When people ask me for the best student and beginner trumpet, I always direct them to the Yamaha 2300 series of trumpets.
These trumpets are great and have proven good results for my students in 10 years of teaching and for my own playing for 20 years.
But which one should you get? It depends, but each of these three models is comparable with only slight differences.
In this article, we look at the similarities and differences in the design and specifications between the Yamaha YTR-2335, 2330, and 2320 and how these may impact your playing experience.
Using this article as a guide, you can buy the best one for your student and beginner with confidence and avoid wasting money on a poor choice.
Pros and Cons Breakdown
If you want a simple look at the pros and cons of each model side by side, this is the section for you.
Use this section as a quick reference, and then refer back to the previous sections if you’re confused or have questions.
Good sound
Easy to play
Good for beginner and early intermediate playing
Really good sound
Reliable valves
Easy to play
Good for beginner and early intermediate playing
Occasional valve problems
Good sound
Easy to play
Good for beginner and early intermediate playing
Occasional valve problems
Really good sound
Reliable valves
Easy to play
Good for beginner and early intermediate playing
Main Differences
While each model is very close to the others, in fact, the newer models are based on the older models, there are some key differences that can impact the playing of the instruments.
Here’s a quick look at the main differences. Read on for more details on how it impacts the Yamaha trumpet’s playing:
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
OUR BEST PICK | YTR-2330 |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | YTR-2335 |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | YTR-2320 |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Refer back to this quick reference chart as you shop around and decide what to buy. Now for the details on each feature.
Bore Size (In Inches)
The bore size of a trumpet refers to the diameter of the tubing in the trumpet itself.
In general, larger bore sizes make it easier to produce sound with louder levels, but they become harder to play in the high ranges and you can’t control the sound as much as you may like if you were an experienced player.
The YTR-2335 and 2330 both have the same size which is 0.459”. This is a medium-large bore which is great for new players, but some will grow out of it over time.
The YTR-2320 has a bore size of 0.460” which is larger than the others. A lot of users felt this was too large and didn’t allow any room for new players to grow without trading it in for another one.
This is ultimately why Yamaha switched to the smaller size for the 2335.
Piston Valves Design And Material
Piston valves are how the air is redirected into different length tubing. This is the way that pitches are changed.
Because the valves are constantly moving, they are the part most often to suffer. Yamaha tries, with it’s later models, to make the valves more durable and reliable.
The 2320 uses only the standard material and design that was used during that time. This is why this trumpet may have “sticky” valves that have gunk and corrosion buildup unless you take great care to clean them regularly.
The other two models both include nickel plating on the valves. This provides some extra protection from corrosion and keeps the valves functioning.
The YTR-2330 takes it even farther and makes the valves out of monel alloy which is the modern material for valves.
This lets you get a little space in the casing as possible. What this does is prevent buildup to a much higher degree and ensure smooth and reliable sound across all notes.
Tuning Slide Design
Tuning slides are needed to finely adjust the intonation (tuning) of the trumpet.
Every trumpet has them, but their downside is that ones that aren’t finely designed can have some lips that disrupt the sound ever-so-slightly.
This can be avoided with reverse-lead pipe design or high-end hand making. These usually cost more which is why the YTR-2320 and 2335 just have the normal tuning slide design.
With the YTR-2330, Yamaha decided to roll down the higher-end design from their medium and top-tier lines to help make the 2330 the best student model they could.
Weight
When it comes to trumpets, weight plays an important role in sound and comfort.
Heavier trumpets have more mass which can result in a richer, more complicated sound. Many professional trumpets are in the medium to heavy range.
Lighter trumpets, however, are easier to hold, especially over long periods of time and if you’re not used to the weight (like new players are).
The YTR 2320 is a light model which may make it the easiest to hold for beginners, but you’ll notice a thinner sound.
2330 and 2335 are medium in their weight which offer a good balance of sound and comfort when handling.
But a new player may get tired of holding it and start to lower their trumpept’s playing angle which can result in a poorer sound.
1st Valve Thumb Ring
Playing in tune is a complicated thing, and not every note is in tune no matter what you’re ability level. That’s why most trumpets have a 3rd valve ring to help adjust the pitch of those notes.
For the same reason, many trumpets also have a 1st valve thumb ring. It gives the player more control over the slides while playing, so they can play better in tune.
With brand new players, they won’t have to worry about this. But as you get better, it’s something you need.
The YTR 2320 doesn’t have a thumb ring for the 1st valve slide, but the 2335 and 2330 do. This lets the second two grow more with your ability.
In Production And Age Of The Design
Yamaha refines and releases new models every couple of decades. This is due to changing technology and design knowledge.
The YTR 2320 is no longer in production. It was the Yamaha student trumpet model up until 1997.
Then the YTR 2335 took over as the student model until the 2012. Neither of these are currently in production.
However, these models are still found everywhere and are considered great beginner trumpets. Amazon, eBay, and music stores are some of the places you can find them easily.
Yamaha’s current student model is the YTR-2330. As such, Yamaha is able to use the newer technology and design to get better quality at a similar price to the other two.
Overview And Common Features
The YTR 2300 series is specially designed for the student and beginner. As such, each of these has common elements we detail for you in this section.
Here’s a quick look at the features they all have in common, read on for more information on how these elements affect the playing:
- Yellow brass body
- Gold lacquer finish
- 2-piece Yellow brass bell
- 4 ⅞” bell diameter
- Bb key
- 2 water keys
- 3rd valve tuning slide ring
- Lower price
Now for the details.
Body Material
The yellow brass body is the standard material for most trumpets. Yellow brass provides a clear sound, it’s durable, and it provides a classic trumpet look at an affordable price.
Lacquer (Finish)
The gold lacquer finish is also standard. It provides chemical protection from moisture and grime that come from your hands.
Over time, this finish may wear off if you don’t clean your trumpet regularly.
The YTR-2330 also comes with a silver plating finish option. This costs a bit more, but some experts say that it adds depth to the sound.
Bell Design
All of the trumpets use a 2-piece bell. Using two pieces makes it easier to produce (therefore cheaper), but it loses some sound quality compared to one piece bells.
Yellow brass for the bell is a common choice because it gives the trumpet a clean, bright sound. This is helpful for the student players who need all the help they can get to get a good sound right off the bat.
A 4 ⅞” bell diameter is also a great feature for new players. It’s medium-sized which is going to provide some decent depth and projection for the sound without being too large and making the trumpet harder to hold for small hands.
Extras
Other important features for this YTR 2300 series are the 2 water keys which make it easier to get the gathered moisture out the instrument and the 3rd valve tuning slide adjustable ring.
By being adjustable it better meets where the new player’s hands are. It’s also needed to keep your trumpet in tune.
Price
Although the low price isn’t a design feature of the trumpet, it is important.
New players and beginners may not want to invest a lot of money into something they’re not sure they’ll stick with. At the same time, you also don’t want to buy a cheap trumpet that plays poorly and breaks easily.
The 2300 series of Yamaha trumpets with these features provides what may be the best balance of price and quality.
The Verdict
Now we reach the verdict: Yamaha YTR- 2335, 2330, and 2320, which is the best for students and beginners?
The Yamaha YTR-2330. Hands down.
As the newest model, it has features and design elements that weren’t available for the others. This makes it the best student model Yamaha has to offer and the best for new players.
The other models are also great, and you can often find them for sale used online. If you want to save some money, that’s a good way to go too.
Whatever you choose, have fun and keep on playing!
Also, don’t forget to check our post about trumpet anatomy. This will teach you what different parts of a trumpet are which is crucial when you are starting your exciting journey to learn how to play the trumpet. Thinking beyond what you learned in this post, you can also take a look at our post about different types of trumpets to find out which may best work you. Last but not least you can check out this article if you feel you have an intermediate to advanced level.