The ‘CZ-440’ cornett is now offered for sale. This is a three-piece modular cornett at A=440 Hz, based on the measurements of the Christ Church cornetts but very different from them in outward appearance, with the bore straightened and the measurements averaged to make a perfectly circular cross-section throughout.
The model (prototype pictured above) has been developed via a combination of CAD modelling and extensive testing in the field. The instruments are made in SLS (3D printed) nylon, which means absolute precision and consistency in the manufacturing process. The printed parts are then dyed and polished, with the result that the final product looks and feels like an organic material.
Recent upgrades to the production method mean the instruments are printed in higher quality, and at a lower cost which is reflected in the new prices below. Please note that current models are available in black only.
The instrument is comfortable to hold; the finger-hole positioning (as on the Christ Church instruments) means that the hand stretch is not as wide as on some instruments at A=440. It also responds and sounds like a quality wooden instrument. The three-piece design, inspired by various 18th century originals, also has the advantage that the instrument is fully tunable. Cornetts in general have a tendency to get sharper as they get warmer; this can easily be corrected by extending the head joint. Furthermore, by this means, the pitch of the instrument as a whole can be lowered by as much as a semitone, which will facilitate performance at non-standard pitches.
The modular design also allows for the interchangeability of different sections, which has been invaluable for research and development. At present we are able to offer this instrument with a choice of two foot joints:
Option 1: maintains the proportions of the Christ Church original. It is rich and resonant, especially in the low register, making this a useful 'alto' instrument. It plays with the historical 'Venetian' fingering system: forked C as suggested by Virgiliano (the unforked fingering gives a C-sharp); the B-flat is somewhat low with all holes closed, but this is improved by opening the thumb-hole (as suggested by the majority of historical fingering charts); high F works using a forked fingering only. This model may be of particular interest to experienced cornett players wishing to explore the historical fingering system.
NEW PRICE: £180
Option 2: is shorter than the original, which 'corrects' the low B flat; the holes are also resized so that it play s with an unforked C (as found in historical fingering charts from Danier Speer onwards). F may be played either with a forked fingering or all holes closed, either way the tuning of this often-problematic note is perfect in mean-tone. This option is recommended for beginners looking for a versatile entry-level instrument.
NEW PRICE: £180
Can't decide which option is best for you? Then why not order both – 2 instruments in 1!
Option 3: CZ-440 with 2 interchangeable foot joints.
NEW PRICE: £240
Additional foot joint (may be ordered at a later date).
NEW PRICE: £70
Delivery time: 4-6 weeks.
The model (prototype pictured above) has been developed via a combination of CAD modelling and extensive testing in the field. The instruments are made in SLS (3D printed) nylon, which means absolute precision and consistency in the manufacturing process. The printed parts are then dyed and polished, with the result that the final product looks and feels like an organic material.
Recent upgrades to the production method mean the instruments are printed in higher quality, and at a lower cost which is reflected in the new prices below. Please note that current models are available in black only.
The instrument is comfortable to hold; the finger-hole positioning (as on the Christ Church instruments) means that the hand stretch is not as wide as on some instruments at A=440. It also responds and sounds like a quality wooden instrument. The three-piece design, inspired by various 18th century originals, also has the advantage that the instrument is fully tunable. Cornetts in general have a tendency to get sharper as they get warmer; this can easily be corrected by extending the head joint. Furthermore, by this means, the pitch of the instrument as a whole can be lowered by as much as a semitone, which will facilitate performance at non-standard pitches.
The modular design also allows for the interchangeability of different sections, which has been invaluable for research and development. At present we are able to offer this instrument with a choice of two foot joints:
Option 1: maintains the proportions of the Christ Church original. It is rich and resonant, especially in the low register, making this a useful 'alto' instrument. It plays with the historical 'Venetian' fingering system: forked C as suggested by Virgiliano (the unforked fingering gives a C-sharp); the B-flat is somewhat low with all holes closed, but this is improved by opening the thumb-hole (as suggested by the majority of historical fingering charts); high F works using a forked fingering only. This model may be of particular interest to experienced cornett players wishing to explore the historical fingering system.
NEW PRICE: £180
Option 2: is shorter than the original, which 'corrects' the low B flat; the holes are also resized so that it play s with an unforked C (as found in historical fingering charts from Danier Speer onwards). F may be played either with a forked fingering or all holes closed, either way the tuning of this often-problematic note is perfect in mean-tone. This option is recommended for beginners looking for a versatile entry-level instrument.
NEW PRICE: £180
Can't decide which option is best for you? Then why not order both – 2 instruments in 1!
Option 3: CZ-440 with 2 interchangeable foot joints.
NEW PRICE: £240
Additional foot joint (may be ordered at a later date).
NEW PRICE: £70
Delivery time: 4-6 weeks.