The Bb trumpet is made of brass with a metal cup-shaped mouthpiece. All contemporary trumpets are practically tuned in Bb. Other trumpets used are C (brighter and more solistic) and Eb trumpet, the piccolo trumpet.

The tone of trumpet changes considerably in different tonal registers. It is a superb attack instrument and is capable of fast crescendo. It is also a very mobile instrument, but for large interval leaps the cornet is more suitable.

Of all available different trumpet mutes three are used most: cup, peak and wah-wah (harmon).

The cup changes dynamics.
The peak changes dynamics, also gives more oboe-like tone.
Wah-wah can be closed to produce a buzzing sound.

As other brass instruments, the performer may sing into the trumpet while playing and change the tone with valves.

The Bb trumpet is a transposing instrument and the material written for it must be transposed up one whole step.

Recommended combinations:

Trumpet with flute.
Trumpet, moving between oboe and clarinet.
Trumpet with trombone.
Trumpet with oboe.
Muted trumpet (peak) with oboe, cor anglais or bassoon.

Problematic combinations:

Use with clarinet may be difficult.
Used with French horn may produce an undesired tone.

Listen to the audio sample: