| 1864 Bb Cornopean | |
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| The Cornopean is one of the first
3-valved, Bb, high range brass instruments and was the predecessor to the
Cornet. It has a mellow sound that is due to its construction being 'conical'.
This means that as the tubing advances from the mouthpiece towards the
bell, it increases in diameter like a Cornet. Trumpets are 'straight',
which means their tubing is a constant diameter, until you reach the bell.
You will notice that on a Cornopean the air is moved down through the bottom
of the valve to continue it's journey towards the bell, insead of through
the center of the valves like the cornet.
Cornopean's began their development in 1818 and the majority were eventually replaced by the Cornet as the instrument of choice in the late 1800's. The photo of the young man to the right is an exception, dated 1906, with young musician identified as Jesse E. Rood, Age 14. He is obviously very proud of his instrument, which looks very new. (Is it possible I have his instrument?? Hmmmm. I wonder where Jessie lived??) Today, the term Cornopean refers most often to an 8 foot pipe of a Pipe Organ. Next time you visit the Original Jack Daniel's Silver Cornet Band Website - take note of their logo...( its a Cornopean!! ) |
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