Best (used) Cornet under $500

DC · Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2003 1:35 pm Post subject:

I'm in the market for a cornet in the $500 and under price bracket. I currently double on trumpet and flugel, and there are times when I need something that fits in between the two -- which in my experience would be a good cornet.

I don't have a lot to spend on this, so I can't by a horn at the level I'd prefer (if money were no object) -- I'm stretching the budget hard at $500. What I DON'T want to do is buy a cheap horn and pay for it again every time I pick it up, so I've already written off the cheezy offshore junk that comes from the musical cesspools, so no warning is necessary there.

I know that there's a camp that will immediately recommend an Olds Ambassador, and I'm not at all closed to that option. Still, I've seen a lot of cornets in the under $500 bracket, and I'm curious what others are also great choices. I know for sure that all student hoirns are not created equal -- not even all student horns under a particular name are created equal. After all, those beloved Ambassadors are student horns.

So, anyway, in your experience and opinion, :

1) What's the very best cornet I can buy for $500 or less?

2) What (other than the offshore junk, see above) do I want to avoid like monkey plague?

3) Do I want a shepherds crook? Why or why not? What's good under $500? Comments on the Yamaha YCR2330II vs Bach CR310 appreciated.

Thanks!

D.

trumpetmike · Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2003 3:19 pm Post subject:

Apart from the Olds (which people will start recommending soon, trust me!), I would keep an eye out for the pro models appearing on Ebay (and similar sites). You do, sometimes, see decent instruments going for very little - thinking of instruments like Besson (Sovereign) or the Maestro (Yamaha) and the like.

If you spend a few minutes searching through this forum and you will soon come across people's various opinions on the different makes.

Of the cheaper options that might be available to you, I would definitely recommend that you try the B&S (quite new on the market, very impressive cornet) or the Weril (very underestimated, in my opinion). Both of these may be available new within your price range, I'm afraid I have no idea on the US prices for these - again, I'm sure someone will be able to fill in the information.

As with all instrument recommendations, I would definitely see if you can try before you buy. You may find that one make works better for you than others.

What are you intending to use the instrument for?
This will have quite an impact on whether I would recommend a shepherd's crook or not. If you are intending doing any sort of brass banding, they are the way to go - trust me, I'm from the UK!

DC · Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2003 5:42 pm Post subject:

jhaysom · Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2003 6:16 pm Post subject:

Long Model: Several King Master models have sold on ebay for US$300 or less. You might even be able to get a Silvertone version (Sterling silver bell) for US$500 or not much more.

Shepherd's Crook: Yamaha 2330's sell for around US$300.

I've got one of each of these and they're very good.
_________________
John Haysom
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
Yamaha 8310ZS trumpet
Yamaha 6310ZS trumpet
Courtois flugel
1941 King Silvertone cornet
1941 King 2B valve trombone
Kanstul 920 piccolo
etc.

BeboppinFool · Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2003 7:51 pm Post subject:

This horn is extremely good:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2367495480&category=41396&rd=1

I hate to have to sell it, but I need to liquidate a couple more horns.

Rich
_________________
Puttin’ On The Ritz

boofredlay · Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2003 8:02 pm Post subject:

Yamaha student model cornet is a great buy. You can get them new at WWBW for around $800 so finding a used one for under $500 should be no problem. I got mine for $350 from my local repair guru. And it plays great.
_________________
Yamaha 6345S Bb Trumpet
Yamaha 6445HS C Trumpet
Yamaha 2330 Cornet
https://www.coroflot.com/boofredlay

Ash · Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2003 9:08 pm Post subject:

Check out this steal of a deal: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2367703025&category=16214

It's not too shabby, as far as they go. It's not a super-cornet, but it'll do the job. It's a nice model for a beginner/intermediate. The auctions still got a ways to go, but from the looks of it, it won't be a budget stretch.

rich · Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2003 5:02 am Post subject:

Olds Recording Cornet

Yamaha 2330

[ This Message was edited by: rich on 2004-04-19 14:08 ]

plp · Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2003 5:12 am Post subject:

IMOHO, the best is a Conn 38-A Short Model. While these don't show up very often, when they do, they go fast, and there is a reason for that.

SHS_Trumpet · Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2003 4:07 pm Post subject:

I've owned probably 20 cornets in the last three years and the only one I've kept during that whole period is a 1915 conn 80A it's got a great very flexible sound. Usually you can pick them up for around 200 and they are definately pro models
_________________
Andrew Fowler
MYNWA
"90% of trumpet music is below high C"

_swthiel · Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2003 4:56 pm Post subject:

Check it out!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2368545306&category=41396
_________________
Steve Thiel

Matthew 25:31-46

bophead · Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2003 5:20 pm Post subject:

I tried out a Getzen before I bought a Kanstul and was impressed. I am extremely happy with my Kanstul though. I thought it somewhat darker than the Getzen I am sure you can find one in the price range you want. Best of luck!

Dano · Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2003 6:30 pm Post subject:

I recently intended to purchase a good used Cornet. Just happened to try a new Getzen 481 with the shepperds crook. This horn also has the rose brass bell giving it a nice warm look and sound. I get the oppertunity to play in a couple concert bands through out the year, and play both Cornet and Trumpet parts. The little Getzen was quite a surprise for the money! If your making a living putting food on the table with your horns, you better look to the big $ pro grade horns. If your looking for a nice little horn that won't frustrate you and is a good value, try the 481.
During a recent Christmas concert, I had the pleasure of playing 3rd Cornet on Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride".
This took me way down under the staff! I was amazed at how full and open this little horn sounded! It defineitly fits right between my regular Bb horn and my 4 valve fluegel! Test one before you buy used!!
Getzens top line Cornet is the 3850, I'll have to have one some day!!

plankowner110 · Heavyweight Member Joined: 12 Jun 2003 Posts: 3620

Watch for a KING Master Model cornet or a Getzen Eterna 800 or Getzen Capri.
_________________
C. G. Conn 60B Super Connstellation
Getzen 800S Eterna cornet
Bach 5C (Jens Lindemann is right)
https://www.trumpetherald.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=26763

ARB · Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2003 7:22 pm Post subject:

You just missed a nice Olds Super Cornet:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2367465472&category=41396

But here is a nice Olds Opera:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2368409616&category=41396
_________________
Allen - 'Chops-in-Hotlanta'

00 Schilke S22
78 Yamaha 732 Cornet
77 LA Benge
54 LA Olds Recording & 49 Ambassador Cornet

"It's what we think we know that keeps us from knowing"

[ This Message was edited by: ARB on 2003-12-26 22:29 ]

DC · Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2003 9:20 am Post subject:

tvknight415 · Veteran Member Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Posts: 132 Location: WI

jhatpro · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2003 2:11 pm Post subject:

Keep an eye out for a King Master. They play great and they're undervalued. I bought one on eBay in near mint condition for $170. I use a Curry Deep Cornet mouthpiece with it and it has a nice, dark sound. It's very well made with super fast valves.
_________________
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

DC · Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2004 6:13 pm Post subject:

Well, I did it. For better or worse, I bought a Cornet -- a Getzen Eterna:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2368707236&category=41396&rd=1

I went a little over my $500 budget -- $527.77 -- but I've seen them sell for more. The Eterna has been on my short list of cornets I'd like to have, even before I started this thread. Time will tell if I've bought wisely.

The only problem I have is that it comes with a gig bag instead of a hard case. I've never liked gig bags -- I just don't think they provide very good protection. Anyone have a suggestion on a good (but reasonably priced) case? I can get the original Getzen case for $150 from WWBW, but I'd rather spend less if I can still get something good at a lower price.

Comments?

D.
_________________
Conn Vintage One 1BR-46R-SLB -- GR66L
Getzen 20S -- GR66L
Conn 51B C trumpet -- TBD
Conn Vintage One Flugelhorn -- GR66FD
Yamaha YCR-6335HS Cornet -- Sparx 3
---
"He heals the brokenhearted, and bandages their wounds" -- Psalm 147:3

trumpetmike · Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2004 1:20 am Post subject:

Congrats on your purchase, you should have a great time with the Getzen. I played one for a year or so (as a student) and found it to be a very respectable cornet.

As for the case, I have a feeling that the gig bag option might be the best option for you, or the original style case. The problem with the Getzen (as far as cases go) is the shape. The tendency is for cases to be built for the Besson, Yamaha shape cornets, the Getzen (assuming I remember it correctly) has a different shape tuning slide (lower than the other makes) and won't fit into the cases.
Memory also serves that ProTec makes a cornet case (maybe a bag, can't remember, a few years since I saw one) that would work.

Sorry I can't be more helpful.