Expert: Kenton Scott - 3/20/2007

Question
I have a Buescher Aristocrat trumpet with the serial number 312622.  At least I think it is a trumpet and not a cornet which is another question I have?  I would like to know how good is this trumpet?  A gentleman on EBay suggested I e-mail for your expertise.  He stated that if this is what I have that he has heard that sound wise it is close to the Bach Stratavarious?  Please help me figure out what I have and the age of this instrument.  Thanks

Answer
That horn was made in 1948.  The horns of the '20's, while Buescher himself was still involved, were certainly top notch for their time.  It is my understanding that the Aristocrat line was under their professional line, but still a decent instrument.  

The difference between the cornet and the "modern" trumpet is the amount and degree of "conicalness" of the tubing.  The trumpet generally takes a larger shank mouthpiece, and is generally more of a rectangular body shape.  The cornet can take a variety of shapes, some have an inverted "C" shape to the tube coming from the mouthpiece, some have an inverted "S".  And, there are other designs as well.