Consider the overall costs, whether you plan to play long-term or professionally, and how the instrument will be protected between performances before purchasing a cornet. Cornets are inexpensive instruments on the low end, especially when purchased used, but they are still significant investments. When looking to purchase a cornet, people who plan to compete or perform professionally should keep their goals in mind. Furthermore, cornets require a case to prevent dents, which are expensive to repair. Finally, keep in mind that every instrument has a specific role to play, and cornets are most commonly used in brass bands, concert bands, and jazz bands.
A cornet can be costly to purchase, but it is less expensive than some wind instruments, such as tubas. If having a new cornet is not important to you or you are unsure if you will want to play a cornet long-term, consider purchasing a used one. To buy a used cornet, you either need to know a lot about cornets and be able to spot potential deal breakers like irreparable damage, or you should know someone who can. Music teachers and instrument repairers can assist in the selection of a suitable used instrument for a beginner. Used cornets can be purchased directly from retired musicians or from secondhand stores such as pawn shops.
Some people recommend buying a new cornet rather than a used one if you plan to compete or play professionally. Indeed, some experts advise such individuals to purchase the best cornet they can afford. The price of a cornet is generally affected its quality, so buying the most expensive instrument available should theoretically result in the best instrument available. While this can be used as a guideline, it is usually best to do some research and seek professional advice as well.
Cornets may appear tough due to their metal construction, but they are easily dented. A few dings here and there usually don’t detract from the overall quality of the music produced. However, these dents can be costly to repair, and deep dents can render the instrument useless. It is critical to purchase a case for transporting and storing the instrument when it is not in use. When you buy a cornet, it may come with a case, but in many cases, you’ll have to buy one separately.
In some bands, this type of instrument is frequently used. The trumpet, which is a very similar instrument, has been used in some cases to replace the instrument. If you’re looking to buy a cornet for the first time, think about the types of bands you’d like to be a part of. Cornets are rarely or never found in some bands, so if you want to be in one, this may not be the instrument for you.