Cornets and trumpets are vital parts of any brass section, but they’re frequently mistaken for one another! While both instruments are similar, subtle differences set them apart, influencing their sound and playing technique.
In this article, we look at cornet vs. trumpets, helping you understand how they differ and which one might be right for you (if you’re looking to pick up an instrument!).
In a hurry?
Here are the key differences between the cornet and trumpet:
Cornet Trumpet
Material Brass (sometimes with nickel) Brass (with a higher copper content)
Bore Conical Cylindrical
Mouthpiece Deep V shape Shallow cup shape
Sound Smooth and mellow Bright and cutting
Use cases Brass ensembles and solo pieces Orchestras and jazz bands
Origins and history
The trumpet’s origins date back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of its use in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Initially, it served ceremonial and military purposes. The modern trumpet evolved in the 15th century with the introduction of valves in the early 19th century, enhancing its musical versatility.
The cornet was invented in the 19th century and derived from the post horn, a brass instrument used for signalling. Adolph Sax, famed for the saxophone, played a significant role in refining its design. With its conical bore and valves, the cornet became popular in brass bands, offering a softer-sounding alternative to the trumpet.
Cornet vs. trumpet
How they’re played
The cornet and the trumpet produce sound the same way, i.e., you blow air through a mouthpiece and create a vibration with your lips, known as an embouchure. You can then change the pitch by pushing the valves.
However, the cornet is wrapped more tightly, making it more compact. This brings its centre of gravity closer to the body, making it easier to hold and play, especially for younger brass players as it reduces strain on their arms and prevents fatigue.
Shape and size
Cornets and trumpets share the same length of tubing, approximately 4.5 feet when unwound. Despite this, the cornet is smaller and rounder in shape, making it more compact. The trumpet, in contrast, has a longer, straighter form.
A significant difference lies in their bores. The cornet features a conical bore that gradually widens towards the bell, producing a warmer, mellow tone. On the other hand, the trumpet has a cylindrical bore, which means the tubing remains largely the same diameter throughout, contributing to its brighter, more piercing sound.
Mouthpieces also differ between the two instruments. Cornet mouthpieces are usually deeper and V-shaped, enhancing their smooth sound, while trumpet mouthpieces are shallower and more cup-shaped, aiding in producing their characteristic sharp tone.
Materials
Cornets and trumpets are typically made from brass, but there are variations in the specific material and finish.
The brass alloy used for cornets sometimes incorporates nickel, resulting in a warmer sound, whereas the brass alloy in trumpets often features a higher copper content, which contributes to a brighter, more vibrant tone.
Cornets often have a varied range of finishes, including gold lacquer or rose brass. Trumpets may be silver-plated or lacquered for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
Sound
Cornets are known for their warm, mellow sound, which is less piercing than that of trumpets. This softer tone makes cornets particularly well-suited to brass ensembles and soloists who want a smooth, rich sound.
In contrast, trumpets produce a brighter, more cutting sound, making them versatile across various musical genres. Trumpets are ideal for orchestras, jazz bands, and other ensembles that need a bold, distinct sound.
Different types of cornets and trumpets
When shopping for your first cornet or trumpet, you’ll come across various types – making the decision even more complicated!
When it comes to cornets, the Bb cornet is the most common, ideal for brass bands. The Eb soprano cornet is higher-pitched and adds brilliance to brass ensembles.
If you’re looking for a beginner trumpet, the standard Bb trumpet is a good choice. It’s known for its bright, piercing sound and is widely used in orchestras, jazz, and pop bands.
The C trumpet, slightly shorter and pitched higher, is preferred by orchestral musicians for its clarity. The piccolo trumpet is the smallest and offers a brilliant tone for baroque and high-pitched passages. If you want to learn more, check out our article on the different types of trumpets.
Our cornet recommendations
Student Cornet by Gear4music, Light Gold
The Student Cornet by Gear4music in Light Gold is designed for beginner brass players. It features a medium/large bore that makes the instrument easy to blow into and create sound, and it comes with a mouthpiece.
With smooth-action valves, this beginner cornet lets you practice various playing techniques with ease, whilst the shepherd’s crook bell produces a rounded tone. Plus, it has a very elegant aesthetic thanks to its light gold lacquer finish. The instrument comes with a hard case and polishing cloth, making it a complete package for aspiring cornet players.
Coppergate Professional Bb Cornet by Gear4music
The Coppergate Professional Bb Cornet by Gear4music is designed with intermediate and advanced players in mind. Its warm, mellow tone is enhanced by the rose brass lead pipe and Shepherd’s Crook bell.
The instrument’s ergonomic design includes first and third valve triggers for precise intonation and high-grade Monel valves for smooth action. Aesthetically, the gold lacquer coating adds a professional finish. A lightweight hard foam case, mouthpiece, and cleaning cloth are included.
Besson BE120 Prodige Cornet, Silver Plated
The Besson BE120 Prodige Cornet is an excellent choice for beginners. It features an easy-blowing leadpipe, ensuring smooth playability and superb tuning accuracy, and finger saddles for precise tuning adjustments. Particularly great for beginners is the balanced tone, inspired by Besson’s traditional Sovereign models, which lets you explore a vast range of pieces and genres.
Additionally, the Besson BE120 comes with a mouthpiece and a lightweight case, making it convenient for transport and storage.
Besson Sovereign BE928G Bb Cornet, Silver Plated
Handmade in Germany, the Besson Sovereign BE928G Bb Cornet is renowned for its beautifully rich tone. With a gold brass bell, monel valves, and first and third valve slide triggers, the cornet delivers superior sound and is extremely durable. In fact, due to their well-sought-after design, quality, and sound, Besson cornets tend to keep their value, making the Sovereign BE928G a great investment.
Its robust hardwood case, lined with soft-touch burgundy material, provides excellent protection and a touch of luxury.
The BE928G embodies the quintessential British brass band sound, making it a top choice for advanced players and professional bands.
Our trumpet recommendations
Student Trumpet by Gear4music, Gold
The Student Trumpet by Gear4music is a high-quality yet affordable option for beginners. Its yellow brass body and medium-bore lead pipe deliver a resonant, rich sound. Nickel-plated valves enhance durability and responsiveness, making the trumpet responsive to faster passages.
This trumpet includes a mouthpiece and a lightweight, protective case for easy transport.
Coppergate Intermediate Bb Trumpet by Gear4music
The Coppergate Intermediate Bb Trumpet by Gear4music is great for student and intermediate players up to grade 8. It features a rose brass bell, leadpipe, and durable monel valves for a smooth response and longevity.
Notable features include an 11.66mm bore size, 125mm bell diameter, and two movable tuning slides on the first and third valves, providing excellent tuning flexibility. Supplied with a mouthpiece and a sturdy hard case, it’s an excellent choice for advancing players.
Besson BE110 New Standard Bb Trumpet, Clear Lacquer
The Besson BE110 New Standard Bb Trumpet is crafted for beginners. It features an easy-blowing leadpipe for a balanced tone and excellent tuning. The trumpet’s smaller valve block assists players with smaller hands.
Made from yellow brass and finished with clear lacquer, the trumpet is extremely durable and has a classic, professional aesthetic. The stainless steel valves offer smooth and fast action. Included is a mouthpiece and a backpack-style case for convenient transport.
Besson BE111 New Standard Bb Trumpet, Silver Plated
The Besson BE111 New Standard Bb Trumpet is ideal for advancing students up to grade 6, with a leadpipe for a freer blowing experience and better intonation.
The smaller valve block is comfortable for players with smaller hands, and there are finger rings on the first and third valve slides for easy tuning adjustments.
The durable construction is complemented by a lightweight case and mouthpiece, ensuring protection and convenience.
FAQs
Is a cornet easier to play than a trumpet?
A cornet is easier to play than a trumpet due to the fact it is easier to hold. This however shouldn’t discourage players if they want to learn trumpet before cornet as the trumpet can be as equally rewarding to learn.
Which is louder, a cornet or a trumpet?
Neither the trumpet nor the cornet is louder than the other, although the trumpet does have a more cutting tone than the cornet which possesses a warmer tone.
How can you tell a cornet from a trumpet?
A cornet is smaller than a trumpet, with the trumpet having a longer body and the cornet being more compact. You can easily identify a cornet by the shape of its bore, which is conical, unlike a trumpet’s cylindrical bore. The sound produced by a cornet is also warmer and richer than that of a trumpet.
Final thoughts
Cornets and trumpets might be similar, but they have some key differences – some of which might be the deciding factors in whether you play one or the other! The two main distinctions are the sound and size.
If you want a compact instrument that has a rich, mellow brass-band-ready sound, choose the cornet. If you want a brighter, more cutting sound that’s suitable for large ensembles, such as orchestras and jazz bands, opt for the trumpet. Whichever is right for you, we hope our cornet vs. trumpet guide has deepened your understanding of the two instruments!
For further reading, check out other orchestral articles:
Tuba vs. Sousaphone – What’s the Difference?
Brass Instruments – What Are They?
Violin vs. Fiddle – Is There a Difference?
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