Jude

I've got an old Conn Wonder (1898) that is just too much effort to play - 2nd- space A takes about twice the effort of 2nd-line G (and I keep forgetting). It's been to the repair shop, but I didn't know what to tell him to check at the time - maybe it needs a valve job, maybe the corks in the spit-valve aren't quite centered, the leader-pipe is a little crooked...?

The sound is great, though, I prefer it to the trumpet - sweet and kind of husky. So I've been thinking about replacing the Conn with a pocket trumpet. These seem to be more conical than tubular, so I'm wondering whether the sound would be similar when played with the old mpc.

There are a couple of models I've been looking at - the Jean-Baptiste version (0.460" bore) and an Amati (0.437" bore). The bore on the Wonder I think is 0.437". The music store where I take lessons is getting in something soon (no idea of the manufacturer, but almost certainly Chinese) and that is probably the only one I'll have a chance to test before buying, so if anybody has played the JB or the Amati I'd be interested in hearing about it.

Dale Proctor

The valves on your old horn may be out of alignment and/or leaking. Those two things cause all kinds of playability issues on old horns.

If you're looking for a cornet-like horn, I'd just buy another cornet - a newer one.... Those cheaper pocket trumpets may disappoint you.

I'd never try to play a 100 year old horn with any regularity unless I were doing some sort of "historical" or period performance. Most of them just don't play very well, even when they are in good condition. Many times, used Yamaha 2330 short cornets can be found for $200 -$300, and are very good horns for the money. Pair it with a Wick or other suitable "real" cornet mouthpiece and you're on your way.

Jude

Any thoughts on Getzen cornets? There's one that looks interesting on ebay now - Getzen Shepherd's Crook Cornet Capri Mint - eBay (item 280196967944 end time Feb-06-08 17:33:50 PST) - for sociopoliticoeconomic reasons I'd be happier getting an American-made horn.

brunets

Hi,

I bought a 9-year old Getzen Capri cornet (siimilar to this one - see my avatar photo) on Ebay right before christmas and I love it! I bought a real cornet mouthpiece and I presently practice more on my cornet than my trumpet. The sound is too gorgeous...

Stéphane

Jude

Exactly what I wanted to hear! Thanks. How do you define "a real cornet mouthpiece"?

brunets

Mine is a Yamaha 13E4 short shank.
Have also a look at the Denis Wick cornet mouthpieces. They are also "real" cornet mouthpieces. Here is a link with a comparison chart in pdf :

Denis Wick cornet mouthpieces comparison chart

I took a Yamaha one because it was cheaper and corresponds approximately to what I would have chosen in the Denis Wick line anyways.

Stéphane

Dale Proctor

That's a pretty cornet! I've never played a Capri, but Getzen has a good reputation. Most people define a "real" cornet mouthpiece as one with a very deep and/or conical cup and a big, open throat. A mouthpiece like this will bring out the big, rich sound of the cornet you're playing. Many players use trumpet cup mouthpieces on cornet because the upper range is easier, but you skew the sound of your cornet toward more of a trumpet tone. BTW, Getzen cornets come with a Getzen 4B mouthpiece, which is a copy of the Denis Wick 4B.

Jude

Isn't it, though? I think I'm in love. Or lust. Or something. It's time I finally did something for the economy, anyway.

It comes with a Getzen 7C mpc - is that for a cornet? the cornet equivalent of the 7C on my trumpet? Or can I start dreaming about my first mouthpiece safari?

Dale Proctor

The 7C is a cornet version of a 7C trumpet mouthpiece - you don't want to go there unless you're trying to blend with trumpets. When you get a cornet, try a Getzen 4B or a Wick 4, 4B, or 4.5. The Wick 4B is the smaller of the three, so it's a little easier to play (and the shock of how big it is won't be as great). The Yamaha mouthpiece mentioned by brunets is also similar.

Jude

Thank you, Dale and Stéphane, for the info. Ebay doesn't feel like registering me tonight, I think I'll give it a shot again tomorrow.