horny

Hi guys, I used to play (not very well) a trumpet in the 60's and want to get back to blowing again. I remember the trumpet was difficult to play and have heard a cornet is much easier. I also have fading memories of Red Nicholls in the Five Pennies playing a cornet (I think) and it sounded so mellow, warm. So, I want to buy a cornet. What is the issue with bore size, what is the mouthpiece option and what brand to get a cornet that will look okay, but more importantly play well and easy? I hope that is not too much of an ask.

Many thanks,

Horny

BTW, I should have mentioned I am not rich and live in Australia, so shipping will also be a cost. Lets say US$150 for the cornet then shipping on top.

bagmangood

Welcome to the forum and good luck!
I can't really help you the cornet front but I know other people here can!

__________________
Bb: Courtois 305 "Elite"
C: Bach C180-239 (Akwright conversion),
Cornet: Conn Wonder (1900)
Picc: Selmer Paris, ~1971

trumpetnick

Don't get to blowing, get back to playing cornet (or trumpet). If you just wanna blow, get a job in a gaz station there is always some tires to blow

Probably you should look into vintage horns...Few months ago I got a 1957 Olds long cornet, which is OK. Valves are good, all slides moving, not hard to blow (it is not a Taylor, York or Sovereign, but it is fine), overall good intermediate cornet. There was some minor dings to repair, the lacquer wasn't in perfect condition, but still OK. probably you should search for something similar..Beware of the old standard mp receiver.

__________________
Spada Bach B flat 72, leadpipe 2L/DWMM1.5C
Spada Bach C 256, leadpipe 2LQ/DWMM1.5C
1956 Olds Ambassador Cornet
Spada Custom Piccolo

If you don't know where you are going, you 'll end up someplace else

westview1900

Three cornets that come to mind that will not break the bank are the Conn 80A and the Yamaha 23-- series and the Holton Collegiate. I would consider all three to be good quality horns. I would check Ebay. I don't know much about what is available in Australia. I would guess that the Yamaha is more common there.

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Thank goodness for music.

horny

Much appreciated replys. What difference does bore size make or type of material, silver or gold? And is there a "warm/mellow" mouthpiece? And what does the "sheppherds Crook" do if anything? Thanks, Horny

JRFIII

Horny,


I've got no technical answers for you on what the shepherd's crook does from a sound or physics standpoint. Maybe it is just a way of shortening the overall length of the instrument while having enough tubing to do what it ought to.

I found a surprisingly good vintage horn at an antique store for $100 U.S. It has no brand markings etc. So it isn't always the make of the horn, it is how it fits you.

My advice is you check out pawn shops and used instrument stores and play a variety of horns/mouth pieces to see which ones seem most comfortable for you to start with. Keep notes on the different bore sizes, etc. to help you make your final decision.

__________________
Jim

1972 Getzen Eterna Severinson
"Mystery" Cornet
1938 Martin Imperial Handcrafted Trombone

aspires

Warm and mellow mpc = deep cup. Wick 4 or Wick 5 are good, as are Yamaha E-cup mpcs. Curry makes good deep cups as well, but I'm not familiar with them. If you don't want to spend a lot, I would go with the Wick 4 or Yamahas.

For $150, I would not be worrying about silver or gold... you can get brass w/ splotchy lacquer, and it will sound just great, regardless. Deep mouthpieces, I think, have more profound effect on mellow tone than plating options.

Dale Proctor

A cornet is easier to play than a trumpet in some aspects, but is harder in others. I'd say either has its pluses and minuses. As stated earlier, something like a Wick 4B will give you that "cornet sound", but the big, deep mouthpieces that do this are a little harder to play, too. Again, it's a tradeoff. I'd look for a used Yamaha 2330 locally if I were you.

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Olde Towne Brass
www.otbrass.com

Brass Band of Huntsville
www.brassbandofhuntsville.org

"Hit it hard and wish it well." - Claude Gordon

aspires

Hey Dale, from the specs, it looks like 4B is a little shallower than 4-no-letter. I've read it helps with the endurance and higher notes. I assumed it's also not quite as mellow sounding. Am I correct on that? I always just thought deeper is better for the sound I want, and would buy a mpc 3" deep if they made'm. But maybe it *is* possible to have the best of both. Have you compared 4 to 4B (or have any of you lurkers)?

Dale Proctor

It is a little more shallow (it's still really deep, though) and has a slightly smaller throat (it's still huge, though) than the 4. I've tried a 4, 3, and a 2. I bought a 4B, because it's sound is rich enough and it isn't too brutal to play above the staff on. Everyone's different, though.

__________________


Olde Towne Brass
www.otbrass.com

Brass Band of Huntsville
www.brassbandofhuntsville.org

"Hit it hard and wish it well." - Claude Gordon