Mouthpiece
This is where the musicians mouth sits at the end of the instrument. They come in all sorts of sizes and materials to suit every player. See our trumpet/cornet mouthpieces.
Leadpipe
The tube from the mouthpiece to the tuning slide.
Valves
When you blow into a trumpet's mouthpiece, the valves reroute the air path into different slides. There are three valves: the first one is the one closest to you, the second is in the middle and the third is the farthest. The valves aren't interchangeable, so you should take note of their proper positions when aligning them.
Valve Slides
It helps the trumpet produce sound as well as adjust the pitch of notes. There are three valve slides: the first slide lowers the highest note a whole step (also called a fundamental, which is produced when you're not holding down any valve), the second slide lowers it a half step and the third slide is commonly used to produce notes that are lower in register.
Tuning Slide
This can be pushed out or pulled in to alter the overall tuning of the instrument.
Bell
The part of the trumpet where the sound comes out of. Mostly made of brass and can either be lacquered in gold, which produces a more mellow sound, and silver-plated, which produces a brighter sound. Trumpet manufacturers also create specially made bells such as those made of sterling silver. Alterations to the bell of the trumpet affects its sound. The size of the bell, otherwise known as the flare, also affects its sound. Smaller bell flares sound sharper while bigger flares sound mellower.
Waterkeys
These aren't normally used by playing but are opened while blowing through the instrument to get rid of the saliva which can build up during playing and make it more difficult to play.
Finger Rings
While the finger rings/hooks serve no musical purpose, it is necessary to have to play a trumpet with just your right hand, freeing your left to turn music. Proper playing position includes resting your smallest finger on top of the hook and not in it.