Thomann CR 400 Bb-Cornet

Really impressed with this cornet. I've played some top quality instruments and was expecting something cheap and cheerful (to be used as a travel practice instrument) but it's actually a really good quality instrument with a great sound, lovely valves and decent quality overall. Definitely useable in performance situations and at this price, way above other student instruments I've played. I've only had it a few days but so far I'd say that the quality is up there with the Kanstul made student trumpet that I started on back in the 1980s and Kanstul made amazing quality instruments.

I think it would be an excellent instrument for a beginner for someone who travels and doesn't want to buy a pocket trumpet and actually anyone who already plays trumpet and wants to own a cornet without breaking the bank. Lovely sound, intonation is spot on, and valves feel pretty similar to Carol Brass stainless steel valves - which are excellent.

Definitely recommend.

*and it also helps that Thomann customer services are so incredible. Responsive and helpful and very smooth shipping.

I'm a Pro player who purchased this cornet as a replacement for the MANY pocket trumpets I've owned.

In my experience, unless you spend thousands on a pocket trumpet, most cornets will perform/sound better.

For the price, I was hoping for something that would be a little better then a pocket trumpet. What I received is an instrument of outstanding quality.

Valves, sound, intonation, ease of play - just brilliant. Can't fault it in any way.

Now, I use it for jazz gigs so can't relate to a brass band setting, so their mileage may be different.

For me, for what I use it for - outstanding!

And, Thomann service is once again exemplary.

I've owned and played an intermediate level Yamaha trumpet, a professional quality Conn flugelhorn and an entry level C trumpet for many years. Although I don't currently play in a band, I wanted to complete my collection with a Cornet, taking me back to where I started playing brass instruments in Brass Bands in my youth.

The CR 400 Cornet is supposedly aimed at beginners, but the only thing that is entry level about it is the price! Even with the supplied mouthpiece, the tone quality is excellent throughout the range, with the typical Cornet lyrical sound. This is intermediate quality at an entry level price. Thomann, how do you do it?

I will be changing the mouthpiece, to match as near as possible the Dennis Wick mouthpieces I use on my other instruments. But this is a quality instrument. Thomann customer service, delivery etc, excellent as usual.

Never played any really high end brass instrument, but have played bunch of cheap ones, this is definitely not just for beginners.

Pistons are very smooth, sounds good, craftsmanship is good, don't know what to complain at this price point, don't think you can find anything better at this price.

The only thing I can think of is, it came with a more trumpet type mouthpiece instead of a more horn type one, which contribute to the softer sound of cornet to my knowledge. Not a problem for me, since I just want a shorter trumpet.

Valve oil and lubricant for tubes included.