The Mendini Bb Trumpet by Cecilio is a low-priced instrument aimed at the beginning trumpeter.
As an instrument for beginners, it offers a great balance of price to performance.
- Low price
- Comes with plenty of extras
- Beginner-friendly
- Well-balanced
- Several finishes to choose from
- The first two valves can be sticky at times
- Not suitable for intermediate or advanced players
It obviously can’t match much more expensive trumpets, but most beginners would rather get an inexpensive instrument to start with, unless they have a large budget.
If you have a limited budget like most of us, the Mendini could be right for your. It is a great value for the price, but it definitely has weaknesses. We’ll get into those below.
It sounds and plays better than all but one other similarly priced instrument. To be honest, that one might actually be preferable due to the extras. More on that below, too.
Overall, it is one of the two best values on the market for trumpeters who are just starting out. Let’s find out what makes it such a great buy.
Table of Contents
Mendini Bb Trumpet Review: Overview And Features
The Mendini is another great beginner trumpet by Cecilio, a company that’s known for affordable instruments made from quality materials.
Like other models they make, this horn has undergone extensive testing to ensure that it meets the traditional standards most players are looking for and have come to expect from this leading company.
This trumpet has a phosphorus copper lead mouth pipe, in addition to keys with faux mother-of-pearl inlays, and smooth valves.
It comes bundled with a nylon covered, plush hard case, which protects the instrument from potential damage during transport. It also comes with some great other extras that make this package perfect for the beginner looking to learn some of these fun songs to play on trumpet.
Key Features
- Beginner-friendly
- Extras included
- Hard case
- Low price
- Well-balanced
- Phosphorus copper lead mouth pipe
- Low price
- Comes with plenty of extras
- Beginner-friendly
- Well-balanced
- Several finishes to choose from
- The first two valves can be sticky at times
- Not suitable for intermediate or advanced players
Design
The Mendini by Cecilio has a phosphorus copper lead mouth pipe, which is usually found on higher-end models. It is tuned in Bb.
The body is durable and constructed from brass, with smooth action valves. It has a medium-large bore size at 0.460 inches, an adjustable third slide lock, and a first valve slide thumb saddle.
The sturdy, solid build gives it a quality feel. Horns that feature this type of balance can sometimes be more difficult to play, but the manufacturer’s main focus when designing this instrument was durability and stability.
The well-balanced design feels good in your hands and also helps minimize fatigue. This will not only encourage you to practice more often, but also to use the proper form, so you get the most out of each and every practice session.
Testing
Every Mendini is tested at the manufacturer’s factory overseas and tested a second time at a Cecilio warehouse. Most entry-level horns do not undergo any type of quality inspections, so it’s great to see that the manufacturer tests each of their beginner instruments just like they do with their higher-priced models.
Warranty
The Mendini is covered by a one-year product warranty. It is nice to know that the manufacturer stands behind their product and is confident that it is designed to last and covered against manufacturing defects. Unfortunately, most trumpets in this price range do not come with a warranty at all.
Quality
This trumpet is an excellent choice for a band student. Most parents choose to rent an instrument for their child if they’re participating in band, because they think it’s more affordable than buying a brand new one.
Additionally, children tend to hop from one instrument to the next, quickly getting tired of lengthy practice sessions and all the work that goes into learning a new instrument. It simply make no sense to spend a large amount of money on something that could very well end up unused in the attic or garage.
However, renting a horn can cost $30 to $50 a month. The costs quickly add up. If you child sticks with the instrument for more than 2 or 3 months, it ends up being cheaper to just buy their trumpet outright, assuming you get a budget model like this one.
Unlike competing models in this price range, the Mendini is not only durable, but it offers better than average sound quality, especially compared to other Bb beginner trumpets.
While it’s not as flashy and doesn’t offer the same type of quality sound that you’ll get from a model that costs several hundreds of dollars like the Bach TR300H2, it does offer the type of design and playability a student needs to stay motivated to learn.
Finish Options
Buyers can choose from a variety of finish options, including:
- Gold lacquer
- Gold
- Purple
- Blue
- Black
- Red
- Silver
- Sky blue
Over time, the colored finish can become damaged from the player’s sweat. This is something to consider if you’re thinking of purchasing a colored finish.
Of course, if you take the time to wipe down the finish after every time you play to remove sweat and grime, you can prevent damage to the finish and keep your horn in pristine condition as long as possible.
Use
This manufacturer is known for their pro-quality horns, but they produce trumpets for players of all skill levels. Cecilio is also known for designing horns that have a distinct, strong sound.
This model is no exception. It offers a well-balanced, unique sound that’s rich and not overly bright. This is one of the more budget-friendly models on the market, yet it still lives up to the brand’s reputation.
The clear sound allows you to play music across a wide range of genres including classical, jazz, and pop. It offers a loud projection and a smoother airflow.
Overall, it provides excellent sound quality for the price, but it can’t compete with more expensive models. Naturally, it just doesn’t provide the same type of sound quality and tone that you can expect from a trumpet designed for intermediate players or advanced players.
It doesn’t produce the same time of resonation and vibrato that advanced players look for. Additionally, if you play through each major octave scale, you’ll run into sticky keys, especially with the first two valves. This can occur even if you oil the valves before use.
None of that matters much, however, since this trumpet is intended for beginners. It doesn’t have to be pro quality, since a low price is much more important in a student trumpet.
And considering the price, it definitely gives you more bang for your buck than most competing models, especially considering all of the free extras it comes with. That said, the Eastar ETR-380 is almost identical in terms and price and it comes with even more extras, so we generally recommend that one over this one.
But it’s close. Overall, as an entry-level model, the Mendini is a great choice for the student in need of a reliable trumpet. But for some, the sticky valves can be a deal-breaker.
Extras
Cecilo gives you a number of extras with your purchase. You get a durable hard case for protection during transport. You also get valve oil, gloves, and a cleaning cloth.
Considering this model has some issues with sticky keys, you’ll need to ensure you oil the valves correctly right before you play each time. While some people may not run into this issue, it’s actually fairly common with trumpets designed for beginners.
The included cloth should be used to wipe down the horn’s exterior after use. This prevents sweat, dirt, and grime from ruining the lacquered finish over time. Wearing the gloves when you play also keeps the finish looking new and minimizes how often the horn needs a thorough cleaning.
Care
The valves should be oiled before you play, especially if you’re about to perform in front of an audience. This trumpet has a reputation for sticky keys, which can be a huge issue for a serious player, but is not as big of a problem for a student.
The instrument should be taken apart once a month and thoroughly cleaned using special horn brushes that are designed to reach every crack and crevice, in order to remove dust, dirt, debris, and grime.
If the tubing is dirty or clogged, this can have a huge impact on sound quality. It can also have an impact on the lifespan. I recommend a deep clean before any major performance and at least monthly, apart from that. To learn more about routine care, read my article on how to clean a trumpet.
Mendini Advantages And Disadvantages
Pros
- Low price
- Comes with plenty of extras
- Beginner-friendly
- Well-balanced
- Several finishes to choose from
Cons
- The first two valves can be sticky at times
- Not suitable for intermediate or advanced players
Cecilio Mendini Versus Yamaha Trumpet Bb YTR 2330
While this model is designed for beginners, the Yamaha YTR 2330 can be used by players of all skill levels, even pros. It is the latest version of their Bb trumpet and it comes with a two-piece bell design and is known for its vibrant, consistent tone.
The addition of the adjustable third valve trigger allows for proper playing technique and natural hand positioning. It features a balanced weight, which improves user comfort. It comes with a lightweight, durable two-piece bell that’s made out of yellow brass and highly durable Monel alloy pistons.
The Yamaha trumpet is the better instrument by far. Plus it has the ability to grow with you, while the Mendini will need to be upgraded once you advance past the beginning stages as a trumpeter.
But the Yamaha also costs a lot more. If you or your child are just starting out and you’re not sure yet if you or they will continue playing long-term, it makes no sense to spend that much money at this point.
If you’re looking for an affordable horn, one that offers a rich-full sound and a well-balanced design, then stick with the Cecilio.
Cecilio Mendini Review: Conclusion And Rating
The Mendini by Cecilio Bb Trumpet is perfect for beginners, especially considering it comes with a twelve-month warranty.
It is not designed for intermediate or advanced players, but it’s a great choice for students in search of a reliable, affordable entry-level model. Of course, once you advance to the intermediate level, you may quickly outgrow it.
Unfortunately, that’s a common problem with beginner-friendly trumpets. They’re simply not tough enough for intermediate and advanced players and very few have the ability to grow with you as you advance.
As a trumpet specifically designed for beginners, its well-balanced design and decent tone make it worth the price. We give it a Musicaroo rating of 4 out of 5.
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