Trumpet is the instrument I know the most about because it's what I played for years.
I rent and sell Yamaha student model trumpets. I would recommend Yamaha over all other brands. They use parts from Japan and are made here in the USA. Their horns play great and most importantly, their valves are made to last. The problem with the cheap Chinese made horns is that the valves are usually made of either nickle plate or they use very light stainless steel coverings. After a few months, the valves are shot. Also, the lacquer they use is so thin that it peels off very quickly.
Student horns play easier than pro horns for the beginner. They require less air because the bore size is usually smaller so they don't require as much air. Also, a pro horn will usually have things like one piece bell construction where the student model will have a two piece type (although you can't usually see the seam). A good student trumpet will have a list price of about $900.00 and of course big discounts are to be found in the 40% range. A cheap horn from China will run about $200.00 but STAY AWAY!
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
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George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene (Closed after 51 years)
West Hills, California
(Retired 2021)