Maynard Ferguson
For non-musicians or brass players, the difference between cornet and trumpet is visual... yet if they heard them being played side by side, they probably couldn't tell the two apart.
As a trumpet instructor and professional trumpet player, I have experience with trumpet and cornet. I started on cornet myself way back in the beginning. My first teacher (my Uncle) believed that the cornet was an easier instrument because it has what is known as a conical bore. In other words, from the mouthpiece to the end bell section, the cornet gets bigger. Trumpets have a consistent bore - meaning the bore size doesn't change. By the way, bore is the size of the pipe that the brass player blows in to.
With cornet, because it starts smaller, it requires less air and less energy to push the air from the player. They are also shorter in over all length, making the instrument easier to hold and operate for children. The cornet mouthpiece is also smaller than a trumpet's, making it again easier to blow in to.
Is there a sound difference? The short answer is yes... but to someone who isn't a player, the sound differences are subtle at best. Most people wouldn't be able to tell a difference. Therefore, starting a beginner on cornet can be a wise decision simply because it requires slightly less energy. This does NOT mean that players don't have to blow air, or learn the proper playing habits, but simply means that because of the smaller size, players can operate the instrument easier.
If you would like more information on this subject, please visit Trumpet Resources.
Keith Fial
Whats On My YouTube Today?
Maynard Ferguson Give It One
Here Are A Few Items From Amazon You Might Be Interested In.
![]() The Essential Maynard Ferguson List Price: Sale Price: $11.38 You save: $2.56 (18%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
![]() The Lost Tapes "76-74" Sale Price: $15.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours |
![]() The New Sounds of Maynard Ferguson-Come Blow Your Horn the Complete Cameo Recordings List Price: Sale Price: $10.93 You save: $6.05 (36%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
![]() Trumpet Rhapsody List Price: Sale Price: $7.74 You save: $10.24 (57%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
![]() Chameleon List Price: Sale Price: $8.87 You save: $3.11 (26%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours |
![]() M.F. Horn 2 List Price: Sale Price: $8.91 You save: $6.07 (41%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
![]() M.F Horn 4 & 5 - Live at Jimmy's List Price: Sale Price: $10.62 You save: $6.36 (37%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
![]() M.F. Horn List Price: Sale Price: $9.17 You save: $5.81 (39%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
![]() Message From Birdland List Price: Sale Price: $8.61 You save: $3.33 (28%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
Items recently purchased on this site:
Thanks for visiting!
Tags: maynard ferguson trumpet, jazz, trumpet, maynard ferguson birdland, maynard ferguson

















































































Eligible for free shipping!







