dkelley

I noticed recently that my Schilke XA1 cornet leadpipe seems to merge seamlessly into the little piece of tubing the mouthpices goes into. This is different from my trumpets. On my trumpets, the leadpipe does not merge into the mouthpiece tube. This forms the "gap" that I think people talk about. Is this a common trait with cornets or is the XA1 just wierd?

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-David Kelley

Tootsall

No, your XA1 is not "weird". Some cornets and flugelhorns do not have an internal "gap" between the end of the leadpipe proper and the end of the mouthpiece shank within the receiver. I've noticed this on a couple of different cornets and on my Jupiter fluglehorn. The air column simply "steps off" from the end of the mouthpiece into the leadpipe. It is "by design".

Cornet1

While trying to sort out mpc fit and shank length last year I examined all 7 different cornets that I could find in the bandroom by probing the receivers with a pencil and they were all as you describe despite being made on three continents.

I used to think that cornets were not sensitive to mpc fit and 'gap' but I have discovered that there is a very clear optimum fit and size for cornet mpc shanks.

dkelley

Good... I was starting to think something was seriously wrong with my horn. I guess it's still my fault that I sound bad .

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-David Kelley

Tootsall

Well, having said that, a cornet can be particularly sensitive to the mouthpiece parameters (shank length, taper, backbore shape). Perhaps it might be worth your while getting in touch with someone and "sorting it out".

If I had a Schilke that was ... "inconsistent" (or consistently inconsistent) I'd be trying to get the issue fixed up "quick like a bunny".

I went through the Dennis Wick thing but got the feeling that there was a better way (for me). A few discussions with the folk at GR and Ted Sparks at Sparxmusic.com and I'm happy as a clam. (some great cornet playing on that site, btw)

I also tried a Dennis Wick on my flugel and, although the sound was "happy sound", the intonation was off. I ended up back on the stock Jupiter flugel piece which has a slightly longer shank. (Anybody want to buy a 4 FL?)

fundenlight

Cornets are a little weird when it comes to their gap. My NY Bach has one, as does my friend's intermediate bach. Perhaps it's a manufacturer issue. Not really sure though, just speculation.

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Bb: Yamaha Xeno 8335
C: Bach 229 w/ tuneable bell, MC2 pipe, and malone tuning slide
Cornet: 1949 NY Bach Mercedes
Mouthpieces: Reeves 43Cs (trumpets) Bach 1 1/2 C (cornet)