If the 'c' note in the trumpet is the same as the b flat note in the trombone...?

Question

why are the notes in each instrument different?

Answer 1

The names of the notes are different; the pitch is the same. Why? because the trumpet (the Bb trumpet) is a transposing instrument while the trombone reads concert pitch. Trumpets from eras past had no valves. They were made so that they played an overtone (harmonic) series in a specific key or tonality. There were C trumpets, D trumpets, Eb trumpets, E trumpets... you get the idea. In the 19th century valves were added to the trumpet so they could play chromatically without having to change horns. (The same is true for horn.)

The tubing for the Bb trumpet is longer than the C trumpet so pressing the same valves using the same embouchure and wind will result in notes that are a whole step apart just like the difference between Bb trumpet and trombone. However, the trombone is a tenor/baritone instrument so its natural range is about an octave lower than the trumpet, a "soprano" instrument (more or less)..

Most symphonic trumpeters now play C trumpet, and jazz and concert band trumpeters play Bb trumpets.

Answer 2

because of the different shapes and materials used to create the instrument the notes sound different and clash when played.

for example, trumpet and clarinet when playing the same note sounds good.

but a bassoon and a clarient doesnt.  

Answer 3

It is more than I have time for here, but you can get a pretty good picture at.

http://www.garritan.info/index.php/A_Pri...

Most of us in our first years in music ask the same question.