Jean Paul USA TR-330N Bb Trumpet - Professional Standard Nickel Plated Brass Instrument with Case & Instruction Book - Perfect for School Band, Jazz Ensemble & Beginner Musicians

This trumpet is a winner! Great design, excellent workmanship, flawless finish, and sound quality that approaches a professional instrument.As a performing jazz musician and educator, I have the opportunity to play, evaluate, and recommend a variety of instruments. Having owned and played Jean Paul alto and tenor saxophones, I’ve been aware of the quality and value of their woodwinds for some time. I’m also familiar with Jean Paul’s excellent US customer service -- some of the best in the industry. This is my first experience with their brass instruments and I am totally impressed.This affordable TR-330N trumpet is exceptionally well made with quality materials and superb workmanship. I purchased this for a student and suggested the nickel-plated model. Aspiring players just starting out soon find that a nickel-plated finish or a lacquer finish requires much less polishing and maintenance than does a horn with silver plating that constantly tarnishes. Also, nickel plating typically offers slightly better projection and a bell-like sound quality that is appealing in a band or orchestra setting.This is a medium-large bore horn with medium weight -- appropriate for the vast majority of players at any skill level. The overall design and features of this Jean Paul student trumpet emulate those found on more expensive pro horns. The 1st-valve thumb saddle and fixed 3rd-valve ring are nice appointments not typically found on trumpets in this category. The instrument fit & finish is beautiful and shows precision in every detail.The stainless steel valves can be machined to tighter tolerances and are less subject to wear and corrosion than Monel valves (a nickel/copper alloy). The valve action on this trumpet is quite smooth and fast. The supplied mouthpiece is perfect for most players for the first year or so. The case is of good quality and rugged construction. The instrument is well protected and nests solidly in the case. Pro tip: I recommend thoroughly flushing any new trumpet with warm water and upgrading the valve oil to La Tromba T2 from Switzerland.The sound this trumpet creates is impressive. From the low register to the altissimo range, notes slot easily, are clear and clean, and the intonation is excellent. I played this Jean Paul horn for a considerable period alongside other popular student trumpets (Yamaha & Bach). I also compared the sound and playability of this horn with my professional Yamaha and Schilke trumpets. Frankly, the many similarities far outweigh the differences.This superb level of quality and performance is rare at this price point -- far superior to most student horns. I would be pleased to play this fine Jean Paul trumpet on the bandstand with complete confidence. Highly recommended.