The Geneva Group has announced the launch of its new 'Heritage' cornet, developed under the expert guidance of Phillip McCann.

The collaboration with the legendary performer has in their opinion seen the creation of a cornet that has a 'unique' voice — and a tonality based on the finest, timeless characteristics of the instrument.

Wonderful sound

Speaking about the Heritage cornet, Geneva Group Managing Director Tim Oldroyd told 4BR: "We believe both players and audiences have longed for an instrument that places the creation of a wonderful sound above all else.

Geneva's insistence on the very best production methods aids that — but we knew we needed that almost intangible 'X factor' to create an instrument that combined engineering excellence with tonal beauty.

There was no better person to give us that than Phillip McCann and his input into every aspect of the Heritage cornet has given us that. The result is a cornet that we believe has set the new benchmark for players."

Qualities

Tim Oldroyd stated that the quest was to once again connect to the tonal qualities that make the cornet unique — warmth, vibrancy, flexibility and sonority.

"We knew Phillip would be exacting in his pursuit and we are delighted by the results.

He examined everything that he felt was of vital importance — from the optimum mouthpiece receiver length to the quality of the yellow brass lead pipe, the best materials for the smallest elements of construction to the feel of the instrument in the hand.

Time was taken to test and retest — from valves and slides to the resonance and taper characteristics of the two piece yellow brass bell. Nothing was compromised to create an instrument that enables a player to produce a beautiful, true cornet sound."

Proud

Speaking about his involvement Phillip added: "I am proud that Geneva Group has shown such commitment to the creation of an instrument that fulfils my passion to offer the best choice possible to cornet players in our movement.

I truly want for people to love their instruments, in particular their cornets, but above all, I desire to do that through the sound we create. This has always been my philosophy in playing and teaching."

I truly want for people to love their instruments, in particular their cornets, but above all, I desire to do that through the sound we create. This has always been my philosophy in playing and teachingPhillip McCann

Personality

He added: "We need an instrument that will allow us to project our personality through the sound we create and one that is true to the musical tradition of the cornet.

Through the extensive research and development involved in the creation of the Geneva Heritage cornet, I believe that opportunity has now arrived for players to find their unique musical voice on an instrument that rewards their passion for creating musical beauty."

Specification:

Bore 11.79mm (0.464")
Bell 125mm (4.9"), Yellow Brass
Lead Pipe Yellow Brass
Slide Bows Yellow Brass
Triggers 1st & 3rd triggers, with Mini Ball Release
Valves 3 Stainless Steel Piston Valves (Top Sprung)
Inner Slides Nickel Silver
Outer Sliders Yellow Brass
Tuning Slide Yellow Brass
Waterkeys 2
Finish Lacquer or Silverplate