Vintage Cornet Intonation

jhatpro · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 3:49 am Post subject: Vintage Cornet Intonation

Which makes and models do you think have the fewest intonation issues?
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

VetPsychWars · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 4:15 am Post subject:

Buescher.

Tom
_________________
1950 Buescher Lightweight 400 Trumpet
1949 Buescher 400 Trumpet
1939 Buescher 400 Cornet
GR65M, GR65 Cor #1

gjarrell · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 4:52 am Post subject:

Jim, I'm using a Conn 12A right now for Symphony Fantastique...it's right on. Surprising and amazing.
_________________
Glenn
"When you play, make a statement. Don't ask a question." - Prof. Fielder

jhatpro · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 5:41 am Post subject:

Thanks, guys!

I just missed a 12A on eBay this week!

Tom, which Buescher do you recommend? I know I've played some of yours at our hangs and liked them a lot but I can't remember the models.
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

VetPsychWars · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 6:58 am Post subject:

Crazy Finn · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 9:57 am Post subject:

jhatpro · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 10:52 am Post subject:

Thanks, Tom!
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

Dale Proctor · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 5:45 pm Post subject:

I suppose it depends on how "vintage" a cornet you are interested in. For the 20th century models, my Conn 5A and 9A have terrific intonation. For the 19th century, I'm really surprised how well in tune the old Bessons play.
_________________
"Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away ." - Sir Thomas Beecham

Axelip · Veteran Member Joined: 07 Nov 2009 Posts: 151

reedman1 · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2014 5:26 pm Post subject:

My 1916 Conn New Wonder is lower-pitched than our modern A=440, but it's very self-consistent. My 1938 King Master and ca. 1950 Getzen Super Deluxe Tone Balanced both have excellent built-in intonation, with the King having a bit of an edge. I think if you get a good model from a reputable manufacturer and it's in good condition, you can pretty much rely on it.
_________________
All the instruments of joy...

trptplyr35 · New Member Joined: 09 Oct 2014 Posts: 5

I really like the older Getzen Eternas, the ones with a tighter leadpipe wrap.

trum_Peter · Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2014 3:13 pm Post subject:

My Conn 36a cornets (two) have best intonation of my collection, which includes many other makes/models (ranging 40-100 years old). Ive found York Perfectone is really good too, and quite frequently available on eBay. I've posted a lot of recordings from these two horns on Soundcloud and YouTube. I put a couple links in my "introduction" post in the lounge. Here's one on 36a just as an example: http://soundcloud.com/the-hermanator/oh-come-all-ye-faithful-jazz/s-Id89C 36a has no third or first valve slide throw, but I don't miss them (except maybe low C# could benefit). Read about this on Conn Loyalist site...
_________________
2009 Yamaha 8335LA tpt
2000 Yamaha 6445HSII (C tpt)
2000 Leblanc F357 Flugel
1940 Conn 36A Concert Grand cornet (fav)
1938 King Silvertone Master Model cornet
1935 Conn 22B New York Symph. tpt.
1915 York PerfecTone cornet (also a favorite)

trum_Peter · Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2014 3:24 pm Post subject:

P.S. the cornet pictured on Conn Loyalist: http://cderksen.home.xs4all.nl/Conn36A1940image.html
is my actual horn - I figured this out after I had purchased it, based upon the lacquer blemishes (purchased on Ebay, so I didn't know seller). This is my "go to" cornet - I like the sound I get out of this brass one better than my silver-plate model of similar vintage. Both have valves aligned, so maybe it is the effect of lacquer. . Who knows what mysteries lurk inside the tubing of vintage cornets. . .
_________________
2009 Yamaha 8335LA tpt
2000 Yamaha 6445HSII (C tpt)
2000 Leblanc F357 Flugel
1940 Conn 36A Concert Grand cornet (fav)
1938 King Silvertone Master Model cornet
1935 Conn 22B New York Symph. tpt.
1915 York PerfecTone cornet (also a favorite)

Dale Proctor · Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 6:07 am Post subject:

bunny · Veteran Member Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 230

I have a very early King Master from about 1915 that is definitely at about A=435-6. ( Have a buddy with an old Holton that is similar.) My 1940 example is A=440. Both are quite in tune- remember that the 3rd valve slide is purposely made a bit long in these horns.

reedman1 · Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 9:17 am Post subject:

Dale Proctor · Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 10:18 am Post subject:

Well, I stand corrected, then.

_________________
"Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away ." - Sir Thomas Beecham

reedman1 · Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 10:47 am Post subject:

Dale Proctor · Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 10:58 am Post subject:

Yep. My experience with cornets after the turn of the century is that the ones marked "LP" are A-440. The unmarked ones (and the ones marked "HP") are usually around A=452. I did a little reading on this a few minutes ago, and there was a French standard pitch adopted in the mid-1800's that was A=435. That must be the pitch these examples y'all have mentioned are tuned to.
_________________
"Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away ." - Sir Thomas Beecham

reedman1 · Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 11:07 am Post subject:

I think that's probably correct. I would much rather that your original understanding were - I could have saved a lot of money and trouble by not having to try to figure out whether my cornet was flat or it was just me, and then buying mouthpiece after mouthpiece to try to correct it.
_________________
All the instruments of joy...