Trumpet vs Cornet: What's The Difference Between A Trumpet and a Cornet?

This video will explain the difference between trumpet and cornet plus 6 additional questions on the subject.
Question 1: Is it easier to play trumpet or cornet? Both the trumpet and the cornet are Bb instruments so they are at the same pitch which can make it easier to transition from one to the other in performance situations. Also, the small size of the cornet makes it easier to hold for children, compared to the trumpet.
Does a cornet sound like a trumpet? They are similar but ultimately, no, they do not some the same.
Which is louder the trumpet or cornet? In terms of decibel levels, they can come close to each other. The trumpet does have a brighter sound in comparison while the cornet has a warm sound compared to the trumpet.
Is the fingering the same on trumpet and cornet? Yes!
Can you use a trumpet mouthpiece on a cornet? Not directly. You will need a specially made adapter for each of the mouthpieces to fit in the opposite shank.
What is the difference between a trumpet and a cornet?
trumpet has a cylindrical bore which allows the sound to cut more than a cornet would. In comparison, the cornet has a continuous conical bore and as a result the sound is warmer than the trumpet. There is also an obvious difference in size. The cornet is smaller than the trumpet.
0:00 What Is Difference Between Trumpet and Cornet?
1:18 Does A Cornet Sound Like A Trumpet?
2:27 Which Is Louder The Trumpet or Cornet?
3:38 Is It Easier To Play Trumpet or Cornet?
4:47 Is The Fingering The Same On Trumpet And Cornet?
5:17 Can You Use A Trumpet Mouthpiece On A Cornet?

[@fdblade1529]

I once heard someone describe the difference of tone in visual terms, with the trumpet being like a laser and a cornet like a flashlight.

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

That’s a great way to explain it! I’ll use that one!

[@louisthompson1020]

I love that warm rounded cornet sound.

[@francoismartel4135]

I am a bass player and found your video very informative. I finally know the diffrrence between a trumpet and a cornet

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Wonderful! Thanks François!

[@TuanBasikal]

Nice demo. I prefer cornet, because I like its warmer sound and "singing" range. My musical taste is 1920s jazz and I started playing cornet during my Bix Beiderbecke phase. These days I mainly play stringed instruments, which don't annoy the neighbors as much as the cornet did.

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

good choice!

[@TuanBasikal]

@@ChrisDavisTrumpet Do you mean the choice of cornet or the choice to play stringed instruments instead? Maybe you were one of my neighbors!

[@waightkl]

Love this Chris. A very clear explanation and demonstration. I play ( Eb tuba these days, but I started on the Bb cornet ) in a British brass band. There are no trumpets, just cornets as the warmer sound of the Cornet lends itself better to the layering and structuring of a band sound. The trumpet is more a solo instrument and you can't have a band of soloists. Of course there is always the Eb Soprano cornet, of which there is usually only one in a band, if you want to make a "stand out" sound. Despite being the smallest instrument in the band it is, arguably, the hardest to play. If you want to go the other way, the flugel horn has an even warmer sound than the cornet, it's "the comfy old armchair" of the higher pitched instruments.

[@franksulka3346]

Fantastic demonstration. Very informative and much appreciated.

[@christophertsiliacos8958]

Great tutorial, Chris! I already play both the Bb trumpet and flugelhorn. It's time for me to add the cornet to my repertoire for those warm, smooth jazz tunes. I should be up to the challenge, being that all three instruments play in the treble clef, and share the exact same fingering chart. BTW: I can use my trumpet mouthpiece with my flugelhorn. 😊🎼🎺🎶

[@directcurrent5751]

Just subscribed. I've been learning Cornet for two months because i love the sound. And there were more of them in good brands like vintage CONN onneBay. But after i am ready for a newer intermediate horn, i will need to settle. My goal is to be a Miles fusion tribute player, and that was another benefit the cornet. GREAT CHANNEL

[@directcurrent5751]

Excellent demonstration and explanation. You are an excellent teacher.

[@rubenyeye]

Hi Chris, my son is 7yr old and started two weeks ago with his trumpet classes. The teacher told us to buy a cornet about the size. Now I know more about the differences between this two nice instruments for your great video, thank you!

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

It’s my pleasure to serve and I wish your son good luck on this new journey. It’s a great one. As he wants to learn new concepts, the channel is here for him. Thanks Ruben!

[@donalddodson7365]

Nice explanation, Chris. Good demonstration, too. I never mastered brass instruments. In Jr. High my younger brother played trombone and I played oboe and clarinet. We swapped for a while, but then gave up.

[@MrJcasilva]

very good video! We are always learning with your good demonstrations! keep sharing your knowledge! thanks a lot! greetings from Brazil!

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

I appreciate you; thank you!

[@fleurafricaine5740]

Good presentation. Good explanations. Thanks.

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Thanks for watching!

[@wordsmithgmxch]

The information cas clear and accurate; but you can find that in other places. What got my "like", Chris, was your voice: so warm, so natural. It's like listening to your best friend.

[@brendaboykin3281]

Thank you,Chris😎Extremely clear and informative.🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@karldtrumpeter]

Insightful, Chris. Thank you!

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Sure thing, Karl! It’s always good to hear from you! Thanks for watching the video!

[@artesynegocio2243]

gran explicación, estupenda demostración, muchas gracias.

[@parttimedrummer6037]

Good explanation EXCEPT for you comment that the Cornet is smaller. Both Trumpet and Cornet are the same length. The cornet tubing is wrapped so it appears smaller/shorter. To prove this, both Trumpet and Cornet have the same pitch when playing similar notes. If the Cornet were smaller, it would sound higher in pitch.

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

🤦🏾‍♂️ thank you!

[@jryer1]

Great video. As a singer I prefer to have brass included in most compositions. There's just something powerful about the "announcement" that comes when brass instruments are played.

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

You've got that right! 😆🎺

[@petervarghese2169]

Really your lessons are interesting. When I was a child I loved the trumpet and cornet very much. Because the keys attracted me. Unfortunately I have learnt 7 instruments to play but failed in blowing instruments.😂

[@mysticakhenaton1701]

GREAT ADVICE GOOD BROTHER...I just purchase a Herche Superior B.flat Trumpet M1. looks, and sound Great.

[@MegaMech]

Now I'm curious about the use of cornet in the wind band. (More specifically concert band) and why it may not be used. School bands often have an issue with trumpets being too loud. The cornet seems really suitable.

[@yaboijeff4839]

In full orchestra or even some wind ensembles, the cornet is a more desirable instrument to be used by trumpet players because of its softer sound. It’s pretty much up to the director what instrument players use. In my experience, the trumpet is a better pick for symphonic band, at least at my school. My first trumpet parts required being particularly loud and high. If a trumpet player is too loud, then the director needs to smack some sense into that player. It’s not hard to be soft on trumpet, but it is pretty hard to be soft in context.

[@MegaMech]

@@yaboijeff4839 fair enough.what if someone needs to smask sense into the director for the director to smack sense into the trumpet.

[@rogernelsonjr6969]

our band is playing Slava! by Leonard Bernstein arr. Clare Grundman and it has both Cornet and Trumpet parts that are both different. so theres a 1st cornet part and a 1st trumpet part that have different notes written in

[@yaboijeff4839]

@@MegaMech the director might just like that sort of sound.

[@MegaMech]

@@yaboijeff4839 naa thats not the case lol. Please I am being humourous

[@GaryBadger]

Something else to consider about which is "easier"... Trumpets are widely available in medium, medium/large, and large bore sizes whereas cornets are more commonly available in large bore sizes. A larger bore cornet with its conical bore requires more air and offers less resistance than an ML bore trumpet with its cylindrical bore, and this can impact a player's endurance and range. For this reason, I find it more comfortable to play trumpet over cornet. Especially for extended periods.

[@directcurrent5751]

Good points Gary Badger. I have not settled. My trumpet arrives today. I'm trying to sound like Miles, so I've been focusing on cornet for two months.

[@CoffeeWineAndWater]

So glad I found this channel 👍🏽

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Me too! Welcome! 😊

[@Matraka2000]

Nice video. When are you doing the trumpet and flugelhorn?. It will be nice as the sound of your videos are great.

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Thank you! I have plans for other videos in the coming weeks but I'll add this request.

[@jcortese3300]

To me, the difference will always just be that cornets sound better. :-) I love the more cushiony sound they make, but I've wondered how much of it is due to the player and the mouthpiece. I tried to play a brass instrument once, but my overbite killed it. Thankfully, the 8-key flute was there! Actually it sounds like the differences between the 8-key flute and the modern Boehm flute are much like the differences between cornet and trumpet. Conical v cylindrical bore, dark/rich v light/penetrating sound, quieter v louder, and less range up high.

[@igidijustice325]

thanks, nice video

[@chriskodani2543]

Great video! What is that lovely song called?

[@nomannic1]

Super cool! What was that tune you played at 1:44 ?

[@willypagiatis5901]

Excellent! what about high notes? easier on trumpet or in cornet?

[@elidewine9067]

What mouthpiece it is? I ask because I've seen you play it in other videos and it looks like a great mouthpiece. The sound is equal to the Monette which I cannot afford. Thank you.

[@ajw9975]

I think a discussion cornet vs. trumpet mouthpieces is also in order. A question I have for you. There are trumpet type mouthpieces that you can fit onto a cornet (i.e., Bach) to make it sound, "trumpet-like". But is the reverse true and ever used (i.e., cornet type mouthpieces made for a trumpet)? I don't feel deep bowl-funnel type mouthpieces you find on a cornet are as common in the trumpet side of things.

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

I own a flugel cup with a trumpet shank and the trumpet sounds more like a flumpet. Maybe I can demonstrate that some time on the channel. Great topic, thanks for this comment!

[@directcurrent5751]

I would love a video on how M P could warm the trumpet sound. If possible.

[@timothyturner1730]

Good presentation.

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for commenting!

[@ftera4]

Another great video Chris. Thank you. Who makes good conical mouthpieces for cornet? The cup on my bach mouthpiece for cornet is just like the cup on my trumpet mouthpieces. Not conical.

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

I recently purchased a mouthpiece by Pickett. I love it. Dennis Wick is another option.

[@directcurrent5751]

I want the mellower sounding M P for my trumpet. Is that a thing?

[@bruceweaver1518]

In composition, does the composer have to use two different trumpets/cornets for flat and sharp scales?

[@robertwagner7867]

Which of the two are more in demand if you're wanting to perform?

[@dorothygale5896]

Really good video.

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Glad you enjoyed it; happy to create it for you!

[@flaviuscountry]

I like my cornet for the richness, especially muted. I like my trumpet to play with some sting. Either way, it makes me happy 😊

[@VernDenHerder1]

Cornet is to a Telecaster neck pickup as a trumpet is to a Strat neck pickup. I heard that once and it seems to obtain.

[@vlograjeshfouji7818]

Good 👍

[@animedrummerboy]

I played cornet in school this was a fun comparison to see

[@countingongod3900]

Thank you Chris. ❤😊

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

You’re welcome; thank you for watching!

[@user-zf7lm5lm3w]

Could you make a video explaining how to do a Louis Armstrong style vibrato?

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Man, that’s a tough one but I suppose I could. So far I have stayed away from posting other content on this channel because the rules of social media (KZbin) change so often. I don’t want to get penalized in the future. But that is an important topic that people need to study.

[@user-zf7lm5lm3w]

@@ChrisDavisTrumpet Completely understandable. If you could make a video about that, (regardless of the platform that it’s posted on) that would be greatly appreciated.🙏

[@chasefreak]

Nice job Mr. Davis-enjoy your posts. Let us all give thanks to "Pops" (Louis Armstrong) for making the obviously highly intellectual superior decision of switching from the Cornet to Bb Trumpet, despite the fact Elden Benge considered the Bb Trumpet a "gimmick" we're all glad he was proved hysterically wrong. This statement, though tongue-and-cheek, has some truth

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Thank you JJ! Nice lesson!

[@directcurrent5751]

Is there a music role difference, such as blues versus rock?

[@HermeticDawn17]

Curious what cornet brand /model youd recommend? I used to play for 4 years in school and want a good model. I got expensive taste lol

[@directcurrent5751]

Can never go wrong with GETZEN gear.

[@brandonwilson8115]

In a way it seems like the difference from player to player might sometimes be bigger than the cornet-trumpet difference. If you had a trumpet player with a naturally dark sound, vs a cornet player with a naturally bright sound, you would still have a darker sound out of the trumpet player? Granted, he could get a sound that is even darker by switching to cornet, but it would relative, not constant.

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Yes, this is possible.

[@TuanBasikal]

The choice of mouthpiece is also significant, and some cornets are more trumpet-like in sound. Some of my friends bring several different b-flat brass horns to a job and play whichever one they think suits the tune.

[@brandonwilson8115]

@@TuanBasikal I think I heard apocryphal stories about guys like Lew Soloff showing up to a gig with a literal bucket of mouthpieces and switching based on the tune like you said.

[@TuanBasikal]

@@brandonwilson8115 Not just mouthpieces but entire horns. One of my friends brings a cornet, trumpet, mellophone and fluegelhorn to his gigs.

[@directcurrent5751]

Be interesting to hear A B of same cornet played with bowl versus funnel mouthpiece. And an A B of same trumpet played with bowl versus funnel mouthpiece. I'd like a M P bringing my trumpet sound closer to a cornet.

[@mattbonner12]

Do you have a personal preference between the two? I'd imagine the one you'd want to choose would depend on the piece you're playing, but just as far as the sound and tone go, do you have a preference?

[@orvildillenbeck9613]

It has always been a bit of a mystery to me why the trumpet has become so much more popular than the cornet among players. It seems like there is a "real men play trumpet" vibe in some music rooms. Any thoughts on that? Btw, I would also like to see a video comparing either cornet or trumpet to flugelhorn.

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

I know what you mean when you say there’s a vibe that real men play trumpet. I’m not sure where that came from but it certainly isn’t valid. Cornet is a beautiful sounding instrument and I intend to play it more often! A flugelhorn and trumpet and cornet comparison? Sure, you’ve got it!

[@TuanBasikal]

My understanding is that in jazz, the cornet which had been more popular (as jazz was rooted in a brass band tradition) was replaced by the trumpet mainly because the trumpet could go higher, above the range of the other instruments. The cornet was actually the first brass instrument to have valves, and was first used in military bands, where practicality overcame tradition. It took longer for orchestral players to accept valved instruments.

[@IdaCurspam]

Coronet sound is more toy-like with a soft, fluid attack where trumpet is percussive, bright and focused. I noticed most people mention coronet conical and trumpet straight but there is more to this. Saxophones are conical but straight, where coronets tubing is less conical but wrapped more like a pocket trumpet. When you try to clean a coronet, you especially see the difference because all the turns make it almost impossible for proper maintenance which is one reason why they stopped being popular. This and their lack of ability to blend with the louder more in tune trumpet section. One of the most important physics that I never hear mention as different than trumpet is the entire lead pipe assembly on coronet is longer than trumpet (and conical originally because straight tubing losses clarity) and coronet bell is shorter than trumpet hence the toy-like sound. lead pipe on brass is where the responsive, clarified, tonal design is found. The bell is the amplifier that characterizes the instrument. Balance trumpets had a much longer bell for a deeper amplified characterization and a shorter lead pipe assembly for more tonality, and flexibility control. Bore size changes characteristics, and volume when played melodically but when forced past standard tonal design and depending on the musician whether coronet or trumpet original characteristics are undefined due to significant diversity,

[@marklies3561]

Does anyone know what song he played at ~1:50 to show the overall difference between the two instruments? I feel like I have heard that song but cannot remember the name of the song. Thanks in advance!

[@gethoman]

The song its called when Sunny gets blue

[@paulgrimm]

Thank you.

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Sure thing Paul!

[@dapperbowtique2696]

Love the cornet sound.

[@blackrichard1029]

Good sh**! Thanks!

[@teresamessenger5399]

Subscribed

[@sebthi7890]

if i saw right it is the corent which is significantly louder. The difference of 3 decibels corresponds to a doubling of the volume. Trumpet peek at about 107db and about cornet 110db. But from psychoacoustic point of view the difference is not that big.

[@eddieboggs8306]

Which has two valves?

[@rexbaxter5020]

Is a fluegelhorn better for playing jazz music?

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Not necessarily. It depends on the song and the person playing the music.

[@paulgrimm]

You have a beautiful trumpet with that bronze bell

[@gethoman]

In my opinion the main difference between them its not neccesarly the timbre because there are many C cups long shank cornet mouthpieces available and with that kind of mouthpiece even the best shepherd crook cornets like the yamaha neo or besson sovereign sounds bright almost like a trumpet and on the other hand we have trumpet mouthpieces with V cups like the yamahas 14E or 16 E that make most trumpets sound dark, i think that what makes them different is that on the cornet its easier to get more conection between the notes so the phrases sound more lyrical with a more singing quality also the cornets are known to be more agile making easier to play difficult tonguing passages cleaner than on trumpet, also there are some trills like the one from middle c to middle d that are usually cleaner on the cornet than on the trumpet, thats due to the way the air travels the instrument. The timbre of the cornet its more versatile than the trumpet, at low volume with the right mouthpiece it could sound almost like a flugelhorn, and pushing it with a c cup or shallow mouthpiece it could sound as bright as a trumpet but with less projection, one musician that took advantage of the cornet versatile timbre was Nat Adderley. By the way your sound its amazing on that cornet, i guess thas a yamaha 2310 ii or iii.

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

You’re spot on in everything you’ve said here, Santo! I was considering making a video about how a mouthpiece would change the sound of a cornet/trumpet. And yes, it is a Yamaha 2310 III. Good Eye! Can’t go wrong with any Yamaha products!

[@directcurrent5751]

​@@ChrisDavisTrumpeta video on just M P characteristics would be appreciated. Especially how a M P could bring one instrument closer in sound to the other. Specifically the type of M P that might lend the trumpet more of the warmth.

[@BimboKatan]

I'd rather hear a million cornets vs one trumpet. A cornet is a beautiful sounding instrument.

[@rorow3r]

Do one for a flugelhorn please.

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

I did. It's on the channel right now.

[@ngotaxechevarria9810]

What number the mouth-piece of your trumpet ...

[@mdudley52]

check out the band Tuba Skinny if you want to hear fine coronet jazz playing.

[@78honda1]

i do have a adapter to use my cornet mouthpieces on mmy trumpets

[@latinkeys1]

At a glance it looks like a flugelhorn. I always wanted to know the answer to this question I play sax but I like trumpet

[@diz7595]

Is the cornet more related to the flugelhorn?

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Yes, it is! I was thinking to make a video comparing cornet to flugelhorn because they are more similar in sound than the trumpet is to either of them!

[@diz7595]

Thank you. Please do make a video comparing the cornet to the flugelhorn. Always enjoy your video lessons!

[@kcooke00]

Thought you were going for 2001 A Space Odyssey when you brought out the decibel meter. 😀

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

😆

[@nombreapellido9851]

This cornet is similar to trumpets. I saw a cornet with another construction. The play with it is in horizontal position.

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Was it rotary valve? They are usually horizontal.

[@nombreapellido9851]

@@ChrisDavisTrumpet The buttons are similar to a French horn.

[@rogerescoton5159]

Sir i am in the phillipines i want lern trumpete but i have no money can you give me a old trumpet

[@Eharmonicz]

When i had band in 7th grade i wanted to have a cornet as my instrument cus its small n simple but ended up wit sax lmao

[@jamesmorton81]

many people play trumpets so warm as to make them sound like cornets.

[@rogerescoton5159]

Sir I have no money buy trumpete if you have a old trumpete pls can i have one

[@MarcG7424]

I played Coronet in jr high and still remember having to correct people especially my family they kept calling it my Trumpet

[@paulgrimm]

I own a very good trumpet and a old Bundy coronet.I regret the money o spent on that Bach 50 anniversary trumpet. I love my coronet

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

About the 50th Anniversary Trumpet… why do you regret it?

[@paulgrimm]

@@ChrisDavisTrumpet It’s a beautiful horn. I shouldn’t have spent that much money . I bought a Monette B4002 for it .The Bundy was only $250 in silver and in great shape. Also own a Flugalhorn

[@RichardSalvucci]

Putter versus driver

[@maloneap64]

The cornet sound is so mellow.

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

If I had the money, I would buy a drum and bugle corps and equip it with 2-valve soprano bugles. No one can change my mind.

[@SleepDeprived67]

Can you play the cornet if you have thin lips?

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Certainly

[@lietz13]

Now the real question: which is cheaper?

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

usually cornet but you'll find whatever it is that you seek.

[@newinformation1942]

The musician...

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Great answer.

[@ekamalakararao8716]

Best trumpet or cornet l don't English Sorry

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

It depends on who is holding the instrument. 🙂

[@chriscolumbus3695]

The Cornet Sounds Softer, the Trumpet Sounds Sharp.

[@clueless3398]

Budget C trumpet? Cornet mouthpiece in a trumpet?

[@jeannebouwman1970]

IMHO it sounds a lot like a flugelhorn

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

Same family!

[@joergl562]

There is no "Trump" in Cornet!🤣

[@a.a.cplayers623]

bet i'm beter then you