We’re delighted to share with you the wonderful news that, this week, Wessex Tubas is in Sweden! Read all about our trip, here. 

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Saturday April 13th saw the grand opening of Wessex Tubas’ new Chicago showroom with Guest of Honor Gene Pokorny of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. 

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We’re delighted to share with you the wonderful news that we will be joining hundreds of Europe’s leading brands from all corners of the music industry for Frankfurt Musikmesse.

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Our Founder, Jonathan Hodgetts, has a message for all customers regarding our continuing journey to exceptional quality instruments, and our exciting plans for the future.

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One of the best known instruments of our time, and certainly a favourite with schools and brass bands, the popular Cornet comes in 2 types which - particularly for those who are just beginning, often poses the question: what Cornet should I buy?

The 2 types of Cornet

The Bb Cornet: consider the ‘standard’ Cornet, the Bb version is best suited, and most well-known, for brass beginners. This Cornet is also most appropriate for concert bands, fanfares, and jazz ensembles.

The Eb Soprano Cornet: a much more specialist instrument, the smaller Eb Soprano Cornet is rare, and mostly heard in brass bands; considered a slightly more complex version of the ‘standard’ Cornet.

The Cornet’s relationship to the Trumpet

Often confused with the Trumpet, the Cornet’s differences are very minor; both instruments play the same notes, and use the same fingering.

However, they are different! And here’s how:

• The Trumpet is physically larger than the Cornet
• The Trumpet is more slender than the Cornet
• The tubing is different in each which affects the way the instruments flare
• The cornet uses a different mouthpiece

The ‘forgotten’ Cornet

Although there are considered to be only 2 types of Cornet in the modern brass family, a ‘forgotten’ or hidden 3rd type still exists today in the form of an Echo Cornet - sometimes also referred to as the Echo Bell Cornet.

Made from the late 19th Century until the immediate post-World War 1 era, the Echo Cornet was unique in its physique; including a fourth piston valve, and a second bell, which tapered in the opposite direction to the main bell.

Although many popular and well-known brass instrument makers of the time did make the Echo Cornet, very few were ever made.

What Cornet should I buy?

A difficult question to answer, when considering what Cornet should I buy? it really comes down to what you want to use your Cornet for; what you want to play, and the level of difficulty you’re ready for.

For those who are just beginning, a Bb Cornet is an ideal starter instrument and the one most used, and for those that aspire to be Soloist, the Eb Soprano Cornet may also be considered.

To browse our Cornets, please visit our online shop.

An integral part of the serpent family, the striking Ophicleide has been a cornerstone offering of some of the world’s most prestigious Orchestras for some 200 years. So, what would we consider some of the best music for Ophicleide?

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You may already be aware that we have made the decision to close our premises in Ferrysburg, Michigan, recently and we wanted to update you on our plans in the U.S.

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As a brass musician, one of the most satisfying things you can do is find yourself the ideal instrument for your needs, but, to ensure you can get the very best out of your instrument(s), getting the right accessories is just as important.  So, what are the best accessories for Trumpet players?

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Although silver can be tricky to look after, with care, your silver plate will last a long time. So, to help you get the very best out of your silver horn, here are a couple of tips and tricks from our very own Chuck Nickles to help you maintain the finish.

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As the largest instrument in the brass family, the Tuba is instantly recognisable both in sound and stature, but how much do you really know about this popular instrument? Here are 5 surprising Tuba facts…

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