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 in Bb and one Soprano in Eb. 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.
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Second Hand Cornets, Vintage Brass Instruments
Vintage Higham Cornet
Vintage 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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Bb Cornets, Long Model Cornets, Second Hand Cornets, Vintage Brass Instruments
Vintage Martin Cornet Spares or Repairs
This instrument not currently in a playable conditon and is being sold for Spares or Repairs.
1 in stock
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Besson Cornets, Cornets, Second Hand Cornets, Vintage Brass Instruments
Vintage Besson Prototype Cornet
Silver Plated. Good condition. Comes with the original wooden case. Plays with a warm smoky sound. Silver plating in good condition and makes the engraving on the bell show up…
1 in stock
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Bb Cornets, Second Hand Cornets, Vintage Brass Instruments
Second Hand Conn Director Cornet
This used cornet has had a hard life, but still plays very well
1 in stock
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Bb Cornets, Second Hand Cornets
Boosey Solbron Light Valve Cornet
This Boosey Cornet has spent most of its life in a garden shed and it shows, I guess you could call it a custom finish
1 in stock
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Bb Cornets, Second Hand Cornets
Bessons Pocket Cornet
This Pocket Cornet plays but not fantastically well. A mouthpiece is included but not a case. An interesting collectable.
1 in stock
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Bb Cornets
Festivo 1CR Bb Cornet
New to the market, the Festivo 1CR cornet is the perfect instrument for beginners and features a 0.459″ bore, 1st slide thumb hook, rose brass lead pipe, stainless steel pistons,…
4 in stock
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Bb Cornets
Festivo 1CRL Bb Cornet
The Festivo 1CRL cornet is the perfect instrument for players wanting a budget large bore cornet. It features a 0.465″ bore, 1st slide thumb hook, stainless steel pistons, clear lacquer,…
2 in stock
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Bb Cornets, Second Hand Cornets, Vintage Brass Instruments
Vintage Bb/C Cornet
Vintage 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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Bb Cornets, CarolBrass Cornets
CarolBrass CCR-2000-YSS Cornet
ML .460″ bore – Yellow brass bell – 3rd valve slide adjustable finger ring with stopper screw – Lacquer finish
1 in stock .
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Bb Cornets, Second Hand Cornets, Yamaha Cornets
Second Hand Yamaha YCR-4330G Cornet
Medium large bore – Gold brass bell – Lacquer finish
Out of stock
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Second Hand Cornets, Soprano Cornets, Yamaha Cornets
Second Hand Yamaha YCR-2610SIII Eb Soprano Cornet
Second Hand Yamaha YCR-2610SIII Soprano Cornet is in very good condition. The Yamaha YCR-2610SIII offers a brilliant, clear and warm tone with exceptional response and intonation.
1 in stock