Which make?

[picju96]

I'm currently thinking of buying a new cornet, but can't decide which make to buy - besson prestige or yamaha maestro. What do you play on/recommend? Any other makes that I could consider? I play on a besson 700 at the moment, and I like the sound and feel of it, but I think I need a professional model one now, since I'm now grade 8. I played a yamaha student one the other day and didn't like that much. I played on a yamaha student trumpet until last year though, which was fine. I really can't decide - please help me out!

Julia

[wewizrobbed]

I'd go for the prestige out of those two - I've found bessons have a much bigger sound, a lot depends on the player I suppose though. I played a sovereign (928 I think?!) when I was on cornet and it was great. I was one of the lucky few though since the valves were good. Try a couple out and see what you think.

[super_sop]

I'd go for the Meastro. I have one and have had no probs at all.
its nice and easy to blow, and has a nice sound. :lol:

[Straightmute]

Think about the instruments around you at band - what are you hoping to blend with? The Yamaha (for me) makes a brighter sound which can sometimes be rather penetrating in a section of darker Bessons. (Much depends on mouthpiece though...)

If I was just buying an instrument for myself irrespective of band etc. I'd go for the Smith Watkins - without reservation.

D

[TheMusicMan]

.. I have always used a B&H Sov 928 Cornet - not everyones taste I appreciate, but it suited me fine. Another thing to consider though picju96 is your choice of mouthpiece. The Wick mouthpieces that came with B&H cornets I always found terrible... when I play I use a Lewington McCan - very deep cup so needs stamina but helps to produce a really rich sound... :D

Try a few out and good luck. Let us know what you decide won't you...?

[Keppler]

Sort of on this subject..

I'm on the look out for a new cornet - basically looking to buy my own and release the one I'm playing back into the band.
Are there any "workshop" style locations around where it's possible to bring a mouthpiece or six and try out various makes and models?
I'm playing a Maestro at the moment, so specifically interested in
Besson Sovs and Prestiges
Smith Watkins
Courtois models
although not limited to above models.
I comandeered a Courtois Chambord II a few years back, and was very impressed, so specifically interested in these..
It's hard for me to get hold of shop models of anything other than student trumpets, so I'd appreciate any help or pointers people might have..

[frisp]

Sorry about this...

buy a Bass :D

[impycornet]

If I was just buying an instrument for myself irrespective of band etc. I'd go for the Smith Watkins - without reservation.

D

I would also recommend the Smith Watkins. With the choice of leadpipes available you can customise what is already an excellent base cornet into one that is uniquely suited to you. Plus the valves work & the instrument is in tune with itself ( which always helps :D )

[rutty]

Sorry about this...

buy a Bass :D

Why buy a fish? :roll:

[Keppler]

Because it's the only thing in the world that tastes *better* with the addition of Holton valve oil..

[IckleSop]

You Know my views Julia mate!!!!!!!!

Prestige all the way!!!!!!


Anyway dont worry about your cornet
Get back to your revision!!!!! 8)

Bexy

[davidsait]

Anyway dont worry about your cornet
Get back to your revision!!!!! 8)

Bexy
yeah - you've gotta get your A Levels so you can come to Warwick and join the band!

Dave Sait

[picju96]

I don't have an offer from Warwick yet! *fingers crossed* And yes I know Becky!

[keith_b]

Edwards now make a cornet, and if their trumpets are anything to go by, then it would certainly be worth a look.

[Keppler]

Any URL for edwards?

[TheMusicMan]

Neal... this what you're after...?

http://www.edwards-instruments.com/

John

[Keppler]

bingo!

thanks John...

[keith_b]

The url is http://www.edwards-instruments.com/trumpet/cornet/

I know someone who has one of their trumpets with a copper bell, and the sound he can make with it is incredible. It just doesn't break up, no matter how loud it gets.

[jameshowell]

OK, not one of your common suggestions for a cornet make, but these are amazing, though might look a little out of place amongst some sections (better in my opinnion though!)

check out the orpheus / zeus cornets from Taylor Trumpets (http://www.taylortrumpets.com), they are without doubt the best instruments in general that I have ever played.

I play on a customised London trumpet, and it is amazing. The intonation is perfect, it feels "free" when you blow, the power is unrivalled and the sound is warm. And the valves and slides are perfect, as they are handmade.

And the orpheus, at a mere £1395 is more than a competitor for the prestige since it is totally hand made! And in my view the best instrument available by far!

The copper flugel is amazing as well by the way, got to play one last time I went to andy's workshop.

[Rambo Chick]

yamahas are nice instruments so id take the yamaha for a cornet-nice sound.

carolyn

[jameshowell]

Still think the Taylor (http://www.taylortrumpets.com) cornets are worth a look.

[alks]

yamaha maestro's are good instruments but remember that the top A's are a but tricky to place if your not 'in practice' - they are easy to split, in fact its easier to play a top C than an A on them. They are also a big blow compared to soverigns. I played oine for two years with no problem.

Alks

[Chippy_Cornet]

I have a Prestige which I bought after trialing other cornets such as Yamaha/Courtois/Sov's/Bach Strad to name but a few.

Prestige is a great instrument only let down by the valves, which i had sorted under guarantee, by a very knowledgable technician at Normans in Burton-On-Trent. Now the valves work brilliantly as well, and i really can't fault it.

Have also tried the Smith-Watkins and it is a very nice instrument indeed, it was the closest call to the prestige of all the other cornets i tried!!

Hope this helps!

[GJG]

So far as build quality, ease of blowing, response, and intonation is concerned, I don't think you can beat a Schilke, however the point has to be made again, as Mr. Lancaster pointed out [sorry, that's not terribly good grammar?], you have to consider the section blend; it's not easy to make a Schilke Bb blend into a traditional brass band section. And they're expensive. Still, if you're serious about getting the best instrument for you, then it's got to be worth at least trying one.

G.

[midwalesman]

I have to say that if you can get an original 928 you won't go far wrong. Played on my old one, even though I had a newer GS, for about 8 or 9 years. The valves were reliable, not tempramental at all and had a nice sound in every range. I'm now playing the band instrument, a Prestige, it's better than I thought, valves aren't as relaible as the old 928, the resistance and blow factor is good. I did try a Smith Watkins when we invited them up to the band room, and I have to admit that it was very, very good, especially when they could be built to special individual traits/ It's a close choice for me, between the original 928, Prestige (whack the main slide out and play in an easier key!!) and the Smith Watkins (designed by Richard Smith who created the original 928 for besson (I think!)

At the end of the day I think its personal taste, reputation is one thing, personal comfort and state of mind is a far more reliable meter of which is best.