Top 5 Holiday Gifts Every Trumpet Player Will Love (Under $100)

David Hunsicker here, trumpet player and creator of the Gapper®. I'm sharing 5 top tools that would be great gifts for trumpet players! These range from stocking stuffers to more expensive gifts, but everything is under $100.

1. DCT Lip Balm for Daily Care

This is my go-to for daily lip care. Lots of options make my lips burn, so I have this with me at all times. I've also converted my entire family to use this as lip balm of choice.

Order here from Walmart

2. K&M Five-Leg Trumpet Stand

If your trumpet player doesn't have this stand, they need it. If they already have it, they probably need another! Trumpet stands reduce the risk of the instrument falling over, protect the bell, etc. This is an INFINITELY better option for trumpet players than setting their instruments directly on the floor or on their chair during a rehearsal break. Even for beginning players with rented trumpets, it is essential to get into good habits with how we treat our instruments.

Of course I always recommend patronizing a local music store! If they don't have a K&M, or if you get too last-minute, you can Order here from Amazon.

3. Gapper® and Thumb Gapper®

I mean, of course I have to include this. I created the Gapper® after decades of using tape and other temporary solutions to easy the discomfort of the 3rd valve slide and thumb ring. Thousands of trumpet players have already turned to these as low-cost, easy solutions to improve their ease of playing. While most of the early adopters have been professionals, these were also created with young players in mind, who often have slim fingers - the 3rd valve slide gap in particular causes young players to have difficulty moving the slide and it hampers their ability to play in tune.

I recommend ordering before December 17 (I'll be off to play Nutcracker with the Miami City Ballet!) Order here.

Alternately, you can order from any of our Partner Stores.

4. Mark Gould Signature Mouthpiece

This is a mouthpiece I recommend for all levels (student to professional). Most mouthpieces come with a stock throat and backbore (the inside of the mouthpiece), which is too small for most band and orchestra playing. The Mark Gould Signature model has all the modifications that I recommend already included (24 throat and backbore).

Order here from Mouthpiece Express.

5. TrumCor Straight Mute

The TrumCor straight is the most in-tune mute I’ve used. No adjustment to the tuning slide needs to be made when using it. It is free-blowing and has a great sound. I prefer the all- aluminum model (not the ones with copper or brass on the bottom). The aluminum sounds best to the listener.

Order here. Many other music stores may have this in stock, just be sure to order this specific mute.

Hope these are helpful! Happy holidays to all!