Thomann TR 500 S Bb-Trumpet

I purchased this TR 500 S along with a TR 4000 S in order that we could compare them to see which might be most suitable for our youth marching band. (Kids from 8 to about 16 years)

The TR 500 S seems well made especially bearing in mind the price. The additional bracing is an advantage with younger players. The tone is good and valve response seems fine. The case is adequate. The inside of the mouthpiece receiver on the instrument we purchased was not as well finished as one might have hoped but some careful polishing resolved the issue.

We found that adults and the older kids preferred the TR 4000 whilst the younger players preferred the TR 500 S

Overall we felt the TR 500S offered very good value for money and have ordered a quantity for the band. These will be used along with Thomas MBH Marching Baritones

I bought this instrument to play some gigs and despite having +20 years of experience I am not a professional player but the end finishing quality of this instrument could be better honestly. There was a card in the box saying the instrument was been thoroughly checked before dispatching but after playing 2 pieces, the cap of the valve button got loose. It seems that it was not glued properly (I have a picture but I cannot add it in here).

Despite everything, I glue the cap of the valve button and now it is ok.
For the price in question, it is an ok instrument and does the job for a student of a beginner musician. However, it is not a great instrument for a middle level or professional player. The sound output could be better, the sliders sometimes do not work perfectly and the valves could be more easy to operate.
Also, both the top and bottom valve caps are not easy to operate. Someone with no experience could damage those really easily.

In summary, for the price in question, it is a good instrument for a student or a beginner player. Not recommended if you are a midle-level or professional musician.

I have been using the TR 500 S trumpet for about half a year and have been playing almost daily and I am very impressed by the quality of this trumpet.

Pros:

The trumpet has a great tone, the silver plating adds much needed weight and allows you to have fullness to your tone throughout the range of the trumpet.

It is quite free blowing with a moderate amount of resistance, putting a mute onto the trumpet still allows you to play freely despite the added resistance that comes with a mute.

Note slotting is very good on the trumpet too. Tuning is good on accidentals and on alternate fingerings. The tuning of the trumpet is great and there's plenty of room for tuning up or down on the tuning slide.

The valves are smooth and run very well, even on occasions where I have had to play without valve oil on hand.

The silver plating looks great and the engraving on the bell gives it a unique look which I personally like but it may not to everyone's liking.

The quality and sound of the trumpet is fantastic for this price point. Even when playing trumpets that cost 3 times as much the TR 500 S can still compete.

Cons:

There are very few considering the price point, however, compared to more expensive Yamaha and Carol Brass trumpets it doesn't respond as well in the upper range.

The solder on the third tuning slide came off at a joint and there's a small air leak (sometimes oil too ). The oil leak can be a nuisance but this hasn't affected the quality of the sound coming out of the bell so not a major issue. It is unexpected and I couldn't find a good reason for why this happened.

Summary:

Overall, this trumpet can't be beaten on price. If you need a back up or you're on a really tight budget this will do the job, and very well at that. A good choice for a first trumpet too, it's easy enough to play that you don't fight the trumpet to sound good and that can only be a good thing when learning to play an instrument.

Last year I bought a Carol Brass trumpet at Thomann, and that one is simply great... This one however is something else...

Ok, the price is very low, but you don't get a great instument. Low on brilliance in sound, sliders are too stubborn, pistons are ok, but need an high quality valve oil to function somewhat reliable.

Biggest problem for me is the musicality of the instrument. Note sliding and stuff like that is almost impossible.

Could be ok for a student in the first 2 years... But as a backup instrument for public "on the road" gigs, it is not ok...