, traditional looking pocket trumpet with a very eye-catching brushed finish, large 4.724” brushed gold brass bell and a 3C mouthpiece.

Specifications wise it’s a 0.460 bore Bb pocket trumpet, with close tolerance stainless steel valves, 2 water keys, weighted bottom caps, and first and third thumb hooks for tuning with either hand.

Carol Brass trumpets are highly acclaimed by professional musicians and teachers across the world, with numerous professional trumpeters endorsing the company. These include Rick Holland, Sharmarr Allen, Kris Johnson, and Mark Buselli.

Along with the trumpet, you’ll get a Hard case, a polishing cloth, and a bottle of Ultra-Pure professional synthetic Valve Oil & Slide Lube.

It comes with Carol Brass’s One-Year Warranty.

Our rating: (4.3 / 5)

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6 Merano B Flat Green Pocket Trumpet

If green is your thing and you’re looking for something to get yourself noticed than this could be the perfect trumpet for you.

It features a jaw-dropping green lacquered finish, which is more durable than brass and polishes up nicely. But if you just can’t imagine yourself with a green trumpet, you can go for either the striking red option or a standard black color.

These exotic color options go down well with children, keeping them interested in their instrument and more importantly, their lessons.

It’s also very easy to use straight out of its velvet-lined carrying case, just oil it, tune it and your away. While on the subject of its case, that description is a bit of a stretch, it’s actually a bag, not a case, which will not protect the instrument against any serious impact.

Accessories include a bottle of valve oil, a pair of gloves, a stand, and a soft cleaning cloth.

This is a great affordable option for trumpet players of all playing levels.

Our rating: (3.5 / 5)

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7 Sky Band Approved Brass Bb Pocket Trumpet

If you want to go even further into exotic color choices, then check out this stunning purple pocket trumpet from Sky Band Approved.

The entire body of this five-pound pocket trumpet is covered in Phosphorus copper, and it’s not only available in purple, but you can also get it in green, blue, red, and black, as well as the more traditional looking nickel, silver and gold finishes.

This beautiful trumpet is well engineered, with precise fits and perfect round tubing, which results in less turbulence and smooth airflow. It comes with a 7C mouthpiece.

In terms of specifications, it’s a 0.46-inch bore Bb trumpet with a 3.75-inch bell, which produces a smooth, bright sound. It’s a one time drawn body design, which means that there are no seams on the instrument. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners.

It comes with an elegant, stylish and durable case with a velvet lined interior, a polishing cloth, gloves and a bottle of valve oil.

Our rating: (3.6 / 5)

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8 Crystalcello WD480 B Flat Lacquer Plated Pocket Trumpet

The WD480 is a very affordable lacquer plated B Flat pocket trumpet and is ideal for beginners.

It features a silver leadpipe, brass bell, and a nickel plated mouthpiece.

It comes with a velvet lined hard shell carrying case, a pair of gloves, a bottle of valve oil and a cleaning cloth.

Our rating: (4.5 / 5)

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9 Allora MXPT-5801 Series Pocket Trumpet

The MXPT-5801 pocket trumpet from Allora is perfect for players who want a great sounding and eye-catching horn. Its compact size makes it especially well-suited for traveling, beginners, and little trumpeters.

This elegant looking 0.469-inch bore Bb pocket trumpet has a striking black nickel finish. And features stainless steel valves, a yellow brass leadpipe, a 3.66-inch bell, two water keys, three stainless steel pistons, and a 7C mouthpiece.

Despite the small bell size, the pocket trumpet projects a warm tone. It’s best suited for beginners to mid-level players.

Our rating: (4.2 / 5)

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10 Nasir Ali PoTr-05, Pocket Trumpet

With its classic look and sound, the Nasir Ali PoTr-05 is a great pocket trumpet for beginners to medium level students.

And even though it’s a very affordable little horn, each and every trumpet is play tested at the factory and re-tested by a professional to guarantee that the companies high standards are maintained.

Featuring a phosphorus copper lead mouth pipe, three smooth action valves and white faux mother of pearl inlaid buttons. This pocket trumpet comes with a hardshell case, a pair of white gloves, a soft polishing cloth, and a bottle of valve oil.

We all know about 12-month guarantees and 2-year guarantees, but this pocket trumpet comes with an unusual 14 months warranty against any manufacturer’s defects. We have no idea why, apart from 14 months being ever so slightly better than 12 months?

Our rating: (5 / 5)

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Best Pocket Trumpet Brands

Here’s some information on many of the brands that make pocket trumpets, although not extensive, it will give you an overview of some of the companies to look out for.

Mendini is approved by instructors worldwide and is dedicated to quality manufacturing.

Their range of pocket trumpets are affordable but still offer excellent sound and build quality, as well as durability.

Mendini is owned by Cecilio, a company that is best known for manufacturing orchestral instruments. Their Mendini range of pocket trumpets are usually cheaper than most of their competitors, but they remain high-quality instruments with each horn being tested twice before being shipped.

Merano offers an extensive range of options for pocket trumpet players and being affordable, the companies horns are often a popular choice for everyone from beginners to professionals.

Established in 2000, the company’s aim is to make it possible for everyone to own a quality instrument. As newcomers to instrument manufacturing, Merano has focused on quality and excellent value and in a short time, has built the brand to be one of the biggest players on the scene.

All its pocket trumpets are handmade to the highest quality standards possible while keeping the price low.

They are also renowned for their customer service’s quick response and professionalism. This is one of the reasons many people end up buying a Merano pocket trumpet.

Carol Brass is a high-end company, both in terms of quality and price. This makes them appreciated by both teachers and professionals for their brass instruments, due to their attention to detail and reliability.

They are also appreciated for their versatility and great sound. With 30 years of experience in the field, the brand never compromises on quality even if producing an instrument for a beginner or child.

Cecilio is famed for their classical instruments such as violins, trumpets, saxophones, and others, including their pocket trumpets. They offer a wide variety of products that are suitable for any budget, but the standards are always high.

Their pocket trumpets are known for their playability and are recommended for beginners as well as more advanced students.

They pride themselves on manufacturing quality pocket trumpets that ensure comfortable playing and a great sound, that is very similar to that of a standard trumpet.

Best Pocket Trumpets Buyers Guide

Go for Quality

Some people regard pocket trumpets as being simple toys that badly replicate the standard model and are only useful for a child to learn on. However, these people are wrong, pocket trumpets can have incredible sound quality, matching that of a standard trumpet, and their performance abilities can amaze if you give them a chance.

Using a quality instrument has a significant influence on your development as a musician, as it does on the people who are listening to you play. It’s important with all instruments, but with the pocket trumpet, it’s essential.

They are basically compact versions of B flat trumpets with tightly wound tubing that allows them to retain the full range of the standard instrument. They are enjoyed by many as entertaining pieces, but professionals can also use them for warm-up or training purposes. While beginners find them a great start to their career.

But, only the best designs can successfully replicate the sound of a full-sized trumpet. Cheap models should be avoided, because of their very low quality, they often quickly become detuned and have a limited range or horrible intonation.

These cheaper products are meant more as toys than real instruments. This is why it’s always preferable to buy a quality pocket trumpet – the better it is, the more it will give you and the greater the pleasure of playing it will be.

The advantages and disadvantages of Pocket Trumpets

The main advantage is their very low price. Most of the pocket trumpets we’ve reviewed cost a lot less than full-size models, and even the most high-quality designs we’ve covered, although pricey, are still cheaper than a half-decent trumpet.

They are superb for anyone who wants to play the trumpet but is on a budget. They also make great starter instruments because you can decide later if you’re going to move on to a more expensive standard full-size model.

Another important advantage is easy storage and portability. This makes them perfect for those who travel, but do not want to carry the bigger case required by a standard trumpet.

There are also obviously some disadvantages associated with pocket trumpets. The main one is that many inexpensive models are inferior in terms of build and design. The good news is that this disadvantage is easily solved by being a quality mid or higher-priced instrument.

They are not recommended for use in orchestras or while recording. And are only meant as a way to make it easy to learn how to play the real instrument.

Other factors to consider when buying a Pocket Trumpet

Budget is understandably one of the most important factors when deciding what to buy. Most people are simply looking for the best affordable pocket trumpet, but make sure that whatever the price is you are getting the best you can for the money.

The increasing popularity of this practice instrument led to many different models being made available, so there is something to suit any budget.

Your choice of pocket trumpet will also depend on its intended purpose. If you want to get your children an exciting, exotic present, a cheaper model is recommended. If they get into it, and after their skills have developed, you can get them an upgrade to a full-size model.

A collector, on the other hand, will go for the more expensive models, or for those with unique features such as an exquisite finish, or a specific type of inlay.

To sum it all up, the best cheap pocket trumpet is the one that provides the best quality for the price. It’s then just a case of deciding on the budget, and you’ll know which model is the right pocket trumpet for you.