Although regarded as a novelty by some trumpet players, the pocket trumpet still has its place both as a substitute for a conventional trumpet and as a unique kind of trumpet. As the name suggests, it was designed to be portable and always substitute the conventional when portability and carriage are an issue. However, it has found its way, not into road trips and rehearsal sessions but into genres like jazz, blues, and orchestral music. It might not be the most common type of musical instrument, but it is still quite important and useful in diverse musical settings. In this article, we will look at the five best pocket trumpets you can lay your hands on, should you consider getting a new one or replacing an old one.
 | 1.Editor’s choice for best pocket trumpet – Stagg WS – TR245 Bb Pocket Trumpet with Case Impressively built and affordable, perfect for both beginners and pro players looking for something to substitute a conventional trumpet. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 2.Best pocket trumpet for jazz – J Michael Pocket Trumpet TR-400PSL Features an overall finish, tone, and design that makes It just awesome for the jazz trumpet player looking to try out this novelty. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 3. Best cheap pocket trumpet – Eastar Pocket Trumpet B Flat Brass Bb Pocket Trumpet Awesome and professional design, perfect enough for the advanced player and affordable enough for any player. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 4.Best beginner pocket trumpet – SAI MUSICAL POCKET TRUMPET Bb PITCH Perfectly designed, suitable for the beginner player looking to craft a good tone, and also super affordable. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 5. Best professional pocket trumpet– SKY Pocket Trumpet (SKYPE TR101-S1) With size being the only thing that makes this different from a conventional sized trumpet, this will work just fine for any professional player. | Buy on Amazon |
5 Best Euphoniums Reviewed
Editor’s choice for best pocket trumpet: Stagg WS – TR245 Bb Pocket Trumpet with Case
If you are looking for something that will perfectly substitute a conventional sized trumpet with the only compromise being size, then you should get this. Perfect for professional trumpet players who are traveling and do not want to go through the burden of carrying their normal trumpets, but still want to keep their lips moving. The overall make and intonation of this trumpet are nothing short of top-notch. Made from the best quality brass, this pocket trumpet will definitely surprise you by outplaying its size – and even its price.
Featuring stainless steel pistons and designed in the United States, this “little guy” performs wonders in both the upper and lower registers. It is perfect for diverse styles and genres, including jazz, blues, and even orchestral music. It does not just shine bright as a tool for keeping your lips busy on vacations and travels, it can also hold it down quite fiercely as a performance instrument. It will “cut through the band’ and an even larger ensemble with its loud and penetrating brass sound.
The finish is awesome and eye-catching and the valve action is just okay for standard usage. It comes with everything that you will need to start playing straight out of the box. Also, this pocket trumpet is an awesome fit for trumpet players who for some reason abandoned the trumpet but wish to get back into playing. It will give you an amazing headstart as it is not so different in terms of tone and playability from a conventional trumpet. This is an affordable horn, but not cheaply made; it was designed to not just work, but work amazingly in diverse playing scenarios.
Pros
- Not so different from an actual trumpet in terms of tone.
- Perfect for both professional and beginner players.
- Loud enough for actual performances.
- Great for kids and adults.
- Ergonomically designed.
- Awesome intonation.
- Plays flawlessly across all registers.
- You won’t feel so much difference when you eventually switch to a normal-sized trumpet.
Cons
- Valve might stick after long usage.
- Not exactly cheap considering the fact that it is a pocket trumpet.
Best pocket trumpet for jazz: J Michael Pocket Trumpet TR-400PSL
When it comes to jazz, it all goes down to identity, expressions, and uniqueness. The pocket trumpet, although regarded as a novelty in jazz, will always remain a unique tool for expression and identity. Its compact size and the subtle (or even obvious) tonal difference from a conventional-sized trumpet make it one tool every jazz trumpeter should have in their locker. This J Michael pocket trumpet is an amazing and fairly-affordable pocket trumpet for any jazz player. With its flawless intonation and ergonomic design, jazz just goes up (or maybe comes down) to an entirely new level.
Designed to not just look professional but also sound professional, this pocket trumpet is made from top-quality materials by experts who spend quality time crafting and polishing this to come out just flawless. It is double-checked for even the most minor imperfection before being sent to the Amazon warehouse. Although not being quite a popular brand, from personal experience, having played alongside a couple of professional and intermediate-level players who use this in a jazz band, I can say that this remains one of the best pocket trumpets you can get for jazz. The projection is awesome and it can hold it down quite well with a conventional-sized trumpet.
For ease of carriage, it comes with a top-quality bag and everything you will need to start playing is included in the bag. This pocket trumpet is versatile enough for diverse playing scenarios. Be it rehearsing to play in a jazz band, recording in the studio, or taking some scintillating jazz solos live on stage, this trumpet will never let you down. It comes in perfect condition and features an eye-catching aesthetic design. It is simple looking but elegant and striking and it was designed to last and withstand a bit of rough handling. If you are a jazz player looking to get a pocket trumpet that is just above average but does not want to spend a fortune, then this is the right instrument for you.
Pros
- Amazing volume and intonation.
- Perfect for players of all levels.
- Plays effortlessly across all registers.
- Ergonomically designed.
- Comes with a top-quality carrying case.
- Will last you way longer than other pocket trumpets in the same price range.
Cons
- Some players, especially beginners, might not find it exactly affordable, considering the fact that it is a pocket trumpet.
Best cheap pocket trumpet: Eastar Pocket Trumpet B Flat Brass Bb Pocket Trumpet
One of the things that makes a pocket trumpet such an amazing alternative to a conventional-sized trumpet is the fact that they are generally cheaper. However, the low price doesn’t always come without a price (no pun intended) or compromise. However, it doesn’t always have to be this way; they don’t always have to sound inferior to actual trumpets because they are cheaper. This is where the Eastar Pocket Trumpet shines. It is not just cheaper than many other pocket trumpets, it also outplays many other more expensive pocket trumpets. This instrument bridges the gap between affordability and quality. This is one of the most outstanding Bb pocket trumpets you can ever lay your hands on. The sound is quite excellent, penetrating, bright, penetrating, and powerful with excellent sonority and vibration. The appearance is quite eye-catching and will hardly go unnoticed. It features uniform golden lacquer, shiny, clean color with a mirror-like reflection.
The bore size is 11.6mm/0.457inch while the bell measures 101mm/3.98inch. It comes with white gloves, a trumpet cleaning suit, cloth, 7 C mouthpiece, and a professionally designed hard Case. It also comes with a 12-Month Product Warranty, which means you can always request a replacement in the case of a manufacturer’s defect. This is an awesome student and intermediate model – might even be great for some pro players. The valve of this trumpet is durable and the keys have a flexible and quite a stable response. The welding of the trumpet joint is stable and will not come off easily, which makes it quite durable. Also, there is excellent airtightness and just enough resistance when pulling out the adjusting trumpet tubes. Also, the water key has just the right amount of airtightness; the keys are also perfectly sized to make it an amazing choice for both kids and adults.
The overall quality of this trumpet beats its price tag as it is such an excellent quality pocket trumpet. It will work just fine in marching bands, during rehearsals, and when you are on vacation. This will do more than just keep your fingers and lips busy, this can be a good alternative even in the case of actual performance. The quality control team does such an excellent job making sure that no bad instrument is being shipped to the Amazon warehouse. Every aspect of manufacturing is being supervised by seasoned trumpet makers and musicians. The end result is a professional horn that does not just save you money but aids you musically in a great way.
Pros
- Super affordable.
- Despite the low price, this pocket trumpet beats several other more expensive models.
- Perfect for beginners and even professionals.
- Excellent airtightness.
- Flawless intonation.
- Loud enough for different playing scenarios.
- Ergonomically designed.
Cons
- The valve might require more frequent oiling in order not to get stuck.
- A few players complain that it is hard to get it in tune (that’s normal for most pocket trumpets).
Best beginner pocket trumpet: SAI MUSICAL POCKET TRUMPET Bb PITCH
With a length of 13.5 inches and a bell diameter of 4.75 inches, this pocket trumpet does not just look stunning, it plays quite amazingly. This is one of the most affordable beginner-level pocket trumpets you can lay your hands on. Made of brass, and copper, this SAI pocket trumpet comes in stunning blue color and has an awesome finish that will make it stand out from a crowd of other pocket trumpets. The tone and overall playability are awesome as it is ergonomically designed, although it is a cheap pocket trumpet for the beginner trumpet player. Although being such a perfect fit for beginner players, it can also work just fine in the hands of a seasoned professional or even a budding intermediate player.
It comes with a lightweight case for ease of carriage and a 7C mouthpiece which helps it deliver that penetrating trumpet sound expected of it. This is perfect for the growing trumpet player looking to craft a perfect tone on the trumpet without spending so much money on the instrument. It is also a nice fit for the seasoned pro going on a vacation and for some reason does not wish to go with a conventional-sized trumpet. It plays perfectly across all registers and would perform the needed magic in the hands of the right player. It is easy to play as it was designed to be a good fit for starters. Straight out of the box, you will start jamming as it needs basically no technical adjustments as other cheap pocket trumpets do. Aesthetically, the color and the overall finish are just superb, especially when considering the fact that it is quite cheap.
Pros
- Super affordable.
- Perfect for the beginner player.
- Easy blowing.
- Awesome tone and response.
- Awesome aesthetics
Cons
- Not exactly of the highest quality as it is quite cheap.
- Keys might occasionally get stuck and require oiling.
Best professional pocket trumpet: SKY Pocket Trumpet (SKYPE TR101-S1)
It will not be an exaggeration to say that size is the only thing differentiating this pocket trumpet from an actual [professionally made] trumpet. In terms of projection, intonation, ergonomics, and overall trumpet design, this pocket trumpet can go head-on with some of the best-designed trumpets. It comes with a professionally designed carrying case, gloves, cloth, and valve oil. It gives you not just top-quality sound but also ease of play and effortless response across the entire range of the trumpet. With the right player using the right technique, this pocket trumpet will go head-on with even the best designed conventional trumpet.
Utilizing top-class trumpet-making technology, this trumpet has precise fits and a very perfect round tubing which results in lesser turbulence and very smooth airflow during playing. Another very unique feature of this trumpet is that its body was one-time-drawn, which means that there are no seams found anywhere on the body of this top-grade dual-tone pocket trumpet. A seamless work of engineering and art. Tonally, it sounds as flawless as it looks physically. The carrying case is made with a top-quality velvet-lined interior that reveals elegance, style, and good taste on the side of the manufacturer.
The entire body of this masterpiece is made of phosphorus copper usually used for professional normal-sized trumpets. It is not just mere flattery saying that the only thing that differentiates this pocket trumpet from a normal-sized trumpet is size. It is not just perfect for the seasoned professional, it is also an awesome fit for the enthusiastic beginner and growing intermediate player. It will shine just bright in jazz, blues, classical, marching bands, and even school bands. Regardless of what your needs are, it can work perfectly fine as a substitute for a normal trumpet and a standalone pocket trumpet or even as a novelty. This is one pocket trumpet every trumpet player should always carry in their pocket – your pocket should be a really big one.
Pros
- Professional quality.
- Affordable for the majority of players.
- Perfect tone and response across its entire range.
- Seamless body.
- Uses phosphorus copper used on professional trumpets.
- Perfect for players of all levels.
- Awesome projection.
- Elegant design.
- Professional quality carrying case.
Cons
- Considering the quality and price, none that I can think of.
Best Pocket Trumpet Buying Guide
What is a pocket trumpet?
A pocket trumpet is a mini (smaller) version of a conventional trumpet. Just like the regular trumpet, the pocket trumpet is also in the key of Bb. The tubing is usually wounded into a much smaller coil than the coil of a regular trumpet. It also usually has a smaller bell diameter.
Just like the name suggests, a pocket trumpet is designed to be small and portable so it can be carried in instances where a regular trumpet is more of a load. For example, if you are traveling on vacation and you do not want to travel with something as big as a regular trumpet, you can always opt for the much smaller option which is the pocket trumpet. The pocket trumpet is produced the same way as a normal-sized trumpet. The length of the tubing is the same as that of a regular trumpet and it is pitched in Bb. But, the tubing is being wounded more tightly so that it is being reduced to a more compact and carryable size.
The pocket trumpet has a cylindrical bore, which makes it qualify as a trumpet and not a cornet, however, the bell diameter is a lot smaller than a normal-sized trumpet. The tightly wound tubing and the smaller bell mean that the airflow is a lot more restricted than on a normal-sized trumpet. This makes it not as free-blowing as a normal trumpet and will definitely require a slight adjustment in technique and embouchure. Lastly, the pocket trumpet will not fit into your “pocket” – unless it is a very huge pocket.
How big is the pocket trumpet?
The bell diameter of the pocket trumpet is always 4.5 to 5 inches (11 to 13 cm). A medium to large bore will be about 4.60 to 4.68 inches. The height will be about 6-5 to 7 inches while the length will be about 9.5 inches (24 cm).
Are pocket trumpets as loud as normal trumpets?
Pocket trumpets are a bit quieter than normal-sized trumpets because of their smaller bell sizes. The bell of the trumpet is what always projects its sound. Because of this, smaller bells mean quieter volumes. However, pocket trumpets can still be surprisingly loud and penetrating.
Conclusion and Winner(s)
The Stagg WS – TR245 Bb Pocket Trumpet with Case made it to the position of the “editor’s choice” because of its overall amazing quality. Indeed, it is a fact that the only thing that makes this pocket trumpet different from an actual trumpet is the reduced size. It is not only loud, but it also has a superb tone and is highly versatile. It is perfect for both kids and adults, beginners and professionals, and even intermediate players. In the world of brass, Stagg is a reputable brand that will always be respected for its consistency in making top-quality affordable brass instruments. This pocket trumpet from Stagg is another masterpiece from the company.
Second on my list is the SKY Pocket Trumpet (SKYPE TR101-S1) which is a professionally designed pocket trumpet with lots of good remarks from users. The overall design is top-notch, it features a seamless body, professional carrying case, elegant design, and great projection. It is just perfect for diverse styles of playing. An amazing pocket trumpet for players of all levels.
Last update on 2023-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
