Trumpet

Are Plastic Trumpets Good? (Explained)

are plastic trumpets good
Written by Corey Morgan

Of recent, there has been a rave about plastic trumpets, with a lot of people wondering if they could trust them or not. Physically, they have all the components of their brass counterparts and allow you to practice effortlessly. Not to mention that there is a plethora of fetching colors to choose from. That’s quite interesting, don’t you think?

Most people see the plastic trumpets and look down on them. Even though the trumpets are made of plastic, it is engineered to offer impressive sound quality on par with traditional trumpets and is easier to carry for younger players

Are you looking to buy a new trumpet and considering getting a plastic one? They are lightweight, incredibly inexpensive, easy to play, and hard to break. They make a great trumpet for beginners and those looking to dip their toes in. In this article, you would understand whether plastic trumpets are good. Keep reading.

What are plastic trumpets?

Trumpets can be found in both classical and popular music genres.You can also use them to practice how to play trumpets before going into the brass instruments which are kind of heavier than the plastic trumpets.

They are an excellent alternative to standard brass trumpets because they are lighter and you wouldn’t have the fear of it freezing up when you are performing outdoors in winter. In addition, the cost is also quite reasonable. They also have an authentic, powerful sound that can compete with expensive, luxury trumpets made from brass.

How much do plastic trumpets cost?

In considering if plastic trumpets are good, you must consider the cost as well. The cost of a plastic trumpet depends on some factors. Some of them are:-

  • The kind of plastic used to make the plastic trumpet. Plastics vary in quality. The plastic used in making a trumpet goes a long way in determining the price.
  • The condition of the trumpet. It also matters whether you are using a second-hand plastic trumpet or a brand new one. The condition of the plastic trumpet you are going to buy goes a long way towards determining the price of the plastic trumpet.
  • The brand and manufacturer of the plastic trumpet is also a determinant of the cost of the trumpets. Even though all plastic trumpets look-alike, asides from the color difference, there could also be a difference in the brand or the manufacturer of the trumpet. Good manufacturers charge higher prices for their plastic trumpets. No doubt about that.
  • Some plastic trumpets come with their case as well. The case can cost between $40 to $100 and should be considered when looking at the whole cost of the instrument.
  • Finally, some plastic trumpets have more special features than others. These features could include the mouthpiece. A quality mouthpiece can cost $60 to several hundred dollars.

However, in all, a good plastic trumpet can cost anywhere between $60 to $200.

Pros of using plastic trumpets

There are several reasons why using plastic trumpets is good. Some of these reasons are-

What should you consider when buying a plastic trumpet?

There are a lot of good plastic trumpets out there, but there are bad ones as well. In buying plastic trumpets, there are some factors you should consider to ensure you get the one suitable for you. Some of the factors you should consider are-

  • Weight and size. Every plastic trumpet, depending on the type of plastic it was made with, could have a difference in the weight and the size of the trumpet. You should consider the weight and size of your plastic trumpet before you buy it.
  • Bore. The bore refers to the inner diameter of the trumpet’s tubing at the second valve slide. Trumpets that are designed for younger players will come with a smaller bore as opposed to other models. This is so because the bore size affects the tone of sound the trumpet produces and pieces with larger bores need more power to fill them with air.
  • Valves. The valves of plastic trumpets can be very sensitive. You need to check to make sure that the valves are neither seized nor sticky. The valves in these plastic instruments are usually durable and even without regular maintenance, still work quite well. The advanced models of plastic trumpets will have Monel valves which yield a higher standard of play.
  • Mouthpiece. The sound quality of your plastic trumpet is determined by your mouthpiece. You want to be sure that the mouthpiece of your plastic instrument has a shallow cup. This shallow cup ensures that your trumpet yields brighter and more piercing sounds or a deeper cup that produces a warmer and mellower sound. A smaller mouthpiece may make it more effortless to play higher notes but may also lead to fatigue faster.
  • Lead pipe. The lead pipe is the pipe that travels from the mouthpiece to the main tuning slide. The mouthpiece helps control the airflow and accuracy of the pitch. You need to ensure the lead pipe works perfectly before you decide to get your plastic trumpet.
  • Tone. The tone is another important factor as it is one of the most important features of a trumpet. Your plastic trumpet should be able to blend smoothly and deliver a warm tone.
  • Durability. Good quality plastic trumpets will be made from robust material and be dent-proof. They should be able to withstand wear and tear given by young users without giving in to dinging or bending.

Appearance:

Plastic trumpets come in various intriguing hues, which adds to their appeal. Because these are designed for younger users, you can let your child choose their favourite colour, which will make them more enthusiastic about playing the instrument. Pick one of these vibrantly coloured instruments from the options presented below.

Warranty:

When shopping for a plastic trumpet, warranties might vary considerably. The warranty can last anything from a few months to a few years. Even if a plastic trumpet is less expensive than a traditional trumpet, you should buy something that will last your new learner or a young student for at least a few years until they are ready to advance to the next level.

Are plastic trumpets good?

Yes. The plastic used in plastic trumpets can, surprisingly, actually be as sturdy or more sturdy than the metals used in traditional trumpets. Another added benefit of plastic trumpets is that they can cost quite a bit less than brass trumpets making them a good option if you’re looking for the best trumpets on a budget. Plastic trumpets are only as good as the player playing them.

Conclusion

There is a huge range of quality when it comes to plastic trumpets. That’s why you must pick a trumpet that delivers all the crucial features that have been explained in this article. The most essential feature of a plastic trumpet is the sound it delivers.

Its sound, when compared to its brass counterparts, should give off, almost the same sound. You should consider the playability, the buttons, and the mouthpiece. The design as well as a huge factor in determining how efficient your plastic trumpet would be.

Frequently asked questions

  • How should I store a plastic trumpet?

Trumpets are temperature-sensitive instruments that should be carefully preserved to avoid problems. To prevent buildup that could impact how the trumpet performs in the future, it is critical to clean and lubricate the trumpet before storing it. Ensure you obtain a sturdy case for your trumpet to keep dust and dirt off of it and keep it from getting bumped or dented. Valves, in particular, are delicate components hence appropriate storage is recommended.

  • What is the best plastic trumpet?

The pTrumpet brand. This plastic trumpet is ideal for both adults and kids and is very user-friendly and easy to use even for beginners. Designed by musicians for musicians in the UK. There are two sets of mouthpieces included: a 3 centimeter and a 5 centimeter size.

  • How do plastic trumpets work?

If you know how to play the trumpets, then no need to worry. A plastic trumpet works the same way. The only difference is that it is made of plastic.

  • Are there any disadvantages of plastic trumpets?

Asides from the fact that plastic trumpets are not ideal for the environment, the major disadvantage of using a plastic trumpet is that it cannot be fixed when broken. Unlike its standard counterparts, it can easily be destroyed as well.

  • Is buying a plastic trumpet worth it?

Plastic trumpets are a good option for young musicians on a budget who want to practice with a quality instrument.

  • What is the easiest thing about using a plastic trumpet?

Plastic trumpets come in different colors. As such, you get different colors to pick from.

Is it harder to learn how to play a plastic or a regular trumpet?

In terms of playability, trumpeting necessitates a significant amount of physical exertion, as the player must blow air in a controlled yet powerful and continuous flow. Then there’s the valve control, which involves pressing the valves while air flows through them to produce different sounds.

This effort is required for both plastic and regular trumpets. The plastic trumpet is lighter weight and simpler to grip and play for younger players; therefore, this is an area where one may be easier than the other.

Are sticky valves familiar with plastic trumpets?

Sticky valves are a typical complaint with all trumpets, but plastic trumpets may be particularly prone to the issue. You can address the problem with a bit of valve oil on a metal trumpet. The oil may not assist with a plastic trumpet. One of the reasons we advise potential customers to spend more is that a more expensive plastic trumpet will be built better in the first place, and the valves will be less likely to stick.

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