Cornets are the leading melodic voice in the British style Brass Band; trumpets are never used. The ensemble consists of about thirty musicians, including nine Bb cornets and one Eb Soprano cornet. In the UK, companies such as Besson and Boosey & Hawkes specialized in instrument for brass bands, although many other companies now manufacture instruments to a high specification from around the world. We typically keep a range of cornets, suitable for all levels of player, by Besson, CarolBrass and Yamaha in stock.
The first notable virtuoso player was Jean-Baptiste Arban, who studied the cornet extensively and published La grande méthode complète de cornet à piston et de saxhorn, commonly referred to as the Arban Method, in 1864. Up until the early 20th century, the trumpet and cornet coexisted in musical ensembles. Symphonic repertoire often involves separate parts for trumpet and cornet. As several instrument builders made improvements to both instruments, they started to look and sound more alike. The modern day cornet is used in brass bands, concert bands, and in specific orchestral repertoire that requires a more mellow sound.
Instruments listed as being in stock are available to try if you are able to visit us or to buy online.
Instruments listed as “to order” can be purchased online but we recommend contacting us for an estimated delivery date before ordering.
Our current stock of second hand brass can be seen here.
- Bb Cornets, Second Hand Cornets
Second Hand Lark Cornet
£75.00Second Hand Lark Cornet. Good playable instrument despite having a few dents. Complete with mouthpiece and case.
1 in stock
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Vintage Higham Cornet
£100.00Vintage Higham Cornet for restoration, not currently in playing condition. Made c.1920. Valves are tight so it will play when restored.
1 in stock
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Second Hand Olds Super Star Cornet
£275.00Good condition – Silver plated – Original case – Made c.1973.
Out of stock
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King 602 Long Cornet
£299.00Fairly good condition. Supplied in a black fabric gig bag and with a Vincent Bach 3D mouthpiece. A great cornet for jazz or orchestral use.
1 in stock
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Second Hand Bach CR310 Cornet
£299.00In good condition with some loss of lacquer and evidence of having been on a cornet stand, there are a few small spots of corrosion on the leadpipe. A great…
1 in stock
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Odyssey Premiere Soprano Cornet – Demo
£385.00Eb soprano cornet – Silver plated with gold slides & trim
Out of stock, Available to order
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Second Hand Besson 600 Cornet
£350.00Second Hand Besson 600 Cornet in very good condition. Silver plated. Original case and Denis Wick mouthpiece included.
1 in stock
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Besson Prodige Cornet
£455.00The Besson 120 Prodige student Bb cornet is designed in the classic British tradition and with the student in mind.
2 in stock .
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Olds NL5M Cornet lacquered finish
£399.00Olds NL5M Cornet
Old stock in perfect condition Lacquer not guaranteedOutfit includes woodshell case & Olds mouthpiece
Out of stock
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Getzen Deluxe Cornet
£399.00In fairly good condition for its age. Although the lacquer is well worn in places and there is a slight bend to the bell, with Art Deco-style features this…
Out of stock
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Vintage Bb/C Cornet
£399.00Vintage Bb/C Cornet with no maker’s name, marked “US”. Unusual tuning slide/shank for C. Good condition with tight valves. Nickel plated.
1 in stock
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CarolBrass CCR-2000-YSS Cornet
£484.00ML .460″ bore – Yellow brass bell – 3rd valve slide adjustable finger ring with stopper screw – Lacquer finish
1 in stock .
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