Reviewing the Best Cornets for Beginners

If you’re a serious cornetist, you know that playing your instrument has its perks. Not only does playing it provide you with a great thrill, but it also improves your hand-eye coordination, helps improve your posture, and builds muscle mass. But how do you choose a good cornet? That's where we come in. We‘ve been researching the best cornets and scouring the forums for feedback from owners and professionals. Our goal is to pass on the information we glean from our research to you, so you can make informed purchasing decisions. We've narrowed down the cornettes into five types, based on factors such as price, build quality, customer reviews, durability, support, ease of use, length of run time, size, sound, adjustability, sturdiness, vibration, versatility, customizability and more. So, whether you're a professional or a hobbyist who just wants to play the horn, there's a cornet for you.

What are some tips for finding the right cornet?

Cornets are a simple instrument to master, but you still want to make sure you’re getting the best for your money. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your new cornet.

Keep it Simple

You‘ll spend more on a cornet if it's simple, so be sure to choose one with a small, flat head. It should fit comfortably in your hand, and it should have some sort of hinge that you can tighten or loosen to get a comfortable tone. You also don't want a cotton-wrapped cornett that's not going to last.

Look for a High-quality Finish

A cornet should be a stylish instrument that will hold up well to wear and tear. A lacquered finish, for instance, will add an attractive, vintage look to your instrument.

What should I consider when purchasing a cornet?

We had a blast testing these cornets for this Buying Guide, and we hope you do, too. Here are a few more things to consider before purchasing one.

Comfort

These cornet makers are intended to be used with flat-brimmed hats and glasses, so they offer plenty of adjustment options. However, if you’re looking for a model that won‘t make your ears itch, you might want to look in a different price range. A more modestly priced cornet might work well for you.

Design

For a truly versatile cornett, check out the quality of the design and finish. The width and length of these grills can vary, which makes for an attractive choice if your cornette will be worn with glasses or flat brimmed hat. Some cornet makers have an integrated cupholder, while others sport a single lid. Each style can make for different-looking cornetts, but you can usually tell them apart by their lid shape.

Type

Cornets come in various styles, such as oval or round. They might also feature a combination of shape types. Check the manufacturer's description to find out what's available with your specific model.

How expensive are cornets and their accesssories?

Cornet

A basic cornet may cost $50 to $200, with prices increasing with size. Mid-range cornets generally cost between $100 and $300, while premium models can cost up to several thousand dollars. Entry-level cornettas also cost a little more. A high-end cornette usually costs between several hundred dollars and several thousands of dollars, but these cornettes are often handmade in small batches.

Cornet Accessories

You’ll also find a wide range of corneta accessories, including case, stands, and cleaning supplies.

Case

Most cornet case sets cost anywhere from $20 to over $60. Cases with attractive designs and solid wood construction are the most popular.

Stand

Many cornet stands are also designed for display and may come in a range from around $15 to well over a $150.

Cleaning Supplies

Cornets with cleaning tools and accessories cost significantly more than basic models. Pricier models tend to come with a longer warranty and various cleaning accessories.

How Do We Choose Our Selection Of Cornets?

Finding the best cornets for your musical setup is very important. With so many brands and models available, it was essential that we used these factors to narrow our selection down to the top products.

Brand

The brand of the cornet is an extremely important factor when looking to make a purchase. There are a lot of well-known brands that manufacture high-quality, high performing musical equipment, and these brands are always recommending the perfect models for you to check out. This is especially true for classical and jazz musicians who rely on their cornettes for their highest performing potential.

Price

Price is another extremely vital factor to take into consideration when searching for the ideal cornette for yourself or a friend. We know that everyone has different budgets and different musical needs. The best way to ensure you get a quality cornET for a fair price is to compare different brands as well as price points across the market.

Reviews

Reviews are another great way of discovering the good and the bad about a product. Through these reviews, we were able to discover a range of cornettas that offer exceptional performance and outstanding features that make them a great addition to your music kit.

What Features Should You Look For In Cornet?

Scales & Sustainors

The design of your cornetta is crucial to its performance. While a classical cornet is designed to be a perfect tone anchor for many instruments, a jazz cornet can be modified to suit the needs of different jazz players. A cornet should have a durable, yet lightweight feel to it, meaning that it is easy to move and requires little to no maintenance. It should be durable enough to survive vigorous play, so you don’t need to worry about it breaking when exposed to lots of action. Additionally, you should also look for cornets with sustainors to dampen the sound when needed. When searching online for details about the features you might require in your new cornatas, make sure you read up on customer reviews to find out what other musicians think about your chosen cornet.

Sound Quality

Cornets are instruments that are predominantly made from wood, however, there are some models which are made of composite materials such as spruce or maple. Each wood type has its benefits and drawbacks, which is why it's important to think of how these different materials will affect your performance before investing in a new instrument. For instance, if you are interested in playing bass, the noise produced by a spalted maple cornete would be better suited to a front-end bass. Check the specifications for what kind of wood you can use and make your decision from there.

Size

While size is definitely a deciding factor, size can also be an advantage. If you have limited space for storage, then it may be worth considering a cornet with a smaller size. On the other hand, some musicians prefer larger cornets since they are easier to play and move.

Other Things to Consider

The best cornets have one thing in common, they’re made from quality materials that are durable and long-lasting. The best features of a cornet include the following:

Some cornettors are attached to a stand that can be moved from place to place. This is ideal for performers who are frequently changing their instruments. Because it‘s easier to move a basic cornet from one spot to another, it can become a permanent part of your set. Some quality cornet stands can rotate 360°, so you can position the instrument to the exact spot where you want to play. A stand is what keeps your cornet in place while you're playing. It's usually made of wood, metal, or plastic, and it must be strong enough to withstand the weight of the cornet. Quality stands are usually adjustable, which means you don't have to worry about it feeling flimsy when you play it.