Pre-Owned Blackburn Custom Bb Open Wrap Cornet - Ex-USAF
For sale is an incredibly rare and highly sought-after piece of custom brass: a Pre-Owned Blackburn Custom Bb Open Wrap Cornet. Serial # 360. Handcrafted in the USA by the legendary makers at Blackburn (now Pickett Blackburn), these custom instruments are revered worldwide for their impeccable intonation, incredibly rich tone, and world-class mechanical precision.
What makes this specific horn even more special is its pedigree—it is a model originally purchased and meticulously maintained by the United States Air Force. Instruments selected for premier bands are heavily vetted for acoustic quality and subjected to rigorous maintenance schedules by top-tier military technicians throughout their service life.
This is a solid instrument for the serious collegiate major, dedicated British-style brass band musician, or gigging professional. If you are looking for a cornet that provides a lush, velvety, and deeply resonant tonal core but plays with the free-blowing efficiency of a custom trumpet, this Blackburn is an absolute dream to play.
The "Blackburn Open Wrap" Advantage
- Custom Open Wrap Design: Unlike traditional cornets that feature multiple tight bends in the tubing, the Blackburn open wrap design drastically reduces blowing resistance. This allows you to push a massive volume of air through the horn effortlessly, creating a remarkably broad and colorful sound without the sound breaking up at high volumes.
- Boutique American Craftsmanship: Blackburn instruments are famous for their exacting tolerances. The valve block is lightning-fast and perfectly aligned, ensuring smooth, fluid transitions during highly technical passages.
- Ex-USAF Pedigree: You are getting a world-class instrument that was built, vetted, and maintained to perform flawlessly at the highest national level.
Condition Report & Shop Prep
- Finish: Silver PlateThis newer model is in fantastic shape, showing only the absolute lightest signs of standard professional use during its military service.
- Body: Structurally Excellent. There are no major dents, dings, or signs of structural trauma.
- Mechanics: The valve action is incredibly fast, smooth, and holds perfect compression. All slides pull freely. Our expert in-house technicians have fully inspected, cleaned, and play-tested this cornet to ensure it is 100% stage-ready right out of the box.
- Accessories: This instrument is being sold without a case, which is perfect for the gigging professional who already utilizes a multi-horn premium gig bag and wants to save money on the purchase price!
Specifications
- Brand: Blackburn (Pickett Blackburn)
- Model: Custom Bb Open Wrap Cornet
- Key: Bb
- Wrap: Open Wrap Design
- Provenance: Ex-United States Air Force (USAF)
- Condition: Pre-Owned / Excellent Professional Condition
- Included: Instrument only. (Please note: A case and mouthpiece are not included).
Why Choose Fleming Music?
Here at Fleming Instruments, our expert on-site instrument repair workshop guarantees that each instrument we sell is meticulously inspected and accurately represented before it reaches you. We take pride in offering a 1-year warranty and 2-week return policy on all instruments, giving you peace of mind with your investment. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, so please reach out to us at the shop via phone, email, or website contact: .
For the most competitive pricing, financing options, or to discuss a trade-in, please contact us directly!
As always, we invite you to stop by our Houston shop to try this instrument in person. Nothing compares to the experience of a horn in your own hands. Follow our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest updates, content, and promotions: . We are grateful for your support of our small business and look forward to helping you find your sound!
