Hi,
I am a violin player, for 7 years. Now that I'm older and I look at things differently (I'm 17 now), I've gradually diverted away from the violin. I like instruments but the violin just isn't for me.

I have looked for another instrument to play. (if my parents can afford it) And I think I want to start the trumpet. I want to play a loud instrument. One that I can have fun on and make some noise. A few questions:

Does the trumpet use a reed?

Can anyone blow into it and get a crisp sound like you would when hitting a piano key? Or does it take skill to get a clear note?

How do you make notes? I know theres 3? buttons on top but can someone explain its layout and such.

Anything you'd like to add that would help inform me....

Thanks...

no the trumpet does not have a reed, if you really want to learn the trumpet get a teacher

Trumpet does not use a reed, it uses a metal mouthpiece. You buzz you lips inside the mouthpiece to produce the sound.
Trumpet, as well as any instument besides the piano, requires skill and practice. The first time you blow in it, it won't sounnd very good. After you work with it and build up your embouchure strength, it will be better.
The trumpet has three keys on the top. By pressing them down, you manipulate the air flow through the instument. Less tubing, higher sound. More tubing, lower sound.
I would sugest that you read up about the Trumpet online and possibly get a teacher. However, the trumpet is not too hard, and with enough time and a good lesson book, you could do it on your own.
Hope this helps!

The trumpet is made purlely of metals, not one bit of it is wood. At first, when you start playing, you will constantly be very light headed. But after a while, youll grow stronger lungs to accomodade your trumpet playing. All instruments take time and practice, so dont excpect to breeze trhough playing like nuttin'.

P.S. Xenos Rule. Death to Strads!

Get a method book made just for trumpet and it should cover everything you need to know.

<Added>

Forgot- Strads rule

you really well run into hard to fix habits and problems if you are not playing in a school band or taking lessons. I STRONGLY suggest taking lessons. Learning to play the trumpet right on your own if difficult, really any wind instument is.

Xeno's pwn strads any day. x(