Trumpets are the backbone of many musical genres, from jazz and classical to mariachi and brass bands. However, not all trumpets are created equal. Some trumpets are crafted with the finest materials and feature the latest technology, making them more durable and expensive. As a result, these trumpets are not only visually stunning, but they also offer exceptional sound quality and performance.
Whether you’re a professional musician or a collector, these trumpets are sure to impress. This list has something for everyone, from hand-crafted artisanal trumpets to the latest high-tech models.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in and look at the 10 most expensive trumpets money can ever buy.
10. Stradivarius Mariachi Bb
Brand: Bach
Designer: Jose Hernandez
Instrument Key: B flat
photo source: Kessler & Sons Music
The Bach Stradivarius Mariachi Bb is a trumpet by the company Bach Stradivarius. It is a professional-level trumpet designed to meet Mariachi musicians’ needs. The trumpet is made of yellow brass and features a one-piece hand-hammered bell, which provides a rich, warm sound.
The trumpet is also equipped with a Monel valve set, which offers excellent durability and a smooth playing experience.
It’s a trumpet that is well-suited for the high-register demands of mariachi music; it is also well-regarded for its versatility and could be used for other genres. Bach Stradivarius Mariachi trumpet is a top-of-the-line instrument designed to provide professional musicians with a trumpet that can deliver exceptional sound quality and performance.
Did You Know?
The trumpet also has a #37 bell taper, which gives it a larger and more open sound.
9. A8 Select Professional Trumpet
Brand: Adams
Designer: Dontae Winslow
Instrument Key: Bb
photo source: Austin Custom Brass
The Adams A8 Select Professional Trumpet is a high-end instrument designed for professional musicians. It features a one-piece hand-hammered bell made from yellow brass for a rich, warm tone. The lead pipe is made from gold brass for added clarity and projection.
Additionally, it has a traditional wrap F-attachment for increased versatility in pitch and tone. The trumpet also features a monel valve system, known for its durability and resistance to corrosion.
Overall, the Adams A8 Select Professional Trumpet is a top-of-the-line instrument that perfectly balances playability, sound quality, and durability for the professional trumpet player.
Did You Know?
The trumpet also has a .460-inch bore, which allows for a free-blowing response and easy control of the sound.
8. HC1-GP Gold Trumpet
Brand: Schilke
Designer: Renold O. Schilke
Instrument Key: Bb
photo source: Schilke
The HC1-GP Gold Trumpet is a musical instrument made by the company Schilke. The trumpet is designed to produce a rich, full-bodied sound well-suited to various musical styles. It is often used by professional musicians, as well as by students and hobbyists.
The HC1-GP Gold Trumpet is made with high-quality materials and is built to last, making it an excellent investment for anyone serious about playing the trumpet. In addition, it is a Bb trumpet, a standard trumpet model used by most trumpet players.
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It is a trumpet with a gold-plated finish, which gives it a distinctive look and helps protect the instrument from wear and tear.
7. Challenger II
Brand: B & S
Designer: Philip Cobb
Instrument Key: Bb
photo source: Pro Winds
The Challenger II Trumpet is a high-quality musical instrument made by the German company B & S. It is a professional-grade trumpet designed to provide excellent sound quality and performance. The trumpet has a yellow brass lead pipe, body, and a rose brass bell and is finished with silver plating for durability and a sleek look.
The Challenger II trumpet is known for its even intonation and responsive playing characteristics, making it suitable for various music genres, from classical to jazz. The trumpet is suitable for advanced students and professional musicians and is considered one of the best trumpets in its class.
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The Challenger II Trumpet is also equipped with a first-valve thumb saddle and an adjustable third-valve finger ring for the player’s comfort.
6. Vincent Bach Stradivarius Mt. Vernon
Brand: Bach
Designer: Vincent Bach
Instrument Key: Bb
photo source: Musical Instrument City
The Vincent Bach Stradivarius Mt. Vernon trumpet is a high-end professional trumpet made by the famous trumpet manufacturer Vincent Bach. It is considered one of the best trumpets on the market and is known for its exceptional sound quality and craftsmanship.
The Stradivarius Mt. Vernon trumpet is designed to provide a rich and powerful sound that is well-suited to a wide range of musical styles, from classical to jazz. It is also equipped with a first-valve thumb saddle and an adjustable third-valve finger ring for the player’s comfort.
The trumpet is suitable for advanced students and professional musicians and is considered one of the top-of-the-line options.
Did You Know?
The trumpet has a silver plate finish, a Monel metal valve structure, a yellow brass bell, and a lead pipe for longevity and an overall classy appearance.
5. Limited Edition Vizzutti Gold Plated Trumpet
Brand: Yamaha
Designer: Allan Vizzutti
Instrument Key: Bb
photo source: Cosmo Music
The Yamaha Limited Edition Vizzutti Gold Plated Trumpet is a premium quality instrument designed with world-renowned trumpet virtuoso Allen Vizzutti. It features brass piston stems and resin valve guides that provide a fast response, an upgraded lead pipe, an improved bell design, and a square-style bend for more color and tonal balance across the sound spectrum.
It also has striking black mother-of-pearl finger buttons and gold-plated top and bottom valve caps. In addition, this premium trumpet provides a rare blend of slightly lower playing resistance, making it incredibly efficient for all-around playing.
It commands a premium price ($6,600 MSRP) and is designed for the musician who requires the highest level of performance in all settings, all genres, and all styles of music.
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Its lightweight valve casing and new piston alloy offer a natural, crisp response.
4. Getzen Severinsen Trumpet
Brand: Getzen
Designer: Carl Severinsen
Instrument Key: Bb
photo source: Reverb
The Getzen Severinsen is a line of professional trumpets, cornets, and flugelhorns designed and manufactured in 1962 by Getzen in collaboration with legendary musician and trumpeter Carl Severinsen.
The Severinsen line of instruments is designed to meet the needs of professional musicians looking for a reliable, quality instrument that will stand up to the demands of their craft.
The Severinsen models feature a one-piece hand-hammered bell, valve casings, and lead pipe machined from solid brass and hand-fitted to create an instrument of superior quality and resonance. The instruments feature a rich, full sound and quick response.
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The instruments under the said models are widely regarded as some of the best professional trumpets, cornets, and flugelhorns.
3. Harrelson Summit Art Trumpet
Brand: Harrelson
Designer: Jason Harrelson
Instrument Key: B flat
photo source: Harrelson Trumpets
Harrelson Summit Art trumpet is an innovative and revolutionary trumpet design created by Jason Harrelson to provide trumpet players with the highest performance and flexibility. The trumpet features a unique design that includes a one-piece bell, a unique lead pipe, and a range of customizable features to help the player achieve the sound they are looking for.
The Summit One also features a patented Venturi Gab Receiver (VGR), which allows players to adjust the gap between the mouthpiece and the lead pipe to customize the performance and sound.
The Summit One is designed to offer the player a wide range of tones, allowing them to create a unique sound that suits their individual style. With its high level of customizability and its ability to provide superior performance, the Summit
Did You Know?
The trumpet also features a patented air-flow design to help the player achieve maximum efficiency and power with minimal effort.
2. Dizzy Gillespie’s Martin Committee Trumpet
Brand: Dizzy Gillespie
Designer: Fred Holtz
Instrument Key: B flat
photo source: EverythingTrumpet
Dizzy Gillespie’s Martin Committee Trumpet was a 1962 Martin Committee trumpet with a sterling silver bell and gold-plated body distinctively angled. The upturned bell became Gillespie’s trademark and resulted from a mistake when it was accidentally sat on in 1953.
The bell’s shape improved the trumpet’s sound and allowed Gillespie to create a unique jazz performance style known as bebop. Gillespie played his Martin Committee trumpet on many of his best-known compositions, such as “Oop Bob Sh’ Bam,” “Salt Peanuts,” and “A Night in Tunisia.”
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Gillespie also used it when he became the first jazz musician to participate in the State Department’s Cultural Presentations program in 1956 and recorded his album “A Portrait of Duke Ellington” in 1960.
1. Solid Platinum Trumpet
Brand: Yamaha
Designer: Bobby Shew
Instrument Key: Bb
photo source: Ventured
The Yamaha Solid Platinum Trumpet is a luxurious, high-end model of the trumpet made by Yamaha. It is constructed of solid platinum, making it the most expensive trumpet on the market.
This trumpet has a bright sound and excellent intonation, making it suitable for various genres of music. It has a rose brass lead pipe, an adjustable third slide trigger ring, and a solid, good-looking, and protective trumpet case.
It has durable piston valves and a medium-large bore size, allowing for powerful projection and great sound. The Yamaha Solid Platinum Trumpet is an excellent choice for experienced trumpet players looking for a luxurious instrument with superior sound quality.
Did You Know?
The Yamaha Solid Platinum Trumpet has a medium-large bore size and is 1.07kg in weight.
