Thomann TR 25G Bb-Pocket Trumpet

If I was reviewing Thomann TR 25G B-Pocket Trumpet, I would give this instrument a solid 4 stars.

I ordered this instrument twice. Both times, it had a lovely warm tone and a great response; somewhat like a cornet but sweeter. It probably lacks the projection of a full trumpet, but the response felt as good as my main trumpet (B&S Challenger 2/S) which is saying something!

For the first instrument, the downside was major intonation and tuning issues. I played it in the local community orchestra and no matter how I tuned it, some notes were always out. Slurring between E and G at the top of the stave, they were simply not in tune to each other.

I got a refund and reordered it, and the intonation for the second instrument was a lot better... if it wasn't for being a semitone too sharp. With the tuning slide in the normal position of about 1/3" the instrument was still a semitone sharp. Sadly when I pulled out the tuning slide about 1.5" to tune middle G to my other trumpet, that negatively affected the intonation of all the other notes so it was not a viable option.

Sadly I will be returning this instrument as well in favour of the Carol brass pocket trumpet (which by all accounts is a great instrument).

If you are seeking a trumpet in the key of B, I would recommend it; alternatively if you are playing by yourself and don't care what key it is in, you could take a punt. My opinion is that with the whole instrument being a semitone sharp, there are key problems with the design so I would avoid it.

I have had a great customer experience with Thomann though, free return from the UK! They did not win their awards for nothing.

I bought this for my daughter but I do know my onions. I teach brass & woodwind for Cleveland School of Music. I wanted a trumpet that was compact like a cornet and this pocket trumpet was ideal. Plays like a standard trumpet but slightly lighter. Thomann is a great company to deal with, the first pocket trumpet I was sent had a slight issue with one of the valve pistons not working correctly and within 10 days a replacement was sent which was thoroughly checked by Thomann's brass department. 2nd pocket trumpet was spot on, no issues and daughter absolutely delighted with it. I mean how does Thomann knock out a decent pocket trumpet in gold brass for £150! Intonates really well across the registers and all valves/slides work as they should. Don Cherry would luv this horn. I would heartily recommend this pocket trumpet for any budding trumpeter out there who is looking for a trumpet a little different from the norm or for a younger child who wants a smaller more manageable instrument.

I received this instrument and spot checked it to found several lacquer finish issues and scratches on the horn even though it contained a slip of paper saying it had been quality checked!

The horn itself is however plays very well for the price so i negotiated a discount and kept it. If you want a pocket trumpet and dont want to break the bank then give this one a go you wont be dispappointed just make sure you check it thoroughly when its delivered!

On another note. I have found Thomann to be less than efficient, friendly and professional when dealing with their customer services. All seems well when you first use Thomann and indeed i was delighted to have discovered this company but scratch beneath the surface and they fail to deliver. Be warned!