Flugelhorn- this is a standard 3-valved Bb model.

The flugelhorn (also spelled fluegelhorn or flügelhorn) is a brass instrument resembling a cornet but with a wider, conical bore. It is thought by some to be the soprano member of the saxhorn family developed by Adolphe Sax (who also developed the saxophone); however, other historians assert that it is the alto member of the keyed bugle family, long predating Adolphe Sax's innovative work [1].

The fluegelhorn is built in the same Bb pitch as many trumpets and cornets. It usually has three valves and employs the same fingering system as other brass instruments. It can thus be played without too much trouble by trumpet and cornet players, though some adaptation may be needed to their playing style. It is usually played with a more deeply conical mouthpiece than either trumpets or cornets (though not as conical as that on a French horn).

The tone is fatter and usually regarded as more "mellow" and "dark" than that of the trumpet or cornet. It has a similar level of agility to the cornet but is more difficult to control in the high register where in general it "slots" or locks on to notes less easily. It is not generally used for aggressive or bright displays as both trumpet and cornet can be, but tends more towards a softer and more reflective role. Its main areas of use are in jazz and in the brass band, though it does get occasional use in orchestral writing.

Some modern flugels are built with a fourth valve which takes them down in pitch an extra fourth, adding a useful area of low range which when coupled with the dark sound gives an interesting extension to the instrument's abilities. More often, however, the fourth valve is used in place of the first and third valve combination, which is somewhat sharp (and which is flattened on trumpets and cornets by a "kicker" slide on the first and/or third valve.)

External link

• An enthusiast's flugelhorn guide with many details of individual makes etc.