Pocket Conversions
When you can’t find any more vintage pocket cornets to add to your collection, what do you do? Make your own! These pocket cornets and trumpets were originally constructed in full-size configurations. All but three of these cornets are in my personal collection, and the conversions were done by me, Robb Stewart and Mark Metzler, as indicated—be sure to scroll down to see the horns made by Robb and Mark. This is a fairly complicated and time-consuming procedure. If you are considering having one made, be prepared for considerable cost (both Robb and Mark accept commissions). 

We share a common approach to our work: it should look like it could have been done by the original maker, in the time frame that the instrument was originally constructed. I’m frequently asked how these play. If care was taken in the conversion, the answer can usually be based on how the “donor horn” played.  If you start with a high quality instrument, this will almost always result in a pocket with similar (if not identical) attributes.