Trumpet Accessories Every Player Should Have

As a trumpet player, you need a specific list of accessories that help you keep your instrument clean, safe, and able to produce the best possible sound. In addition, you also need essentials to refine your technique and improve comfort during practices. In this article, we will provide a guide to top trumpet accessories and gear that every beginner and professional can benefit from. 

Notebook and Pencil 

Trumpet players often need to mark notes or phrasing in sheet music as well as make quick notes of music theory, warm-up exercises, or even write down their own musical ideas. Moreover, trumpet players often use a pencil to adjust their embouchure. A compact music notebook with a pencil can really save the day for students and professionals, allowing them to keep everything they need within easy reach. 

Metronome 

This is a must-have for any player as it improves rhythm and timing. This device helps musicians work in different tempos and break the habit of speeding up in easy parts or slowing down in more difficult parts. By practicing alongside a click, a trumpet player develops a solid sense of timing that is essential for playing in time with the rest of the ensemble or band. A metronome also helps to improve phrasing, shape, and flow of the music that affects the overall expressiveness of your performance. 

Music Stand 

It helps keep your sheet music in a clearly visible and accessible location during extended playing sessions or rehearsals. You don’t need to hold pages or flip through them, so you have both hands free while you play your trumpet. With a music stand, you can better focus on the piece, easily follow the score, and see how different parts of it fit together. 

Trumpet Bag 

This is a truly important item for touring musicians and students who regularly travel from home to music schools. The trumpet is a delicate instrument that can be easily dented or scratched if not stored and carried properly. An instrument bag that is well-padded, reinforced and perfectly tailored to the instrument’s shape effectively withstands transportation, protecting  its mechanisms from accidental drops or shocks. Additionally, a good trumpet case helps to keep all your essentials organized thanks to a variety of compartments and pockets. 

There are plenty of options available on the market varying in color and texture. You can opt for nylon or faux leather bags, or choose more durable and aesthetically appealing leather bags. When it comes to carrying options, modern brands equip their cases not only with handles for horizontal carrying but also include additional handles for vertical carrying as well as adjustable backpack straps. 

Mouthpiece Pouch 

Your mouthpiece plays a significant role in creating your sound, so it requires careful handling and storage. It’s not a good idea to simply carry the mouthpiece in the pocket where it can come into contact with other essentials and get scratched or damaged. We also believe that you don’t want to waste time before rehearsals messing around with multiple compartments trying to figure out where exactly you put your mouthpiece. 

Mouthpiece pouches (also known as mouthpiece cases) can save you time and keep all your devices within easy reach in one place. These accessories are available in single, double, triple, and other designs, offering separate slots for each mouthpiece, so they don’t damage each other during transport or storage.

Valve Guard 

These protective wraps cover the most vulnerable areas of your instrument, where its finish regularly comes into contact with your hands. They reduce friction, prevent corrosion and tarnishing, extending the lifetime of your brass, silver-plated or lacquered finish. Using such protective accessories you can also improve your comfort as an additional layer between your hand and metal surface improves the grip, especially during extended sessions. Trumpet valve guards typically vary not only in color but also in shape. You can find standard-size models with petals protecting the 1st and 3rd valves, as well as XL-size guards with petals covering the valves, lead pipe, and 3rd valve slide finishes.  

Finger Saver 

This accessory is designed to improve the overall playing comfort by protecting the index finger and alleviating finger pressure during practices and performances. It installs on the area where your index finger regularly contacts the metal surface, reducing the risk of calluses as well as protecting  the trumpet surface from sweat impact. Using a finger saver, you can better immerse yourself in the music without any distractions.

Valve Oil 

It’s an essential item of every trumpet player’s maintenance kit. This lubricant helps trumpet valves work smoothly, which also affects the playability of the instrument and the overall sound quality. If valves aren’t properly lubricated they become stuck and slower to respond preventing the player from making quick and precise fingering. It results in poor tone, intonation issues, and the total loss of enjoyment. Also, not properly lubricated valves are easier to become corroded and damaged posing the risk of costly repairs when you need to replace the valves. However, once you use valve oil regularly, your instrument stays in good working order. 

Cleaning Kit

As a trumpet player you need to maintain hygiene. A regular cleaning helps you keep your instrument free from dirt, saliva, and prevent the growth of bacteria. It's especially important for trumpeters who play in large ensembles where the risk of spreading germs is higher. The buildup of moisture and dirt can wear down the instrument and in some cases lead to repairs. 

By regularly cleaning your trumpet, you keep it in perfect working condition and help it last longer. A cleaning kit is your guarantee of clearer sound and easy playing as once your trumpet is cleaned nothing blocks the air in tubing or slows down the valves and slides. This helps you get the best of your instrument. 

Polishing Cloth 

This cleaning accessory helps you maintain a glossy trumpet surface in top condition, by removing fingerprints, sweat, and grime. Such a routine protects the instrument from corrosion and bacteria accumulated on the surface. Moreover, a polished trumpet looks more attractive and can affect the way the audience sees you. It’s important for musicians participating in competitions, playing with ensembles, and everyone who cares about their personal artist brand. 

Final Word

We hope our list of practical accessories for trumpet players has helped you figure out what you need to add to your practice or travel kit. 

Recently, we’ve shared advice on How to choose a leather trumpet case. Feel free to check it out. 

We also invite you to browse through our collection of trumpet accessories featuring everything from reinforced gig bags to compact transmitter cases.