Its scale in the lower octaves is limited to the first natural harmonics. Unlike our modern instrument, the medieval trumpet had no valves and the notes available on the trumpet were limited to the sounds the player could produce and the quality of the mouthpiece.

Family of Instruments: The Trumpet belongs to the family of Woodwind instruments.

History of the Trumpet
The history of the Trumpet: The powerful Trumpet could be heard over the noise of a battle and were therefore used in Medieval warfare for signalling. Trumpets were also used by the Waits. The instruments were also used on special occasions such as royal weddings and trumpeters, or heralds, were employed by royalty, nobles and lords to announce their arrival  by playing a fanfare on special occasions. A fanfare is a short piece of music played by trumpets and other  instruments used to announce the arrival of the royal guests. Trumpets also provided a "call to dinner" for larger banquets as well as music for such courtly events as masquerades and the mummer's play. Both trumpets and drums were used at Medieval Tournaments or jousts to accent the occasion. The Medieval Long Trumpet used during the early period gave way to a folded S-shaped version and by 1450 the double-slide trumpet had emerged.