My main instrument is my Yamaha Xeno RGS. I'd never picked up a cornet in my life until I bought an old Bundy cornet on ebay for $10 a few weeks ago. I have been playing all cornet and barely picked up my trumpet for over 3 weeks. Yesterday I finally picked up my trumpet again and I have noticed several differences besides the obvious eg: conical bore, mellow sound etc.. I have noticed that the cornet is easier to control, has a more focused sound, and is easier to project. Has anyone else noticed these differences between a trumpet and cornet?
OLDLOU
cornets
As I have stated repeatedly in the past, I consider myself a cornetist, as opposed to a trumpeter. I have several of both, but, I much prefer the cornet in most cases. In addition to the differences that you noted, I have found the cornet to be easier to do any very acrobatic passages on, due to the valve cluster being located closer to my body, which means that the cocking of the wrist caused by reaching far forward is eliminated. The weight balance is in a more solid mass which is also located closer to the body making the shorter instrument easier to control, per fine lip pressure control. In one of the bands that I play in, a more strident tone is required. In that case, I play my Getzen Super Deluxe trumpet. In another more symphonic band that I play in the more mellow tone of one of my cornets is preferred. I normally use my Martin Commitee Model cornet when playing in that band.
"Horses for courses" I guess.
OLDLOU>>
Guest
Good point OLDLOU. The weight mass being more solid helps explain why it's easier to control. I personally have forund that a cornet is easier to control, get in tune, and has a much more solid and less "spread out" sound.
