Jean Paul TR-330 Trumpet Review The Jean Paul TR-330 vs Tr-430
My Experience

So, are the Jean Paul trumpets any good?

Well, those of you who have followed my trumpet blog for a while know that I just love trying out every trumpet brand I can get my hands on, and  in this article we are going to take a look at the TR-330 and the TR-430.

The 430 is a bit more expensive than the 330, to take a closer look at the  price, you can click here to check the current pricing for the TR-330 on Amazon, and you can click here to check to check pricing for the TR-430

I didn’t mean to buy one of them, but…

I tried the Jean Paul TR-330 and the TR-430 back-to-back for a couple of days, because I was working on an article about intermediate / beginner trumpets, and to make a long story short…

…I ended up buying the TR-430 for myself!

Yes, even though I have only been playing on professional trumpets for the last 28 years, and was only testing the horns in order to be able to write a good trumpet review, I actually liked it so much that I bought it for myself.

I write more about that in my Jean Paul TR-430 trumpet review, so I won’t go into detail about that in this article, because in this one, I will make an in dept Jean Paul TR-330 review, or to put it more accurately…

…I will do my best to compare the TR-330 vs The TR-430.

Jean Paul TR-330 Trumpet Review

Ok, let’s get going with this Jean Paul trumpet review. The article will be pretty long, but I do recommend your read it all, as I really made an effort to present all the info you might want to know, before considering ordering one of the trumpets…

…if you are in a hurry, though, use the red subheadings to navigate quickly to the part(s) you find most useful.

Short About The Jean Paul Trumpets

A few years ago a new trumpet brand named “Jean Paul” entered the market. At the time of writing this article they have three different types of models, and they are marketed and sold as…

1. Student / Beginner model –> The TR-330
2. Intermediate model –> The TR-430
3. Professional model –> The TR-860

There are a few variations, but those are just because of some minor differences in material. The above three are the three “basic” models you will find…

…and in this article we are going to take a look at the Jean Paul TR-330 vs the TR-430, and put them up against each other.

Another thing worth mentioning is they have gotten phenomenal feedback from buyers, and if you are interested…

>> You can click here to read other real user reviews on Amazon for the 330

>> You can click here to read other real user reviews on Amazon for the 430

The Specs

TR-330

• Student trumpet tuned in Bb
• Bore size: .459 (this means that it is medium-sized)
• Yellow brass lead pipe
• Gold lacquer finish
• Comes with a protective trumpet case
• Valve oil, cleaning cloth, mouthpiece included

TR-430

• Intermediate trumpet tuned in Bb
• Rose brass lead pipe
• Bore size: .459  (medium large)
• Adjustable third slide trigger
• Gold lacquer finish
• Valve oil, cleaning cloth, mouthpiece included
• Comes with a protective trumpet case

The Quality Of The Build

TR-330

The quality is surprisingly good for a trumpet in this price range. I can detect some very small unevenness in the gold lacquer finish here, but it is barely noticeable.  The slides work well and so does the water key, or as I like to call it, the spit valve.

When moving the first and the third valve slides, without pressing down any of the pistons, one can clearly feel that there is some compression there. Of course, this is what we want!

The soldering also looks good.

The valve alignment, could be a bit better, but hey, we are talking about a student trumpet here, and it is actually better than I have seen on some 2000 dollar trumpets, that were poorly made. Don’t get me wrong, the alignment is not bad at all, and I doubt it affects the playing, but there is room for a small improvement, if the Jean Paul brand wanted to really dominate the market.

How the TR-430 differs

• Compression –> same 
• Finish –> a bit better 
• Water key –> same 
• Soldering –> a tiny bit better 
• Valve alignment –> better 

Winner in this department: The TR-430 (but not by much)

As I said, the soldering and finish looks a bit more professional on the intermediate horn. There is no difference in how well the slides work between the two, and I will talk about the valves further down…

…let’s move on to the balance of the horn!

Wait, before we move on, I need to point out that we have to keep in mind that the intermediate model is a bit more expensive than the TR-330, and always when I’m choosing “the winner” I am taking this into account, as I weigh the pros and cons against the price.

This means that, if they both are about the same, in some of the categories, the winner will be the one with the lower price.

Balance Of The Trumpet

The Student Model

The horn is balanced well and the pressure point on your lips feels good. It’s not a heavyweight horn, I would put it in the medium weight class, leaning a bit more towards the lightweight side.

The Intermediate Model

I did weigh this trumpet and it weighs 1,07 kg, which could be considered medium or “semi” light. Now unfortunately I forgot to weigh the 330, but just by holding it, and playing it back-to-back with its intermediate brother, I was thinking it’s a tiny bit lighter than the 430.

Winner in this department:  The student model!

They are both balanced very well, and there is no winner in this department. Well, since the student model is cheaper, it gets to be the winner, since getting same quality for less money, always trumps paying more.

Moving on….

The Sound

TR-330

The sound is actually great. Not only that, but when playing it in my living room, which is the biggest room in my house, I notice how well the horn projects.  This surprises me, because I rarely find student trumpets with good projection and core to the sound.

It’s kind of difficult describing something as abstract as sound, but I would say that the sound is…

• Warm
• Pleasant
• Rich
• Clear

It reminds me a bit of a couple of (Yamaha) entry level trumpets, I tested, a year ago, which were also good trumpets.  Again, I am surprised at how well this trumpet performs considering the low price tag.

TR-430

Here I like the sound even more. This is because it has all the things I just mentioned, but in addition to tha,t the intermediate model has more core to the sound, more “meat”, if you will.

This is something I almost never hear in intermediate trumpets. A rich, clear sound, with good projection and a distinct core to the sound is something that only professional trumpets seem to have…

…until now, that is!

The intermediate model compared to the student model, summary:

• A tiny bit brighter sound
• More core to the sound
• A richer tone, with more “meat” to it
• A bit more focused sound

Winner in this department: The TR-430

They are both nice sounding trumpets. The 430 is the winner though, as it feels more like a professional horn, with more core and more overtones in the sound. Considering the pricing, I will say that they both sound very good indeed.

Let’s keep going…

Quality Of The Valves

TR-330

The valves work well, but I have to say that they seem to be of a somewhat lower quality on the student model, than on the intermediate model. I do not know if the quality of material is different, in the two models, but the valves on the intermediate trumpet definitely feel better.

Is this just these two trumpets, or is it the same with all of the Jean Paul trumpets? I wish I could tell you, but I really don’t know.

Note, the valves are not bad, on the student model, though. In fact, they work better than on other beginner horns I tried, and considering the price they get a pretty high rating from me.

TR-430

After buying this horn, I had good things to say about the valves. However,  as I just got it, of course I did not know if the valves would stand the test of time…

…well, I have now had the trumpet for about 9 months and the valves are still as good as new. In fact, they are even better. Both the Jean Paul trumpets wins over other cheaper brands, as the valves are something that either do not work well at all, even right from the start, or, they work somewhat satisfying in the beginning, but then after a few months they stop working.

It has been 9 months now, and it does not look like the JP valves will stop working. Not sure how it would be with the tr 330 model, though, since I did not buy that model, so I really can’t say anything about how the valves on that model will stand the test of time, but I have no reason to think that they wouldn’t, as the seem to work well when testing the horn.

Winner in this department: The TR-430

Here I feel the need to make another important note. Even though I played the two trumpets back-to-back I can’t say for sure that every student model is exactly, 100% the same as the one I was trying. And therefor you might find (or not find) some of my observations to differ from what you have found…

…the same goes for the intermediate model. By this I mean, I do not know much about the consistency of the quality the Jean Paul trumpets have. One student model might be a bit better than another student model etc. However, I have no reason to suspect big variations in quality. Just wanted to let you know that I did only try these two.

The High Register

TR-330

The high register is surprisingly easy to play. Even though this horn is marketed, and sold, as a student trumpet, it has a great upper register. And  when pressing down the gas pedal, it has even got that cool “sizzle” to the sound. I could even see myself using this as a back up horn for my professional lead trumpet. I like it…

…I like it a lot!

TR-430

Also very good high register. In fact, it is as good, but in addition, the high notes are a bit more secure here. This is probably due to the better “core”, that I just talked about, as well as the more focused sound.

Winner in this department: The TR-330

The intermediate model actually has a bit more secure upper register, with notes that “lock in” a bit better. Not by much though, and because the student model is so much cheaper, and it performs almost as well here, I will declare that one as a winner, in this department.

Intonation On The Trumpets

TR-330

The intonation is good here. The fourth space “e” is a bit flat, but that is the case with most trumpet brands you can find. Even professional trumpets. I feel that the “g”, on top of the staff, has a tendency to go just a tiny bit sharp, but it is not a big problem. It is still so close that I think most trumpeters will simply push it in place automatically, without giving it a thought…

…I’ll rate the intonation, on the student model,  7.5 out of 10

TR-430

As I wrote in my first intermediate Jean Paul trumpet review, the intonation was probably the thing that finally made me buy that model for myself, even though I was not in the market for a new trumpet…

…it is just that good.

I really can not understand how this is possible, but the intonation on the TR-430, is as good as on my professional Yamaha Bobby Shew trumpet, even though the Yamaha is about 2000 dollars more expensive. Again, as I said, this was one of the factors that made me buy the Jean Paul…

…that, in combination with the good high register, good sound and because I suspect the price will go up as soon as the JP trumpets get the reputation that they are actually worth more than what they cost today.

Winner in this department: The Jean Paul intermediate model

How Well They Respond

The Student Model

It responds well and it’s easy to make the notes “speak”, even at very soft volumes. This is something that is important for a student trumpet, because we don’t want to make it harder  than necessary for the beginner trumpeter…

…come to think of it, it’s a good thing for us more advanced trumpeter as well.

The Intermediate Model

This model responds just as well and with the more focused sound it gives the illusion of having an even better response. However, I don’t think that’s the case. I think they are equal, but the slight difference in sound just gives this impression.

Winner in this department: No winner, it is a tie!

A big thumbs up in this department as well, for both horns.

Let’s continue the battle…

Ease Of Playing (Flexibility)

TR-330

Felxible and fun to play. It follows along nicely and I like the resistance.

TR-430

Very flexible and fun to play. The horn follows along nicely in very fast passages and “jumpy” intervals are no problem to play. The only limitations to how difficult pieces the trumpeter will be able to play with this horn, is going to be dictated by his own skill level, as a trumpet player.

Winner in this department: The TR-430

They are both very fun to play, and again, this is of course something that is important for a beginner trumpeter. The winner here is the 430, and when it comes to my own horn, I actually spend just as much time with it today, as on my Yamaha 8310Z.

The Slotting

The Student Model

The slotting is average. It is not bad, by any means, but it’s just that I’m so used to playing professional trumpets, that I instantly notice if a trumpet has a bit loser slotting. Now, I have to point out that the slotting on this trumpet is still better than on most student trumpets out there!

The Intermediate Model

• The slotting is noticeable better on this model

Winner in this department: The intermediate model

Both are above the price in this department as well, with the intermediate trumpet as the winner.

Big thumbs up for both horns!

General Feel When Playing

TR-330

Both the cheaper model, as well as the more expensive horn, are very fun to play. The trumpets feel pretty open…or wait, maybe open is the wrong word here…

…they do not have a lot of resistance to the blow. In other words, they feel easy to play.

TR-430

• The resistance feels about the same, perhaps a bit more “open feeling”

Winner in this department: No winner, it’s a tie!

I keep saying “open feeling” and I don’t like to use that phrase because it can be interpreted as they are big bore horns that sucks the air out of you….

…allow me to correct myself again:

You do not have to fight against a lot of resistance, they are both easy to play, with the more expensive one, perhaps having a bit less resistance.

Casing

The Student Model

Comes in a nice and protective “hard case”, so it’s not one of those soft gig bags you throw over your shoulders. It does, however come with a pair of straps, so that you can wear it on your back, should you so desire.

There is also a storage space on the outside for keeping sheet music in, or something similar, although I have to say that it’s rather small and I would like to see it having much more room inside.

The Intermediate Model

• Same as the above!

At least at the time of trying out the two trumpets, the casing was the same for both trumpets.

You can click here to check what they look like today, on pictures you can find on Amazon.

The Pricing

TR-330

Well, this one is easy.. it’s surprisinlgy low for the amount of trumpet you get…

You can click here to check the current pricing for the TR-330 on Amazon

TR-430

And you can click here to check pricing for the TR-430

Winner in this department: The TR-330!!!

 

Final Rating

• The TR-430 Final Rating: 10 / 10

• The TR-330 Final Rating 9.6 / 10

Overall Winner: The Jean Paul TR-430 

Ok so the overall winner is the tr 430, but not at all by much, because they are both phenomenal trumpets when it comes to price-quality-ratio, and you have to remember that the 430 is about 150 bucks more expensive than the 330.

If money is tight, and you go for the 330, you should by no means feel bad about that, as you’ll get an exceptionally good student trumpet, not at all far behind in quality, from its big brother, the 430.

Final Words
Jean Paul TR-330 vs Tr-430
Which One Should You Choose?

Both of these trumpets play so much better than what one would think, looking at the price tag. It is mind boggling really, but hey, as a poor trumpeter I’m not complaining at all…

..they are indeed worth the money, and plenty more than that!

Now, you might think that it’s going to be a difficult choice here, but it’s not, really…

• If You have the money for it, then go for the 440
• If money is tight, go for the 330

No matter which one you choose, it will serve you, or your kid, well for years to come. And, if choosing the TR-440, you will even have a trumpet that is good enough all the way up to a “semi-professional” level.

Yes indeed, if choosing the 440 an upgrade will be needed only when you, or your kid, really plan to get serious about a  career as a professional trumpet player. Then you might want to start looking for something in the 2000-4000 dollar price range…

…and as far as the Jean Paul 330 goes, it is a very fine trumpet indeed and will for sure be a joy to play for beginners, amateurs and hobby players all around the world.

Alright, there you have it. The Jean Paul TR-330 review, my experience and observations.

I really tried to make this article as helpful as possible, and I hope you found it informative.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can find my information under the “about me” tab in the menu, at the top of the page, or perhaps ask in the comment section under this article…

…speaking of which, have you tried any of the JP trumpets? If so, what is your experience with the Jean Paul TR-330 for example?…

…or the 430?

Feel free to write a few lines in the comment section. It would be fun to hear from you. Alright, keep blowing that horn guys!

-Robert Slotte-

F.A.Q’s About Buying A Suitable Trumpet

I get a lot of emails from people asking questions about trumpet brands, what to look for and what to consider when buying a new trumpet. So I thought I’d try to make this article as helpful as possible, by answering a few of them here, as there are probably many people who are wonering the same thing.

Question: My friend bought a Yamaha student model last summer, are those the best student trumpets?

Answer: Yamaha is a very good brand for sure, however there are so many good brands today, and in addition, most of them also have many different student models, so there are just too many competitors today to name just one model/brand as THE best one. For example the higher priced JP model, I talked about in this post, are also amongst the very best “student / beginner / intermediate” trumpets. Because of so many factors, including pricing, we have to be a bit careful using the phrase “THE best”

Question: Can I buy a used beginner trumpet?

Answer: Just like you can buy a new trumpet, you can also buy a used one, HOWEVER, if you buy a used one you have to make sure that you get to see, and try, the trumpet first. Many online sellers are selling used trumpets that no longer work like they should. This is especially true, when it comes to cheaper trumpets. Most often them have valves that do no longer work like they should (for example one of them always stick, no matter how you clean and oil your trumpet)

If buying a new trumpet, from a well-known online store, with a rating system, you are at much lower risk of running into trouble. For example, the Jean Paul brand are happy to help, should you have any trouble with your horn, and in addition, the Amazon always offers the option to return your trumpet, should you not be happy about it, while getting a 100% refund.

Question: Can I start with a C trumpet as my first instrument?

Answer: I would recommend you start on a B-flat, instead. If that’s not possible for some reason then by all means go with the “c”, but again, I recommend you start off on the more common, Bb-trumpet.

Question: Is it possible to learn to play without an instructor, just using online videos and stuff like that?

Answer: Well, it is not impossible, but the failure rate is very high for people doing it like that. Starting the right way is so very important, so please at least consider a real teacher.

Question: Is Yamaha a better brand than Bach?

Answer: I honestly can not answer that question. Both of them have a lot of different models and A LOT to offer, some models are better than others, and both brands have many, very fine instruments.

Ok, I think that will have to be it for now. I’ll come back to this article and make an update later, if I get more questions that would be suitable here. You can find my contact info in the “about me section”. Look for it in the menu bar.

Thanks for reading!

-Robert-