Best playable jazz trumpet library or modeled instrument in 2025

[synchronizer]

Just for getting a decent mockup that sounds okay out of the box played with a keyboard and maybe mod and pitch wheel, what’s the general opinion on the best libraries or modeled instruments for a fast-paced jazz or funk trumpet? I’m thinking of bands like Cory Wong’s group or some of Steely Dan; maybe also Japanese City-pop-esque.

I’m looking at SWAM, but I don’t have a breath controller. (Does that matter?) I’d mostly like something that doesn’t need a ton of editing time to sound reasonable on first play.

[mixyguy2]

Not sure about very best, but since you said "Just for getting a decent mockup that sounds okay out of the box," try Norrland (free, but you need the pay version of Kontakt). IMO it sounds very good. I can't speak specifically to a solo trumpet, but I like 8Dio's brass in general as well, and they have some great sales off and on.

Of course you ask 10 diff people and you're apt to get 10 diff answers g/l

[synchronizer]

Thanks! I appreciate the suggestion. A lot of libraries are geared towards more of the cinematic sound though.

[seangm]

del

[synchronizer]

The Norrland trumpet recommended above sounds great from what I can tell, but it doesn't seem very fit for fast playing. Fablesounds... that is very expensive, yes. Something with that kind of sound probably would be the right thing though.

[Vlad77]

Check out vgtrumpet.com - they have several libraries specifically designed for the jazz.
Might be worth trying: VG Jazz Trumpet Virtual Instrument – very responsive, made for live-style playing.
VG Jazz Trumpet library for full Kontakt, and VG Soul Trumpet SFZ library – works with free Sforzando. Good luck finding the sound that fits!

[pljones]

https://vgtrumpet.com/product/all-sfz-bundle/ - wow... they look nice... I was after a clarinet and a sax better than the NI Factory Library ones.

[mixyguy2]

Thanks! I appreciate the suggestion. A lot of libraries are geared towards more of the cinematic sound though.

8Dio tends to lean that way, true...IMO Norrland isn't particularly, but you'd have to judge for yourself.

[Ah_Dziz]

I have always done fine with the old Sample modeling "the trumpet". I would always play with a breath controller but it would work fine.

[funky lime]

Acoustic Samples VHorns kick ass for playability, without needing nearly as much CC data as SWAM to be convincing—just a keyboard and mod wheel can go a long way with them. Velocity controls note attack, and the vibrato has tons of options for both manual and auto/progressive control. They don't have as much bite at high dynamics but in contrast, they sound especially lovely at low dynamics (as do their saxes). Their woodwinds are top-notch too. And right out of the box they sound a bit more natural than SWAM (though the latter is perhaps more flexible).

[mixyguy2]

Check out vgtrumpet.com - they have several libraries specifically designed for the jazz.
Might be worth trying: VG Jazz Trumpet Virtual Instrument – very responsive, made for live-style playing.
VG Jazz Trumpet library for full Kontakt, and VG Soul Trumpet SFZ library – works with free Sforzando. Good luck finding the sound that fits!

IMHO they may have great playability, but they don't sound very realistic...

[rasmusklump]

Acoustic Samples VHorns kick ass for playability, without needing nearly as much CC data as SWAM to be convincing—just a keyboard and mod wheel can go a long way with them. Velocity controls note attack, and the vibrato has tons of options for both manual and auto/progressive control. They don't have as much bite at high dynamics but in contrast, they sound especially lovely at low dynamics (as do their saxes). Their woodwinds are top-notch too. And right out of the box they sound a bit more natural than SWAM (though the latter is perhaps more flexible).

+1 for Acousticsamples

[synchronizer]

Thanks again for the recommendations. I think I might stick with the free one and write some parts before going for something paid. Admittedly, i'm not an arranger. It might be more effective to get some rough idea down first.

[Ah_Dziz]

I don't think you'll be getting a convincing mockup of jazz trumpet without lots of programming. I still use the old Sample modeling "the trumpet" library. I can get reasonably good results playing live with a breath controller (tecontrol USB breath controller). The attack and transitions between notes are controlled by velocity, and vibrato depth by mod wheel and speed up via aftertouch. This gets very decent solo trumpet and I can do multiple passes for a small section. I never bothered moving over to the swam brass, I only have the woodwinds and strings.

There's also straight ahead jazz horns from impact sound works or Broadway lights from fable sounds. Both of those will do very good backup horns for jazzy stuff and handle the voicings as well. They are both far less convincing with an up front expressive melody.

Screaming trumpet is also good but involves a ton of key switching to get a good line and doesn't have mutes

[synchronizer]

I don't think you'll be getting a convincing mockup of jazz trumpet without lots of programming. I still use the old Sample modeling "the trumpet" library. I can get reasonably good results playing live with a breath controller (tecontrol USB breath controller). The attack and transitions between notes are controlled by velocity, and vibrato depth by mod wheel and speed up via aftertouch. This gets very decent solo trumpet and I can do multiple passes for a small section. I never bothered moving over to the swam brass, I only have the woodwinds and strings.

There's also straight ahead jazz horns from impact sound works or Broadway lights from fable sounds. Both of those will do very good backup horns for jazzy stuff and handle the voicings as well. They are both far less convincing with an up front expressive melody.

Screaming trumpet is also good but involves a ton of key switching to get a good line and doesn't have mutes

What is the connection between sample modeling and swam?

I guess if I want to do as little programming as possible, a modeled instrument might be good. I’m mainly looking for little fills. Think Steely Dan “My Old School” or “Night by Night.”