Whether it’s to travel with or idle curiosity, your instruments’ weight is an important fact to know. A trumpet, part of the brass family, sounds like a hefty instrument, doesn’t it?
But how much does a trumpet weigh? Well, today you are going to find out! There are a few different types of trumpets; you can read about those here: Different Types of Trumpets – Gramophone
When traveling with or playing an instrument, it is vital to consider its weight. There is no point purchasing an instrument if you will be left with aching arms for days after you play!
It is also good to know your instrument’s weight if you are a musician who spends a lot of time traveling via plane. Airlines often want to know the exact weight of your instrument, including its case.
Knowing your trumpet’s weight beforehand can allow you to purchase a lightweight and sturdy case that won’t tip you over any luggage allowances!
Let’s take a look now at the weight of a trumpet, both the average weight and certain types of trumpet’s weight.
What does the average trumpet weigh?
Generally speaking, the average trumpet weighs about 2.5lbs. If we talk about the average trumpet, we usually think about the Bb trumpet, which is one of the most popular on the market with students and professionals alike.
However, it is not as simple as giving you an average weight and sending you on your way; sorry! These days trumpet brands offer ‘heavy’ and ‘lightweight’ versions of their trumpets. Before you descend into trumpet related panic, the difference is not that noticeable.
The variation is usually with Bb trumpets, a ‘heavy’ trumpet will weigh roughly 150-200 grams more, and the ‘light’ trumpet will weigh approximately 150-200 grams less than the standard trumpet.
These different weight categories are more to do with the trumpet’s sound than making it easier or harder to travel with. Let’s take a look now at the different types of trumpets and their weights.
Piccolo Trumpet:
The Piccolo trumpet is one of the smallest trumpets on the market. They are not the easiest to master, but some of the lightest available. Usually, they will weigh roughly 1.7lbs.
The weight is considerably smaller than the average Bb trumpet we discussed earlier. It is worth remembering that the weight of a trumpet will vary depending on the trumpet brand.
Eb Trumpet?
A little bigger than a Piccolo trumpet, and a little heavier too, weighing in at 2lbs. The Eb trumpet is part of the smaller trumpet family.
Tuned differently to the Bb trumpets, they can be challenging to master. Smaller trumpets such as these, along with the C and D trumpet, are commonly used by professionals these days.
The more common Bb trumpet, as we have already discovered, weighs an average of 2.5lbs. These smaller trumpets are a little bit lighter, but unless you are willing to put in some serious practice time to master them, it is worth asking yourself, are they worth it?
What can change the weight?
Some factors could make your trumpet heavier than the weight suggested here today. Using a case to transport your trumpet will, of course, change the weight. By how much will depend on the weight of your case.
If you intend to fly with your trumpet and case, it’s best to weigh your case so you can add it to your trumpet weight for an accurate weight to provide your airline with.
Adding a mouthpiece will also impact your trumpet’s weight, although this is likely to be very minimal, and you probably won’t notice this.
Mouthpieces are generally lightweight, although it is always worth considering the additional weight, especially for flying, to provide an accurate weight. Be sure to consider the weight and any extra mouthpieces you may travel with or cleaning equipment as well!
Materials?
Your trumpet’s material can also impact its weight, making it lighter or heavier than the average weight. Since the invention of the trumpet, there are a wealth of materials available to us.
Brass trumpets are still some of the most commonly made, but the interior components can now be made from various materials, which can impact the weight.
These are typically heavier than other materials used, such as plastic, but brass remains the most popular material used for trumpets.
Plastic trumpets, such as the pTrumpet, are usually lighter due to the material’s lightweight nature. They weigh on average 1.1lbs, making them incredibly lightweight and over half the weight of a Bb trumpet!
These are usually reasonably priced too, and are an excellent option for a beginner or a second, more travel-friendly trumpet for professionals!
Will a trumpet be heavy for a beginner?
Depending on the trumpet’s size, and the player, these can be heavy instruments to learn. If a smaller child has to hold a trumpet for a long time, they may struggle with the weight. Their arms can ache for a little while after this, or into the next day, which would be completely normal!
If you are concerned about this, you may want to consider the pocket trumpet. It is shorter than other trumpets on the market, with similar tuning and tube length to the commonly used Bb trumpet.
However, the tubing is wrapped tighter, which gives it that shorter length. It can be more comfortable to hold for young performers, as the trumpet will be closer to their body.
As a general guide, we recommend any child weighing less than 88lbs consider a pocket trumpet as their first instrument to learn on.
Final word
Although there is a range of different trumpets with different weights, generally, a trumpet weighs 2.5lbs.
I don’t know about you, but the number still shocks us! You can get lighter trumpets depending on their sizes, such as the pocket or piccolo, or a more heavy-duty trumpet.
Whichever you have, be sure to give it a weigh, and remember these weights do not include a case you may be traveling your trumpet with. Happy blowing!
